No doubt, this is the way to stay in Branson...and maybe just about anywhere else.
I've never enjoyed staying in hotels. Even nice onces. Granted, I've never stayed at a true "resort" level establishment, but for me, even the best hotels are simply rooms. There's not much to do in them other than sleep.
On the other hand, I've loved the few times that we've stated in a home-like setting. First, was our cabin in the Smoky Mountains. In Branson, we stayed in our friend's condo with them. It was so nice to be able to leisurely get up, fix my own breakfast, get ready at my own pace, without having to see other people before I'm ready or have my kids underfoot in a single room.
I know that what can and cannot be done in a hotel vs. a non-hotel is minimal and subtle to some. To me, it's huge. Maybe it's the accessories (full stereo, DVD player, VCR, game consoles, etc) that are almost never found in regular hotel rooms. (The clock radio doesn't count.) Maybe it's the idea that there's the potential for solitude. In a hotel room there's usually little chance for distance between yourself and anyone else. Even if there are multiple "rooms", it often doesn't feel like it. Again, I've stayed in very nice hotels. It's just not the same.
While that stuff is just my general feelings about the topic, I would be remiss to not specifically address the place we stayed in Branson. Yes, the propriators are my personal friends. However, that's beside the point, other than that's how we got there. They've really done the place up nicely. The decor is VERY nice, homey, and comfortable. I love the layout (which, granted, they had little to do with). The complex in general is very nice and scenic due to the on-site PGA golf course. It's a perfect distance from Branson, just far enough away to be "away" while being close enough to be "close". For those with children, having enough TVs to meet everyone's needs is wonderful - something we have at home, but haven't generally had in hotel rooms. Sharing a single TV for an extended period of time is difficult when everyone has such diverse tastes in viewing.
Anyway, I'd TOTALLY recommend this place. I plan to go back, staying right there, if possible.
Later.