The Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center
“The Official Branson Hotels and Lodging List‘ on Branson.com has a wide variety of Branson hotels and lodging facilities from which Branson visitors to pick,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From Four Star Diamond rated luxury resorts to lake shore cabins and a variety of clean, comfortable and conveniently located hotels and other lodging choices, Branson has lodging for just about every budget and need.”
In referring to one of those choices, the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center, Johnson said, “Although certainly not a secret to the members of the many groups and guests it has hosted over the years, one of the best kept lodging secrets in Branson might be the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center (Stone Castle).” She points out that it was formerly known as the “Settle Inn,” provides a value priced luxury experience and is known for its hospitality and customer service.
In a recent interview, David Hartman the General Manager of Stone Castle said that in 2008 they completed an extensive multi-year renovation project that took everything down to the concrete floors. He said it was a complete room renovation including the replacing all the carpet, furniture, lighting and drapes down to the bed spreads, pillows and every bed in the hotel.
One the spacious standard double bed queen rooms.
Hartman said that the Stone Castle has 300 rooms separated into two general types, Standard and Suites. Their very generous sized Standard Room has two queen sized beds and comes with, among other amenities, an iron, ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a full hot breakfast.
In addition, they offer four different suits “Themed,” “Family,” “Executive” and “Presidential” Hartman points out that one of the big things separating the Stone Castle Hotel from other properties in Branson is its 35 themed suites. Each is decorated according to a different theme such as the “Medieval,” “Gone With the Wind,” “Aloha” and “Jungle” etc. providing guests with a unique lodging experience.
There are two “Presidential Suites” the “Oval Office” and the “Cabinet.” Hartman said that they are our largest guest rooms with a two person whirlpool, four poster King bed with stair step, wet bar, mini-fridge, a breakfast nook and dark cherry furniture. Part of the suite sits in the “tower” of the building providing a living area. Hartman describes them as the “Best rooms in the house.”
He said the “Family Suites” are two room suites with one common entrance. From the interior of each suite the rooms are separated by a door that can be shut. They have two queen sized beds in one room and a king in the other. Each room has its own bathroom, heating and air conditioning, and TV. In addition to the other amenities that are common to each room at the hotel each Family Suit also has a micro wave and refrigerator.
One of the two indoor pools.
Hartman said that two of the features of the property that the guests appreciate is the safety of interior corridors for access to all the rooms and suites and the elevator system that eliminates the need to use stairs. He also points out that Stone Castle has two indoor pools, each with a hot tub; a game/arcade room that includes air hockey and conveniently located coin operated guest laundry facilities.
He said that although pets are allowed in certain designated rooms they are not allowed in any of the suites. As of this time there is no size limit and there is an additional charge for pets.
One of the most popular features at the Stone Castle is the expansion of the free breakfast in May of 2009. Hartman believes that it is one of the best free lodging breakfasts available in Branson saying, “It is a complete hot breakfast, not a continental breakfast, and it is all you can eat.”
Hartman pointed out another feature of the Stone Castle, its location. He said, “We are basically in the heart of Branson, in the center of it all. We’re away from the hustle and bustle of the strip, but we still have easy access to it and can get around town from our property pretty much without having to get into heavy traffic.” He pointed out that Green Mountain Drive parallels Highway 76 and provides convenient access to a number of Branson’s theatres and attractions and quick access to State Highways 165, 265, and 376 with subsequent access to Table Rock Lake or Silver Dollar City.
The main meeting room set up for a banquet.
He also emphasized the words “Conference Center,” as in the name of the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center, pointing out that Stone Castle has a total of seven meeting rooms and 10,000 total square feet of space. Their largest meeting room has a capacity of 4500 square feet. Hartman said that they can configure the meeting room space to meet just about any need and said that they have hosted a variety of events ranging from banquets and meetings to conventions, exhibits, parties and other events. He is proud to point out that a large part of their meeting group business is repeat business and attributes a large part of it to their great customer service.
Annette Wood is the Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation and travel planning services for both groups and individuals. She agreed with Hartman saying, “We routinely use the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center for groups, special events, and conferences and are continuously impressed by the quality of the facilities, their reasonable rates, their excellent hospitality and willingness to go above and beyond in the area of customer service.”
For additional information on the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.