Savannah House Hotel

The Savannah House Hotel actually comprises two adjacent buildings with tan exteriors and a brown shingled roof. The front of the hotel has tables, rocking chairs, and a pillared entryway. There's a gorgeous lawn area -- blooming flowers, cascading water down rocks, and a pretty gazebo fill the space. Since the hotel is on a steep incline (be sure to put on the parking brake), views of the Ozarks are lovely, although most rooms overlook the concrete parking lot. Inside, the lobby has multiple seating areas with brown leather couches, cabinets lined with books and bric-a-brac, and even sculptures of a boy and a Dalmatian -- both wearing American flag bandanas. A conference center primarily attracts social gatherings. Most guests, both families and couples, at the hotel like that its in a quiet area a little bit removed from the hub of Branson.

The Savannah House Hotel has a convenient position for travelers who want to explore the main attractions in Branson during the day and return to a quiet hotel at night. It's on a calm street off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, built on an incline, which makes for excellent views of the Ozarks from the front of the hotel and a few lucky, well-placed rooms (most overlook the parking lot). It's about a five-or 10-minute drive to the main attractions in Branson, like the famous 76 Country Boulevard strip and Theatre District. The Sight and Sound Theatres are a 15-minute walk to get to. Parking at the hotel is ample and free.

All rooms at the Savannah House Hotel have the same decor: traditional wooden furniture, green carpeting, and white linens with maroon bed runners and matching skirts. They're clean and fairly spacious, but generic and dated. Each room has a round table with two rounded armchairs, a flat-screen TV, and mini-fridge. Some rooms include a plush, reclining armchair. The green-tiled bathrooms are small in standard rooms, which include shower/tub combos. Ironing boards are tucked behind the door and irons are awkwardly placed on the wall next to the tub. The King Jacuzzi Room is a spacious option and has a whirlpool bath near the bed. Suites have separate living and bedroom areas, as well as microwaves, coffeemakers, a whirlpool bathtub, and separate shower. The best rooms overlook the Ozark Mountains, but most face the parking lot. Smoking isn't allowed in any of the rooms.

Two decently sized outdoor swimming pools are a nice perk and have plastic chairs and loungers surrounding them. The deluxe breakfast includes eggs, sausage or ham, waffles, pastries, doughnuts, and cereal. Each night, the hotel serves hot cobbler, ice cream, and cookies. However, there isn't an on-site restaurant or bar. There's a conference space in a separate building consisting of two meeting rooms and a business center with one computer and printer. The fitness room is small with only three machines -- a treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bike. The hotel also can get guests discounts on certain theater shows.