Branson's Bradford House Bed & Breakfast Inn

Heath Hawkins

I have had the pleasure to stay in many Bed & Breakfast Inns over the past six years. My wife used to write a travel column for a magazine and it seemed that we were visiting a B&B every month. As a result of her time with At Ease! Magazine, we have stayed at some interesting places. I was excited to do my first B&B Review for Branson Critic at the Bradford House Bed & Breakfast Inn.

With anticipation Candi and I got a late start and did not arrive at the Bradford House until after 10:00 p.m. So we missed the normal informal B&B greeting, introduction of the staff and tour. They left our key on the front desk and we had no problems finding our room.

We took our time in getting there. As we entered through the front door a massive elegant staircase that led to the second floor greeted us. The breakfast room and kitchen were off to the right, a formal setting room with antique furniture and the front desk were straight ahead, and the first floor rooms were down the hall to our left. As we headed up the staircase to our room we were able to peak into some of the unoccupied rooms along the way. We knew we were in for something special.

At the end of the hall we found room #309, the Blue Meadow Room where we would spend the next couple nights. The room had a queen four-poster bed with soft linens and a beautiful bedspread. We enjoyed the other comfortable furnishings in the room and a TV/VCR. The bathroom was large with a huge tub and two pedestal sinks. When we looked out our window we realized that we should have brought our swimming suites because the weather was nice and we had a perfect view of the pool.

We had no problems getting to sleep wrapped in the cozy, soft linens. And the next morning we were ready for a busy day. We showered and made our way to the breakfast room and kitchen. I will come back to breakfast in a minute.

We did get to tour the house in the light of the morning and found that every room was at as least as grand as ours. As we looked around we found many other rooms had beautiful four-poster beds. Some with classy bedspreads and others with wonderful quilts. Many of the rooms had king beds, and a couple even had an extra double bed. All seemed to have large bathrooms, some with Jacuzzis.

Every room was different and had its own distinctive feel. Some seemed very modern while others gave you a sense old world charm with beautiful antiques. You could not possibly go wrong in any room.

The grounds were also perfect. The innkeepers have raised their family at the house and it is obvious that they take great pride in the upkeep. The front yard is landscaped with flowers and trees. You fell like you are stepping into a country estate. The pool and grounds in the back are just a inviting. The Bradford House is inside the Branson city limits, and you are literally only minutes from the busy Branson Strip, yet you feel like you are tucked away in the peaceful countryside.

The innkeepers no longer live in the actual house. They decided that with four kids it would be best to build a house nearby. They are available in just a couple minutes by phone when needed. The innkeepers are there in the morning to prepare breakfast and visit with guests, after that they are in and out throughout the day. Someone is there all day to check-in and greet guests as they arrive.

With at least 20 guest rooms, this is one of the largest B&B we have ever stayed at. There is even a conference room for meetings. An added bonus that I enjoyed was an extensive videotape library. Since every room has a TV/VCR, guests are invited to borrow movies from the large collection. They have all types of movies from children’s programs to comedy, even action and horror. You are sure to find something you like. The kitchen is also open all day and night. There are sodas and candy bars in the fridge as well as an assortment of coffee, tea and hot cocoa.

We stayed two nights at the Bradford House, so we got to experience two different morning breakfasts. The first morning breakfast was made to order. They had yummy southern style biscuits and gravy, toast, cereal and the innkeepers also made warm homemade waffles and eggs anyway you like them. The second day offered a more traditional B&B style breakfast. We were seated, and then served hot Strawberry Stuffed French Toast and sausage with a side of fresh fruit. Though the first morning was good, we really enjoyed the French toast. It was just what we were looking for.

Some people have a hang up about staying at a B&B. They say they do not want to have to set at a table with a bunch of strangers and eat breakfast. I personally think that meeting people is one of the highlights of staying at a B&B. But here you do not have to set with anyone. The breakfast room does have a large table for groups, but most of the tables only seat two people. So, you are close enough to make a new friend if you want to, but you can also stay in you own space if you choose. My suggestion is to make a friend. In Branson that is easy, just ask what shows they plan to see. The conversation will flow. Who knows, you may want to sit at the big dining room table with your new friends the next morning.

The only problem that we incurred while staying at the Bradford House was that we were not sure what to do in the morning. I attribute this to the fact that we arrived late did not get the customary instructions when we checked in. We had no problems finding or room, however there was nothing in the room to tell us when breakfast was served and what the procedure was. We were used to going to breakfast and being served. On the first morning when we went down, we did not know what to do. We did not know if we were to set down in the breakfast room and wait to be served or go into the kitchen. Since we were some of the first ones down, there was no one to ask. We finally went into the kitchen and asked what we were supposed to do. A B&B is different from a hotel with continental breakfast, I felt like I needed a little more instructions. The next morning was more comfortable because we knew the procedure. Every B&B is different, just ask!

We loved our stay at the Bradford House Bed & Breakfast Inn. We felt pampered and the facilities were near perfect. The Bradford House is different from the inns we stayed at before. There were antiques, but with the many rooms, fine upholstery and bed linens, I felt more like I was staying in a very ritzy hotel rather than grandmas extra bedroom. If you are tired of the hustle bustle of motels on the busy strip, plan to pamper yourself while in Branson. Stay at the Bradford House Bed & Breakfast Inn.

It is my pleasure to recommend this Bed & Breakfast Inn. The facilities are immaculate and upscale. Call them for more information. Their rates range from $89-$109 per night depending on the room or suite you select. There are pictures of every room available on the Bradford House Inn website.

For more information about the Bradford House Bed & Breakfast Inn visit www.bradfordhouse.us or to make a reservation call them at (888) 488-4445. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Critic Online sent you.

What do you think? Your opinion is your opinion. Let me know at hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

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