lodging rates

[Phillilps4]

I've been told it is FAR less expensive if you go to hotels/motels on the nights you want to stay compared to the travel sites. Does anyone have an experience with this? I would also like to know if there is one travel package site that is better or worse than the others.

[lucyann]

You definitely don't need a travel pkg for Branson. Look and read the various forums here. I'm sure you will find the lodging that's perfect for your stay. Or, you can post what your wants/needs are and the members will be more than happy to help you out.
Read the shows and attractions forums to help you get an idea what shows and activites you'd like to see and do. There's lots of dining info also. When I first joined, I read and read and read. My family and I had been visiting Branson for several years and I learned more here than I ever thought possible.

[hhawkins]

You can find very nice lodging in the strip or off and get great rates. Some will always make a reservation, but I have never had problems finding a room. Note that holidays are more difficult.

If you are looking for Cheep, no frills, but clean you will also be able to find that on the strip. You can find rooms ac cheap at $35 per night at places like the Country Bunkhouse. It is NO frills, but clean. Lots of nice places all over with extras like indoor pools and breakfast for $50.

This forum is a great place to find what you are looking for.

[Crazy4Branson]

If you're not familiar with all of the lodging choices in Branson, try Yahoo maps. This will give you a listing of 200+ in the area, along with web-site addresses.

Now, be aware of the Time-Share scams in the guise of "travel planners/services/packages". Branson is rampant with them.....

You can contact the lodging of your choice via 800# or on-line. Many places in Branson offer unadvertised on-line specials when booking your reservation directly with the motel, itself.....cheaper than using Expedia, etc.....

&...imo......buy your tix in person @ each theater. This way, you can view their seating charts & choose the seat you want. When I come to Branson, I spend the first morning in town, planning my stay & picking up show tix for my visit. I never order show tix in advance of my visit, so, I don't get stuck with them, if I have to cancel my trip. Some theaters will refund your $$$, but, many are changing their refund policy. fwiw......

Branson is a fun place to visit. You may even become addicted to the place like so many of the rest of us!!!

[hhawkins]

Originally Posted by Crazy4Branson

You may even become addicted to the place like so many of the rest of us!!!

Are you suggesting some of us are addicts? I guess that would be me. Ha Ha. I am a Branson Junkie!

[OkieAnon]

i've looked at the travel sites and found I can do better going directly thru the motel office.

I like to research things before I call. we have club memberships with Hampton, Holiday Inn, and Choice Hotels -- quality inn, clarion, comfort inns --- this put's us on an email list where we get offers.

I also like to go to the national chain's web sites, put a location in, date and follow the directions, play with the different discounts offered... government, aarp, aaa, ect.... and find the best rate and then call for a room.

another thing with Branson, you might get on the Myer Hotel email list as well, they have the Comfort Inns and a couple of Best Western Inns. Had an email a couple of weeks ago for a pretty decent offer for Thanksgiving... already had reservations somewhere else or I might of considered it.

if you have a Silver Dollar City Season Pass mention that, some motels give up to a 20 percent discount to Pass holders.

the Grand Plaza Hotel has a web site... something like bransongrandplaza, i've been on their web site a few times and found some pretty good coupons you can print off ... think we stayed there for a 20 - 25 dollar discount one time.

[Tyann]

Don't be afraid to ask a hotel/motel if a rate is their best offer. Sometimes it is, and other times, they can do better than what is advertised.

[shis1]

If you choose to let someone else make your reservations, just remember that you are paying them something for their service! Like so many others have said, I believe you can get the 'best' deals by working out the details yourself! And even if the company PROMISES they are not connected to a timeshare or travel club, that may not be quite the truth!

[82corvette]

I read a lot of great things about Green Mountain Inn on here so I called & talked to Sandy. She gave us great rates for a room for Thanksgiving

[Crazy4Branson]

These are a couple of my current favorites....

www.BransonGrandPlaza.com Check out the coupon page; the longer you stay, the greater the savings. Excellent breakfast & evening dining @ Jack's Plaza View, with entertainment by Kenny Parrott.

www.1stInnBranson.com Immaculate!

Both are clean! with very nice up-dated furnishings.

[jakwi]

How many nights, what type of shows and how many??

[Phillilps4]

All this information is VERY helpful. There are 4 of us; my husband, 12 year old daughter, our baby and I. I'm not sure how long we will stay. More than likely, 3 to 4 nights. I'm thinking of going during spring break or this summer sometime. I've heard good things about the Dixieland Stampede, but I'm not sure what to see when we're there. I'm just so happy I found this forum, ya'll are so helpful!

[TravelAgtSteve]

Originally Posted by shis1

If you choose to let someone else make your reservations, just remember that you are paying them something for their service!

I would have to take a small issue to this statement - a large majority of travel professionals do not charge anything above and beyond the hotel cost for you (some do, the majority do not).

I also agree with previous posts about Branson - it's one of the unique places where it's possible to get a room at a variety of good locations without spending a ton of money. If you're more of the picky sort who likes things just so, or have special requirements, I would certainly make your reservations ahead of time either with a travel professional or directly with the property. Third-party booking sites (Expedia, Hotels.com, etc.) may offer what seem like good rates, but word on the street is the properties reserve the worst rooms in the place for those bookings, and those bookings are the first ones selected to be walked in the event of overbooking (note this is not accurate for ALL properties who sell inventory on third-party sites, but for a very large majority).

Also, bear in mind the time of year you're visiting Branson - if you're coming at a peak time, having reservations ahead of time (for hotel AND theater) is more prudent, and at less busy times you would have more luck winging it once you arrive.

[Crazy4Branson]

Originally Posted by Phillilps4

I've been told it is FAR less expensive if you go to hotels/motels on the nights you want to stay compared to the travel sites. Does anyone have an experience with this? I would also like to know if there is one travel package site that is better or worse than the others.

Try this........ www.ReserveBranson.com for starters......

I use the "travel package sites" for research, then, book my room directly with the motel, via 800# or on-line.

Cheaper, MUCH! easier to get your deposit back if you need to cancel.

Just my...............