While the Ozark Mountains may be the most picturesque part of Branson, Missouri, the city’s Historic Downtown District is equally postcard-worthy. A major attribute of the Hilton Promenade hotel is its location, both as part of the Branson Landing shopping and dining district that runs alongside Lake Taneycomo, but also at the base of Main Street in this historic district. There is so much to see and do within walking distance, it will be days before you need your car to get to other Branson sites and attractions. And you probably won’t miss the hustle, bustle and traffic further west where Main Street becomes Highway 76.

The Hilton Promenade sits across South Sycamore Street from its sister property, the Hilton Branson Convention Center. While you’ll find more business travelers at the other hotel, you also have access to the amenities there, which includes the outdoor pool and snack bar. There are indoor pools at both hotels, but we found the outdoor space more inviting and very comfortable.

Even though this four-diamond hotel only opened in 2007, it received an extensive renovation in 2012, courtesy of the damage it sustained from a tornado. The stylish design plays up the natural colors and materials of the Ozark Mountains.

For more information, read about Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Among the 243 guestrooms at this property, your room configuration choices include either a standard room with one or two queen beds or one king, or a suite with one or two bedrooms. Adjoining rooms are available that connect suites with rooms with two beds. While most of this property is dedicated to overnight guestrooms, there are some privately-owned condos on the top floors.

Standard amenities include a 32-inch, flat-screen TVs (with on-demand movies and kid-friendly cable networks); alarm clock radios with MP3 connections; easy chairs and ottomans; work desks; irons and ironing boards; coffeemakers; and mini-fridges. Microwaves are available upon request at no charge. In the bathrooms, you'll find granite counter tops, hairdryers and complimentary Peter Thomas Roth brand toiletries. Complimentary cribs are available upon request.

Among the family-friendly features of the rooms, we appreciated the large bathtubs, and the pull-out table under the desk that provides extra space for in-room dining. Unfortunately, there is a charge for Internet access -- $9.95 per device, every 24 hours. Free Wi-Fi can be found in the lobby.

Deluxe
These standard rooms are available with one king, one queen or two queen beds. At a higher price point, FountainView Superior Rooms overlook the fountain shows on Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo.

Suites
Suites are available as one- or two-bedroom configurations, with either one king bed or two queen beds. At a higher price point, FountainView Condo or Junior Suites overlook the fountain shows on Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo. Some have furnished outdoor balconies.

Pools
Guests at the Hilton Promenade hotel have access to the onsite, indoor pool, as well as both the indoor and outdoor pools across the street at the Hilton Branson Convention Center hotel. Both indoor pools are heated, with a maximum depth of 5 feet. There are also hot tubs next to both pools. The indoor pools are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The outdoor pool area, while located on the corner of two intersecting streets, still has a relaxing ambiance with a hot tub, modern deck furniture, cabanas for rent and extensive landscaping. There is a snack bar where you can order drinks and food from the restaurant menu. These facilities are open seasonally from May through August, from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. There are no lifeguards on duty at any of the pools.

Branson Landing Attractions
If you're traveling with tweens and teens who love to shop, they will appreciate that Branson Landing is right outside the hotel's door. Along this 1.5-mile boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo, there are more than 100 stores and eateries. Ask the front desk for the Hilton Guest VIP Savings Card to get discounts at several stores.

At the center of Branson Landing is a large courtyard facing the lake with dancing water fountains, which are even more exciting at night during hourly water, fire, music and light shows.

Additionally, across the street is the circa-1906 train depot and the railroad tracks used by the Branson Scenic Railway. You can take rides on vintage trains from the 1940's and 50's year-round, with a special "Polar Express" program in November and December.

Big Whiskey's American Bar & Grill
Big Whiskey's is part of an outside chain of six restaurants, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu features American classics like chicken wings, burgers and steaks, as well as several healthy selections like salads and seafood. If the weather is nice, ask to sit outside for a great view of the dancing water fountains on Branson Landing. Children's menus and highchairs are available, and kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entree.

Room Service
In-room dining is available from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. The menu includes breakfast dishes, sandwiches, pizza, steaks, soups and salads.

Restaurants at Hilton Convention Center
The Hilton property across the street offers additional dining options: Level 2 Steakhouse, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (with its signature 28-day aged beef steaks), and the Clear Lounge bar. Level 2 Steakhouse is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Clear is open from 4 to 11 p.m. daily.

Nearby Dining
On Branson Landing, there are several restaurants within a five-minute walk, including Cantina Laredo and Waxy O'Shea's. Starbucks and Dino's 24Karrot Cake Company offer affordable breakfast alternatives.

All About the Extras
Convenience Market
There is a small market off the front desk, where you can purchase travel-sized toiletries, snacks and drinks.

Business Center
There is a 24-hour business center available for guests to use.

Fitness Center
The 24-hour fitness center has treadmills, stationery bikes, stair steppers and elliptical equipment.

Concierge Service
The concierge in the lobby of the convention center property across the street is run by an outside company, but can provide information and tickets for local attractions and shows.

Pet Policy
This is a pet-friendly hotel, with pet beds and food bowls available upon request. There is a $50 non-refundable fee required for all pets, and they may not exceed 75 pounds.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 4 p.m., and check-out time is 11 a.m.

The Art of Smart Timing
This hotel is open year-round, even when others in the area close during the cold winter months. The great weather in spring and summer attracts the family market, and the fall foliage draws in an older clientele. Although not a major concern, tornados have affected the area, most recently in 2012.

Getting There
Branson is primarily a regional vacation destination, and the large majority of tourists get there by car or as part of a motorcoach bus tour.

There is a small local airport in Branson, but it is currently only served by one airline, Buzz Airways, which flies to Austin, Cancun, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston and New Orleans. The closest major airport is the Springfield-Branson National Airport, about an hour away by car. There are several rental car companies based at the airport. There are also local transportation companies, such as Ryde with Us and The Branson Loop, which will take you to the airport for approximately $50 per person.

There are three parking options at the hotel. Valet parking in the hotel's lot is $16 per day; self-parking in the hotel's lot is $13 per day; and self-parking in the various nearby spaces along the streets are available at no charge.

Getting Around
There is a free trolley service that runs between Branson Landing and several points throughout the historic district. The trolley runs a 12-stop loop every half hour, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from March through December. From late-January through late-February, it runs Friday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The closest stop is across South Sycamore Street, in front of the convention center's parking garage.

You will need a car to get around the rest of Branson, although there is taxi service and a few local private shuttle services. During high season, traffic impedes driving around Branson, particularly along Highway 76. Look for the three time-saver routes -- Red, Yellow and Blue -- that run parallel to the highway. Both Hilton properties are located at the end of the Red route.

For Mom and Dad
The two Hilton properties at Branson Landing have a relationship with the Payne Stewart Golf Club, located just 3 miles away, and golf packages can be arranged with your reservation. Tee times must be booked directly with the club.

Branson is known as the entertainment capital of the South, with more than 100 live shows in theatres across the city. You'll find performances ranging from singers to comedians and magicians, and even acrobats. If you want nightlife that you can walk to, the Clear lounge in the convention center property across the street features live music.