Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge Timeshare

We had never been to Branson before and had no idea what to expect. The pictures of the resort make it seem as though it’s an off the beaten path lodge but in reality, it’s smack in the middle of the city.

The main lodge is beautiful. The main level is where you will find the front desk, concierge, a movie room/sales presentation room, an area with complimentary coffee and a small store. We didn’t find a gift shop.

The indoor pool, workout room and game rooms are on the lower level.

We never went to the upper level. The back porch of the lodge has wooden rockers and fire pits. Steps lead from the lodge to the pool, picnic areas and grills.

The outdoor pool was surprisingly small. The staff held a few games (splash contests, volleyball etc) at the pool. A snack bar is also in this area

We stayed in the studio room. We didn’t care about the room is small but the setup was almost comical There was one dresser which was in the closet The bedside table, bed and couch are lined up along one wall. The fridge, sink, microwave, tv and small table are lined up along the other wall. So if you lay in bed you can watch the tv, microwave and fridge all at the same time. The couch is positioned so you can’t watch tv comfortably from it. The space between the bed and fudge is narrow so if the fridge is open you must crawl over the bed to get to the other side of the room.

The bathroom and shower/tub are large. Our room was clean and we spent most of our time at the pool.

There weren’t many people on our floor so it was pretty quiet.

The resort held an ice cream fundraiser for a sick child in the area—nice job guys!

Was the resort disappointing? Yes

Did we have a good time? Yes

Would we go back? No

We weren’t impressed with the hotel but Branson just wasn’t our cup of tea

If you are an MCVI owner this is unlike any property I have been to in the 29 years I have been an owner. We came right before peak season, which we knew and this review doesn’t have any bearing on that.

The property is not a typical sprawling resort but rather short and fat. All week I felt something was off with the place and come to find out it was originally built as a Marriott Horizons which made me feel better in that Marriott didn’t completely screw up. Our villa was a 2 BR-2Bath lock-off. They attempt to make it rustic in appearance (Ozarks) both in and out which in my humble opinion comes across as Red Roof Inn and a throwback to the ’70s with orange highlights right down to the dishes. In full outdoor sunlight, the villa is dark as is the carpet and cabinets. There is no wow factor anywhere on the property. I expect some degree of wow from Marriott.

The facility does not offer a recycling bin in the villas nor a list of items to recycle but rather you have to carry items down to the first floor of your building where there is a 65-gallon bin. The blonde women at the desk, name escapes me wasn’t even sure what was recycled when asked by me. Come to find out they don’t even recycle glass which seems rather odd for two reasons; first glass was one of the first items to recycle in most of the country and in speaking with residents, none of which were originally from Branson they all moved here to provide a better place for their kids so why not make the earth better also?

The usual wine and cheese get together was entertainment and offered no update info on the timeshare, there was no Marriott manager to welcome you or provide updates to owners. Does anyone even own here?

Eric at check-in was friendly and Steve at the concierge very helpful. And we had a full service clean that Marlena outdid herself on. I bought Marriott three times in my life owning 2 of the 3 today and one reason was I always had the same quality no matter which MVC I went to in or out of the country. This property was, unfortunately, a terrible disappointment as was Branson and we will not be returning and that is the only time I have ever said that about a timeshare of Marriott’s.

All was well except customer service, we had booked a one bedroom unit just 2 days before we arrived. We decided to stay one more night at this resort. So I called to front desk. And said we enjoyed our stay in Branson and 2 days was not enough and wanted one more night. Now keep in mind I’m not in the service industry. But I do have a set of eyes that do work! And the guy working Thursday evening told me that someone was coming in the next night which was Friday night. So we would have to move to another room? Now if this place was packed at any level???

I’d say OK thanks and just move! But this resort was empty!!! in fact, the whole town was empty and 80% of everything was shut down!!!!!!

I find it VERY hard to believe we had the ONLY one-bedroom that went to a 2-bed room lock off???? As I said….I do have eyes that do work and I can see this place is so huge and nobody here and expect me to upend everything and move when this place was empty???

Being business owners who travel non stop and stay in so many places weekly. I can’t believe Marriott would just let the cost of this room go away and the money we were going to put into this town.

Again anyone who reads this remembers this place is a ghost town right now. And you’d think anyone here would LOVE for people to spend money here. But sadly the Marriott doesn’t see it that way!!!! VERY DISAPPOINTING!!!

As a loyal Marriott customer, we selected the Marriott Willow Ridge Lodge versus other recommended hotels in the Branson Area.

Location was good, easy access to back routes to get around traffic. Nice lobby and service as you would expect.

Rooms equipped well at first glance, but sitting on the couch demonstrates the lack of comfort and focus on looks versus quality. Couch sit like a chair trying to push you out. Small kitchen (studio for 2) was ok, tight space provided what was needed.

While laying down to sleep, you can hear the next room’s discussion. Woke up in the morning to dishes clanking in the next room and kids running up and down the open hallways.

For families looking for connected room and activities, ok hotel. For those looking for relaxing, quiet in the Ozarks; other options are an upgrade at same or lower price.

Arrived ready for my honeymoon vacation. Not a welcoming atmosphere. Room not ready at 3 pm and being ignored by the front desk as if I am not sitting here patiently waiting.

Staying at Marriott vacation club at Willow Ridge

I knew coming to Branson was a bad mistake.

This is my least favourite of all the Marriott vacation properties that I have stayed.

The staff was nice but our room had a funny mildew smell.

Our view was looking over the parking lot and the main pool was closed.

I also thought that our room would have its own washer and dryer?

We own more Marriott timeshares than we should but this by far is the most uninteresting.

Well, maybe it is exceeded by Frenchman’s Cove in St Thomas. We consider Frenchman’s Cove to be Coney Island on steroids. The Willow Ridge Lodge is right in the middle of Branson with a view of the parking lot, a field and a Sud’s Car Wash.

The lock-off unit is very odd and awkward.

Also no washer/dryer in lock off and there is one for all the building lock-offs on the third floor. It turns out this was originally a Marriott Horizons and I guess it was a lower class of hotel. Not a good place for handicapped.

We were in building one-fifth floor but activities and resort check in are up a rather steep hill. Rooms were clean, bed comfy and staff efficient and friendly but not much activity at the resort.