My Honest Experience Staying at The Ozarker Lodge in Branson, Missouri
When I first saw The Ozarker Lodge on social media over a year ago, I immediately made a mental note to plan a visit with my family of 5. I didn’t know where it was in Missouri or anything about what it was around, but something about the place just drew me in. I thought, I must go here.
So, when I had the opportunity for a hosted stay at The Ozarker Lodge this spring, I immediately jumped for joy. My family of 5 packed up and took a road trip there. It’s about 4 hours from St. Louis! This was a hosted stay, but all opinions are my own. This blog post shares my honest experience - what we loved, what surprised me, and what I’d want to know before booking!
If you’re wondering whether the Ozarker Lodge is actually worth it for a family trip - I’ve got you.
And if you read this blog post and want to experience The Ozarker Lodge for yourself, code URBANAPRON will save money on your stay. This code can also be combined with any offers they have - yay!
Okay, let’s get into it! Let’s break down what to know about this place and why I think it’s a great place to stay for families.
1. First Impressions: What it actually feels like
This is KEY for me when I am looking to stay somewhere. What is the feeling it gives off!? The vibe is everything.
This is in the valley of the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri (about 4 hours from St. Louis where we were driving from!). It’s hilly as you arrive - which was really pretty.
First impression is that the Ozarker Lodge is super easy to pull right up and park. The garage doors to the lobby area were open and you immediately get this relaxed, yet trendy feel. Stringy lights and a firepit going. You immediately relax as you step foot into the bar area.
This place has an old-school nostalgic feel to it, like you’re staying in a mountain lodge, but it’s also trendy with great style.
We checked in (we dropped our bags at the front desk because we were before the 3 pm check in time) and my kids immediately wanted to change and check out the pool! It’s known for their heated outdoor pool and hot tubs that are open starting March 1st. This outdoor pool was a main reason I wanted to go here - my kids love swimming, especially my 8-year-old!
2. The Rooms: What it’s like staying there as a family
The rooms were another reason I wanted to stay at the Ozarker. They have bunk beds, and my kids were so pumped about that!
We had a room for the 5 of us. It had 2 queen sized beds and then two twin bunk beds above each one. Now - it wasn’t a huge room, but we didn’t need a huge room - I feel like we were not in the rooms much. It was cozy but in a way that was fun for our family.
The beds were super comfortable, and the room was super clean. You can tell they care. One thing I noticed immediately was the attention to detail with everything. Even the soap and shampoo bottles were special Ozarker Lodge branded ones. I was impressed how nice everything was.
The lodge is also designed where the rooms are facing the outside - so it’s not a hallway if that makes sense - you open your room door and you’re outside. This felt super old-school I loved it.
I recommend getting a room that is “creek side” so it’s facing the back area, that is what we had. It was neat to step right now and walk down to the pool!
There is also continental breakfast which is key for our family!!! And a coffee bar that is also a cocktail bar in the main lobby area. We went down there for breakfast and coffee in the morning and then hung out there one evening and played board games because it was rainy. It was so cozy!
Note on food! After the breakfast, they have some food available - like snacks, wraps, cold sandwiches, and a really good charcuterie board! But it’s not a full restaurant menu, enough for a light meal or snacks. We ordered in pizza or went out to eat for some of the meals during our stay.
3. The Property
This is another key thing for me - and why I wanted to stay here. This is what makes this lodge different than staying at any other hotel in the area. The property!
Here are some key things that make this place so cool:
Behind the lodge is a creek that you can walk along and play in, skip rocks etc.
There are two hot tubs facing the creek you can hang out in… it’s so peaceful!
There are fire pits along the creek to sit at. You can rent them out and have smores at them!
There is an outdoor pool (with a pool bar!). We were there on a Saturday night, and they had live music by the pool which was so fun! The pool area is super cute and fun.
They have a cool bar in the lobby with a fire - it’s super cozy to grab a drink and hang.
Plus - overall the aesthetic is just as cute - if not cuter - than you see online. I was immediately drawn to this place when I saw videos and photos of it and seeing it in person, it’s even cuter than it looks! Because you notice other details and really feel the vibe when you’re there and around it.
4. Kid-Friendly FactorS
There are a few key features that make this really great for kids and why my kids loved it.
The heated pool
The creek to play in
A natural outdoor play area to climb on
Continental breakfast every morning
Hot tubs
Boardgames + kids toys in the lobby area
Overall, I loved that it was a place we could just hang out on the property. And not leave. One day we literally hung out the pool and creek and hot tubs all day through the night!
I found it super family friendly!
It’s also in Branson which has TONS to do! There is a mountain rollercoaster right down the road my son and husband did, and then it’s just a few miles into Branson where there is a main strip with go carts, put putt, restaurants and a looooot of fun things to do! So, if you venture out from the lodge, it’s a quick drive to a lot of different attractions.
5. Things to Know Before You Book
Here is a round up of what to know before you book:
Rooms are cozy (not huge, but work well for families)
Limited food menu (plan to go out or order in)
Creek-side rooms are 100% worth it!!
Great for slower, hang-at-the-lodge trips. But also close to Branson attractions if you want a packed itinerary.
6. Would I go back?
Heck yes, I am already thinking about another stay there! And I would recommend it to anyone! The staff was friendly, the lodge was super clean with lots to do, and we all have a great time.
I think our next trip would be fun in the summer or fall - I bet it’s so pretty! Since it’s in the valley of the Ozark Mountains, the backdrop is gorgeous. Feel so outdoorsy yet trendy, ya know?!
7. How to save Money when you book a Stay
If you’re looking at The Ozarker Lodge, don’t forget I have a promo code URBANAPRON to save you money on your stay. You can see the current offers here and the code will stack with any promotions- yay!
You can also always feel free to message me at @urban.apron - I am happy to share more about our experience.
Looking back on our stay - trips like this always remind me that it doesn’t have to be a big, elaborate vacation to feel meaningful. A cozy stay, happy kids, and slower mornings go a long way.
The Ozarker Lodge gave us exactly that - and for this season of life, that’s kind of everything!
xx,
Anna
