Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Take advantage of the large balcony for relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous view.

Accommodations at Westgate Branson Woods Resort

When I say my room at Westgate Branson Woods Resort was larger and more amenity-packed than my NYC apartment, I'm not exaggerating. Not only did my spacious one-bedroom suite have a full kitchen, a king-sized bed, and two bathrooms—including an en suite jacuzzi tub and steam shower—it also had a dining room fit for a family and its own washer and dryer, plus an outdoor terrace overlooking the most enchanting wooded stream and hiking trail. Leather couches and a dancing fireplace made for a cozy living room in which to kick back and relax, too.

RELATED: St. Louis with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in St. Louis, MO

Sink into the Jacuzzi tub after a day on the town.

While my one-bedroom suite could sleep four, I loved that this Branson, Mo. hotel offered a variety of rooms and price points to accommodate your family no matter how large or small. Accommodations at Branson Westgate Woods Resort range from traditional hotel-style guest rooms sleeping two up to 1,400-square-foot, two-bedroom suites sleeping eight. The ability to enjoy interconnecting suites ensures everyone is close together, but can find their own space when they need a quiet moment.

Kids will love the game room overlooking the beautiful woods.

Dining at Westgate Branson Woods Resort

One of the big perks to staying at a suite-style Branson, Mo., hotel like Westgate Branson Woods is the full-sized kitchen stocked with pots, pans, and dishes for a simple family-style dinner in your room. If you need supplies, the Marketplace at the resort's center has a small selection of groceries and plenty of heat-and-eat convenience foods.

Of course, the highlight of the Marketplace for any tired parent is its Starbucks! I also loved the adjoining game room, with checkers, a pool table, and lovely views of the falling leaves. Its deck, with flip-the-switch fireplaces, was a cozy spot to enjoy my coffee in the crisp morning air.

Cordovano Joe's Pizza serves a selection of pizza, pasta, and appetizers for dine-in, pick-up, or delivery to your room.

Family-Friendly Entertainment at Westgate Branson Woods Resort

Activities abound at Westgate Branson Woods Resort, with a fully staffed activities building and a jam-packed schedule of things to do for all ages, including plenty of craft projects, sports, and snack sessions devoted to everything from snow cones to s'mores. Activities change by the season, but some standbys include board games and movies for checkout, ping-pong, a mini-golf course, shuffleboard, horseshoes, basketball, and volleyball facilities.

The resort also has a pair of seasonal, outdoor swimming pools. A year-round, heated indoor pool is also available.

During our visit, we enjoyed a lovely hike along the Waterfall Trail, which meandered along the brook I could see from my balcony. There is plenty of other hiking nearby—and I certainly put in some steps trekking around the sprawling, hilly property, sometimes even greeted by a grazing pair of deer. Having nature right at my doorstep added to the relaxation of this getaway!

RELATED: Minneapolis with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Head to Siver Dollar City for a ride on the Branson Ferris Wheel.

More Fun Things To Do in Branson, Missouri

For the uninitiated, Branson, Missouri, is a fantastic destination for a family vacation in nearly every season. Its bustling downtown has plenty of small-town charm, and it's home to more than 100 live stage shows for all ages and interests. In the summer, the area's three lakes come to life with plenty of outdoor recreation.

Branson's geography—and geology—also provide some unique entertainment, from mountain coasters and zip-lining to exploring the area's underground caverns (including Marvel Cave, whose discovery and draw as a tourist attraction led to the founding of Silver Dollar City, a charming theme park that's modeled after an 1800s town and still provides plenty of entertainment for visitors waiting to tour the cave). Home to the towering "Cathedral Room," the cave is so tall, the Statue of Liberty could stand up inside it.

There's a reason Branson is known as "America's Christmas Tree City".

Come winter, Branson's reputation as "America's Christmas Tree City" takes over, and the town is transformed into a twinkling wonderland. Live stage shows get dressed for the holiday season, and Christmas lights adorn... everything, including more than 6.5 million lights at Silver Dollar City alone.

My visit coincided with this Christmas magic, and we were wowed with seasonal sights including holiday lights drive-thrus, a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle, and dinner-and-a-show at Dolly Parton's Stampede, which put on a living nativity to rival the one at Radio City.

Book your family's stay at Westgate Branson Woods Resort now. And if your travels take you elsewhere, Westgate offers spacious family-friendly resorts in a variety of family-friendly destinations, including Orlando; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and more.

Editor’s Note: This publication accepts hosted travel for the purpose of review. All opinions are based on the honest experience of the author.

Unless noted, photos by the author