Shady Acre Motel

The family-run Shady Acres Motel isn’t particularly chic or modern, but it has a cozy and welcoming vibe and simple, affordable rooms. The property itself is quaint and quiet, surrounded by tall trees, a garden, and a stone wall. Apart from the seasonal outdoor pool's concrete deck and a leafy picnic area, there isn’t much in the way of public spaces, but most guests stay here as a home base for exploring the area. The lobby does have an old green sofa and a wooden table, so guests can hang out in the colder months and chat with the friendly, laid-back staff. Typical guests are couples, groups, and families on a budget who are looking to explore the Branson area.

Situated on a leafy road in Branson West, the Shady Acre Motel is close to the popular Silver Dollar City theme park, which is either a 15-minute walk or three-minute drive away. Uncle Ike’s Trail Ride -- where you can go horseback riding through the Missouri countryside -- is less than a 10-minute walk away. Other nearby attractions include Henning Conservation Area, with its scenic trails and abundant wildlife, and Millennium Bowling & Entertainment, both a five-minute drive from the motel. There are cave tours at Talking Rocks Cavern, a 10-minute drive away. For something completely different, try scuba diving and snorkeling at Indian Point Dive Center, also a 10-minute drive away. The hotel is 10 miles from central Branson and its entertainment district, approximately a 15-minute drive. Table Rock Lake is a little further, but well worth the trip for those who enjoy fishing, as the lake is home to trouts and crappies. There are a bunch of restaurants on Route 76, which is two miles away.

All of the rooms at the Shady Acre Motel are spacious, although they range in size and number of beds; options include Double Queen Rooms, Triple Full Rooms, and the King Bed Suite. Some of the higher-tier rooms have kitchenettes, although these rooms can't be booked online. All rooms are notably clean, decorated with white walls, wall-to-wall carpeting, carved wooden bed frames, chain-style polyester bedspreads, and floral-patterned sofas that make them feel a bit stuffy. Rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs, but some lack other amenities like toiletries and hairdryers. Kitchenettes are small but are fully equipped. Bathrooms are small, and generally plain and poorly lit, with shower/tub combinations. Some top-floor rooms have private balconies.

The Shady Acre Motel has limited facilities, but the low price makes the drawbacks worth it for budget travelers who appreciate the clean rooms and quiet location. The seasonal outdoor pool isn’t especially attractive, with its cement deck, and it's too small for exercise, but it's nice to have in the hotter months. The well-maintained grounds have some garden areas, and there's an outdoor picnic area too. The motel also offers free Wi-Fi, though it can be spotty.