We had a wonderful time in Branson during their early preseason. This is strictly a review of Fairfield at the Meadows and we are not familiar with the other properties there. This is important too because visitors are not supposed to use the facilities at the other Fairfield Resorts but if you are staying at the Meadows they have everything one could want.

Our main reason for coming was that we had gotten a discount package to tour a Grand Crowne resort (separate review) which didn’t hold a candle to Fairfield. We decided to add on a couple of days at Fairfield to use up some leftover points.

As we arrived we noticed that the place was beautiful as usual. Even though it is still technically winter, Fairfield took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather to plant many beautiful flowers and have their fountains and streams up and running. On our way into the check-in area we were made to feel like royalty with instant service, super friendly attitude and copies of their activities schedule for the week and our room key of course. We were told that they had just won Fairfield’s “Pineapple” award.

We took the elevator to our 4th floor 1 bedroom deluxe-A room near one end of the building. “Deluxe” means it includes a whirlpool tub for two. The room turned out to be a handicapped room which means it had low closet hangers and shelves and a special shower as well as a lower kitchen counter. A separate countertop microwave is available if needed. Everything was very spacious and I would count it as 4 distinct rooms: Kitchen, living room, bedroom and large bathroom for the two of us. We were each even given a check-in bundle which included, a razor, shave cream, tooth paste and brush, etc., etc. and a chocolate turtle candy (too bad my wife doesn’t like nuts but I sure do.)

I found nothing wrong with the room although my wife thought the water smelled stinky and she noticed a few dirty cups in the cupboard. It probably would have been better to have at least asked us if we would prefer a regular room since my wife did find it difficult to wash her hair in the handicapped shower. A couple of lights went out at different times which might have been related to the storm. I thought there ought to be a bathroom light switch that could be turned on from the bedroom but all of the light switches were on the bathroom wall by the door from the living room. It wasn’t a real problem at night because the light on the side of the wall mounted hair drier served as a night light so you could find the switches by the other door but a three way switch would have been a nice touch.

From our deck we could see the lighted fountain as well as the brook running between the buildings. Since it was rather slow, I don’t think anyone was directly across from us but it did seem a bit close if there had been anyone there.

All of the services are found in centrally located separate buildings. There was the registration building which probably also offered tickets for sale (who doesn’t in Branson). Then there was a separate Member Services building where we talked with our coordinator. Then there was a main staffed recreation building which had the indoor pool, game room, exercise equipment and outdoor shuffle board. The outdoor pool and hot tub were still covered and there was another outdoor building probably for seeing preview shows in warmer weather.

We weren’t in any hurry to see the shows since we knew we would receive some free tickets from the time share tour at the other resort. I decided to enter the pool tournament which was fun even though I didn’t win. The next day the weather was so warm that we decided to go hiking on the other side of the dam. Later we went to a show and when we got back to our room, there was a message that we were under a tornado watch. We turned on the TV and got an update about the time the local siren went off and there was another call from the front desk advising us of the tornado warning and where to go to take cover. Fortunately the storm missed us.

For attending a “survey” session, we were given a $30 coupon towards dinner at the Chateau on the Lake which we took advantage of on our last night. The survey is a “soft sell” but we were happy to be assigned a regular coordinator whom we can contact with program and other questions. We actually made a second appointment because we still had questions and they were all very graciously answered by Nic.

Most of the “Big Name” shows had not opened for the season yet so if you really want to see those, it is best to wait until April or May. But there are so many shows to see in Branson that we had no trouble finding great shows that we had never seen before. But the best part is that there was almost no difficulty getting up and down Country 76 (“the strip”). There was also no need to make reservations or buy tickets way in advance in order to get great seats. Branson was just a whole lot more “laid back” in March than during the prime Summer season, or Thanksgiving or Christmas. But if you do want more show choices, try to arrange your stay during the week and avoid the prime time weekends.

We visited Branson (Fairfield at the Meadows) in January not realizing most shows and many restaurants are closed for the season (reopen in late March). But we did not lack things to do. The resort activity center had so much fun stuff for our 3-yo and us, plus the pool and the shopping (cheapest time of the year at the outlet malls), we had a blast. The resort is clean, and for the record the mattress is firm and supportive. Staffs are nice too. It was so comfortable we stayed one extra day! All this good review from a family used to stay in our own homes (we have a primary and a second home), not bad. The only downside is the lack in Wi-Fi signal strength in the unit. The resort had Wi-Fi computers but limits to 15min and has no sound. Carpet is a bit old too.

We just stayed there for 3 nights, and loved every minute of it. We had a 2 bed/2 bath unit, in Bldg. 7, on the 4th floor. It was an amazing unit, very clean and very spacious. We had our 2 boys, 7 and 5, and they loved the Rec center. It had a game room, indoor pool, shuffleboard, basketball court, and the hot tub and outdoor pool were still open. We enjoyed the hot tub quite a bit. The boys got to participate in a good game of "HORSE" at the basketball court, with a nice little reward at the end of popcorn, soda, and a movie rental. All we had to do was call the front desk and they would send a golf cart to come pick us up and take us to the Rec center. My boys got to know the great golf cart driver, BJ, and every evening he wouid expect us. He'd gave the kids candy every night when he dropped us off. The staff was AMAZING!! Everything we asked for they did. We stayed there on some timeshare points of a friend, and I never would buy a timeshare, but if I did it would be there. We are hopefully going to rent there next year again. I highly recomment this complex.

We stayed at the Meadows for a week and it was wonderful. The staff is incredible, the grounds are beautiful, and the daily activities schedule is very convenient for those that may just want to hang around the resort. This resort makes your stay worth while! The rooms are very spacious and everything you would need is already there for you. I would highly recommend this resort as your place to stay. You won't be dissappointed.