A one-night stay at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, gave me a taste of what the resort has to offer. I found plenty to bring me back for a longer vacation. A family trip crossed my mind as I explored. The resort’s location in Osage Beach, Missouri, makes it a perfect hub for heading out to explore the Ozarks. Plus, if you want family fun without getting in your car, Margaritaville Lake Resort has plenty of fun to offer on-site.
Change of Latitude at Margaritaville Lake Resort
I arrived at the reception desk after pulling into a temporary space near a gigantic blue flip-flop statue and the words “Change of Latitude” across an enclosed, elevated walkway. The large lobby with its relief of tropical birds and foliage and backdrop of a beach with cabana silhouettes in the sunset evokes images of island relaxation. Within minutes, a staff member directed me to a parking space in the garage and provided me with directions to my room.
Because the resort’s hotel has five sections, it can feel a bit confusing at first. Corridors connect them together. After I dropped off my things in my room, I enjoyed finding out about the resort’s expansive menu of things to do and where to dine at this Jimmy Buffet inspired oasis nestled in the Lake of the Ozarks.
The Anchor Building has the main entrance, reception, the License to Chill Bar and Grill, and the Margaritaville Coffee Shop. Also, this building has eight levels with guest rooms from the 1st to the 8th floors. In the evening, a high school friend and her husband, who live near the resort, came to visit. We hung out in the living room, in style seating near the large fireplace, enjoying a glass of wine. Although we didn’t order food, light bites like wraps, fries, and burgers are on the menu. There is a breezy, sports bar vibe, but the noise level is for visiting.
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A Change of Attitude Comes with Fun
For active fun, head to The Beacon Building. That’s where you’ll find Fin City Arcade and Fin City Bowling. Both of these promise a good time, whether you are a gutter ball type of bowler or a high scorer. Fin City Pizza and Billiards is also in this building.
Another place to dine and grab a drink in the Beacon Building is JB’s Boathouse Grill. Here is where you’ll find the extensive breakfast buffet. You can order off the menu. However, I grabbed a quick breakfast of a bagel and coffee at the Margaritaville Coffee Shop, and thus did not indulge in this breakfast bounty.
In between the Compass Building and the Driftwood Building, the Fins Up Fitness Center and Indoor Pool are activity offerings free to guests. I didn’t get a chance to check these out or the spa. Driftwood Spa and Salon offers an extensive selection of rejuvenating options from facials to massages to haircuts and manicures. To truly indulge, book a package that combines treatments.
Other Offerings at Margaritaville Lake Resort
Three outdoor pools, miniature golf, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and The Oaks–an 18-hole golf course are part of the resort’s outside fun. For inside entertainment, the Jolly Mon Indoor Waterpark delivers. Waterslides, a lazy river, a 700-gallon tipping bucket, and more can be enjoyed for a fee. Resort guests pay less than those coming for the day. I like that those who are only watching folks in the water can hang out for only $5. This is a plus for those tagging along with kids but who want to stay dry.
For laid back dining close to the water, head to Landshark Bar and Grill for burgers, fish and chips, tacos, and beer. In addition to being next to the lake with access to the marina, Landshark Bar and Grill is next to two of the resort’s pools.
At the resort’s Port of Indecision Marina, boating enthusiasts can indulge themselves by renting anything from a paddleboat to a pontoon boat. Resort guests with a boat can dock for free. If a horseback ride suits your fancy, there’s Thouvenel Stables. You can make a horseback ride reservation with guest services at the resort. For the 3- to 6-year-old crowd, there are pony rides.
Rooms at Margaritaville Lake Resort
My room, featuring two king beds, continued the resort’s breezy island decor. The “Changes in Latitude” and “Changes in Attitude” above each bed, as well as the “Escape to Paradise” design on the beds’ throw pillows, serve as reminders to unwind. Soft blue paint and beach-themed artwork add to the easy-going ambiance. The room’s couch, trunk coffee table, desk, desk chair, and dresser helped create a laid-back feel.
The bathroom continued with the beach motif of light blue walls, a beach-themed framed photo, and a large bathroom mirror with a white light frame. Also included are the small chunky bottles of Margaritaville Resort’s lotion, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. I remembered these from my stay at the Margaritaville Island Hotel in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I love the design of these cheery bottles carrying the St. Somewhere Spa wording.
Happily, my room had a balcony with a lovely view of the lake and the marina. I slept so well and was so happy to wake up to the sunshine.
Other resort guest rooms include one king bed, two queen beds, one-bedroom suites, and two-bedroom suites. The suites have a kitchen and dining area. Currently, rooms range from $226 to $4o9. The resort’s website does have special offer deals. Check out Hotels.com or Booking.com as well.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda, or Hotels.com.
Wi-Fi is free. Also, free shuttles take guests to the various parts of the hotel, so you can keep your car parked unless you head out to explore the bounty of nature and tourist activities in the area. Margaritaville Lake Resort is walkable for folks who don’t mind a bit of exercise.
What to See Nearby at Lake of the Ozarks
Mystery Lake at Bridal Cave
While I was in the area, I was able to visit Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. I highly recommend each. The Bridal Cave tour includes the wonders of stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground lake. I went on the regular tour. There are lantern tours and black light tours as well. A friend of mine and her husband renewed their wedding vows in the cave. Weddings in Bridal Cave are one of the specialties.
At Ha Ha Tonka State Park, in addition to hiking a few of the trails, one of them past the ruins of a stone castle that met its demise in a fire, and one to a natural bridge, I kayaked on the lake. You can register for kayaks or canoes online at the park website or go to the visitor center for a walk-in option.
If you go, head right from the dock to the spring that feeds into the lake. It helped that there were two of us to get the kayaks into and out of the water. There is a ramp to slide kayaks from the shore into the lake. At the visitor center, you’ll pick up the keys for the locks of the kayaks and the shed with paddles and life preservers.
My stay at Margaritaville Lake Resort, admission to Bridal Cave, and kayak rental were courtesy of the resort and the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau as part of a post-conference trip for the Midwest Travel Journalists Association. As always, my opinions are my own.
