Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Ramada Inn a Convenient Choice for Pigeon Forge Visitors

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Ramada Inn Pigeon Forge is nicely situated on the Parkway, with easy access to all the fun Pigeon Forge has to offer. The property is a nice choice for families visiting the area, as it provides an outdoor pool, heated seasonally, and is also budget friendly. Parents will enjoy the fact they offer free wireless internet as well as a free executive continental breakfast. Plus, there is a sundry store on location, which is stocked with drinks, snacks and other various items you might need on your stay.

The hotel is outdoor corridors only, with drive-up parking to most rooms. There are no elevators on site but the rooms themselves are appointed nicely with modern décor and new furnishings. There is a microwave and fridge in every room on the first floor, with new carpet and new curved shower rods accenting the rooms features throughout the hotel. The Pigeon Forge Ramada Inn is also pet friendly and smoker friendly. Although it is standard in many ways, the property is a good choice for budget conscious families.

Note: Although the property does not feature an elevator there are gradual walking ramps available.

Branson's Quality Inn an Affordable yet Quality Place to Stay

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Quality Inn on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson offers exactly what its name suggests: Quality. This word is apparent throughout the property, as they have strove to provide a comfortable, yet affordable property for their guests. During my visit, I toured the Double Queen and King Rooms, many of which are in the midst of being redecorated. They offer basic amenities, such as a 27 inch television, while some rooms also have recliners.

The recreation area I toured was very large, with a vaulted wood-beamed ceiling over the indoor pool, hot tub, game area and guest laundry, adding a nice ambiance. There is also an outdoor pool available as well as a lounge, which is open on weekends only. The Quality Inn does offer a free continental breakfast, with an optional hot breakfast available for an addition $4.00. This property has a mix of indoor and outdoor corridor rooms, with ample level parking for guests. There is also a meeting room, which will handle groups of up to 85 people. The location of the hotel is also key to its success, as it provides easy access to many alternate Branson routes and activities.

The Branson's Quality Inn on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway is well suited for families and seniors, as it does not specialize in luxury, but it does specialize in great service and quality for its customers. It is a great choice for Branson visitors looking for affordability but with the amenities they deserve.

Melody Lane Inn Budget Friendly Branson Property

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Melody Lane Inn in Branson is a quaint property located right on Hwy 76, amidst many popular theatres and attractions such as The Presleys’ Jubilee Show. It offers convenient access to all things Branson, while also offering guests a nice, clean property at an affordable rate.

This outdoor corridor property allowed for easy-access parking during my visit and is also well suited for large groups and motor coaches working on a budget. There is an outdoor pool on property as well as a cozy breakfast room offering a free continental breakfast, which includes hot items, such as waffles. The rooms I visited were standard double queen or king arrangements, and were priced reasonably, while retaining the comfort visitors desire. They come equipped with a 27 inch television, floral or modern deco décor, with new tile in all bathrooms adding a nice touch.

Although Branson's Melody Lane Inn does not specialize in luxury or upscale amenities, The Melody Lane Inn is a great option for Branson travelers looking for affordability, location and simplicity in their lodging.

Diamond Mountain Rentals Provide Cozy Cabins and Gatlinburg Fun

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comDiamond Mountain Rentals in Gatlinburg was a great choice for me and my fellow travelers. The location was far enough away to get a feel of the “mountain town” aspect of Gatlinburg, while maintaining a convenient location to all of Gatlinburg’s attractions and restaurants.

The cabins were very impressive, both in their design and layout. My fellow travelers and I lodged in a four bedroom/four bath cabin that gave each of us plenty of space and seclusion. The bathroom and bedrooms were unique and well-equipped throughout. Gatlinburg's Diamond Mountain Rentals also specializes in a fun time, as many of their cabins come standard with a pool table and hot tub. Our cabin even had a sauna for our enjoyment. Plus, charcoal grills, cookware and utinsils come complimentary, so a BBQ is just a quick trip to Gatlinburg away.

The cabins are close together, in a suburban style fashion. So, the cabins are secluded, but in a semi-private fashion. Diamond Mountain Rentals is a good choice for anyone visiting Gatlinburg. From families who need the space, to couples who want the charm, these cabins can provide the unique Gatlinburg experience you’ve been looking for.

Pigeon Forge's Creekstone Inn is a Simple, Budget Friendly Property

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Creekstone Inn in Pigeon Forge is a quaint property located just off the Parkway. The biggest appeal of Creekstone Inn is its creekside location. A nice, flowing creek runs right behind its lodging units, giving guests a nice respite from the busy days of shopping, going to shows and hiking.

The rooms at Pigeon Forge's Creekstone Inn are standard, with basic amenities, including refrigerators and microwaves in every room. The floor plan is split, so privacy can be maintained in double queen rooms. New carpet has also just been installed, adding a nice touch to the floral décor of blues, greens and gold. They also offer a semi-private balcony with a nice view of the peaceful creek. The rooms are a bit dated, as is the property, but has an updated decor.

There is a very small breakfast hospitality room available, which is basically a converted hotel room, offering basics such as coffee and pastries. The Creekstone Inn is a good choice for families on a budget, couples looking for a unique creekside experience and even for retirees looking to relax while enjoying all Pigeon Forge has to offer.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Dinosaur Walk Museum Ancient but Fun For Kids

Reviewed by John of ReserveDirect.com Dinosaur Walk in Pigeon Forge was a nifty little attraction that offered a diversion from the mini-golf and go-carts found along the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Parkway, this attraction houses about twenty life sized statues of dinosaurs including the infamous T-Rex.

The building that contains these displays is essentially a warehouse about the size of a high school gymnasium and without taking in the educational aspect of reading the descriptive dialog that is associated with each display, a person could make it from one end to the other in about 5 minutes. I recommend, however, making your entry fee worth its while and taking the time to get into the event by reading all the postings to your children. There is some quirky and interesting stuff that kids will enjoy. Pigeon Forge's Dinosaur Walk Museum as a whole would be most appealing to the 2-10 years of age range. Be sure to buy online ahead of time to save a few bucks.

Cabins at Grand Mountain are Grand Indeed!

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comSeclusion, superior quality and simply stunning are a few of the words that came to mind during my tour of The Cabins at Grand Mountain in Branson. Their location beautifully combines the outdoor ambiance of the Ozarks with centralized access to all Branson entertainment.

The cabins, which are built in a subdivision type fashion, provide the perfect size accommodations for families, groups and couples. Each cabin has an individually customized interior, many with Jacuzzi tubs or walk-in showers, complete with large living areas and screened-in decks for enjoying the wilderness-type atmosphere. There is an outdoor pool located at The Cabins, with varying walk or drive access, depending on which cabin you rent.

I toured three cabins, with my favorite being the two bedroom cabin, due to its rustic lodge décor and flat screen televisions. This property truly is a step above the rest, and is well worth the additional cost. Parking is somewhat limited, and on-site amenities are few, but for Branson visitors looking to experience the other side of Branson, Branson's Cabins at Grand Mountain are a great choice.