7 Great Resorts and Hotels in the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Longtime visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks will know this resort as Tan-Tar-A, one of the original and premiere resorts in this vacation community. But in 2019, the resort became Margaritaville, a part of the Jimmy Buffett brand known for all things fun in the sun.

Much of what everyone loves about Tan-Tar-A remains 27 holes of championship golf, the Driftwood Spa and Salon, and an indoor waterpark for year round family fun. With three pools, a swim-up bar, sundeck and 52 slip boat dock, the Landshark Bar and Grill is the center piece of the good times on the water.

Margaritaville has nearly 500 guest rooms, so you have your choice of standard rooms, suites with kitchenettes and condos. You’ll be humming your favorite Buffett tune and maybe learn some new ones with lyrics painted on the walls and some of the furnishings.

One of the classic resorts at Lake of the Ozarks, Lodge of the Four Seasons is home to the largest marina on the lake and two of the region’s top golf courses. With a choice of condominiums, suites and standard hotel rooms and three restaurants, Four Seasons can accommodate anything you want for a family vacation or a romantic getaway for you and your partner.

Spa Shiki is renowned for its authenticity as an Asian-inspired spa. Try a Himalayan Hot Stone Massage to get the kinks worked out and the wellness moving. The Journey to Wellness package includes stretching, a Swedish massage and then a healthy meal served in your private suite.

The Lake of the Ozarks has more than 1,100 miles of shoreline and you’ll find Camden on the Lake on a premiere spot along an area called Horseshoe Bend. The guest rooms here are suites with great views. The DJ at the swim up bar keeps the party atmosphere going weekends during warm weather months.

If you’ve come to the Lake to with a rod and reel, you’ll want to check out the fishing charters offered here. The expert guides know all of the nooks and crannies of the Lake and can all but guarantee you a big catch.

If you don’t have a boat, you can rent one from the marina or hire a boat and driver for the day. One of the fun things about the Lake is the number of restaurants and bars right on the water. When it comes time for dinner, call the water taxi to take you where you want to go.

Properties at Lake of the Ozarks have two addresses one to arrive by land and the other to arrive by water. Old Kinderhook, a classic lake resort, is located at the 12 mile marker on the Niangua Arm of the Lake. That means you are 12 miles from Bagnell Dam.

A fun treat at Old Kinderhook is the three salt water swimming pools, the only place in mid-Missouri that offers salt water swimming. One of them is an indoor pool to enjoy all year. The outdoor pool and hot tub offers a fabulous view of the golf course.

While most people think of the Lake for summer time enjoyment, Old Kinderhook embraces Christmas and the winter season with horse-drawn sleigh rides, a Christmas village, and an ice skating rink all season long. In the summer time, the ice rink becomes a sand volleyball court. Anytime of the year, enjoy s’mores around the fire pits.

Surround yourself in luxury at this lovely 82-room boutique hotel in Horseshoe Bend area of the Lake. While not located directly on the water, the Regalia Hotel more than makes up for lakeshore with the largest swim-up bar in the Midwest. The outdoor pool is also the site of some of the best music in the Midwest with concerts scheduled throughout the warm weather months. The pools, both indoor and outdoors, are popular for water aerobics and yoga classes offered through the fitness center.

The Royal Touch restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is where you can order signature sea bass or enjoy one of the best steak dinners in the region. It is one of three restaurants to enjoy a meal at the Regalia. When the day is done, enjoy some time in the bourbon and cigar bar.

Not many resorts at the Lake of the Ozarks offer beaches but this family-owned resort is the exception. Indeed, the Lakeview Resort is exceptional in all it offers your family for a lake vacation. With two playgrounds, a hopscotch court and kiddie swimming pool, the little ones will be happy little campers.

Your teenagers will appreciate the game room, swim docks and sand volleyball courts. A sauna, hot tub and indoor and outdoor swimming pool help you relax during this vacation.

There’s no restaurant on the grounds. Who needs one with all of the great restaurants to choose from around the lake? But if you’d like to cook for the family, barbecue grills and picnic tables are scattered throughout the property. Otherwise, each unit has a kitchen where you can keep your favorite snacks handy day and night.

One of the most romantic destinations in mid-Missouri, the Inn at Harbour Ridge is a locally-owned bed and breakfast that celebrates romance. With four guest rooms in the house, you’ll have your choice of surroundings to help set the mood. Each room has a whirlpool tub and fireplace.

Breakfast is always a treat and owner Sue Westenhaver will gladly take special requests. Among her specialties are Baked French Toast and Baked Pineapple. Yum. Plan to take plenty of time to stroll the grounds taking in the award-winning landscaping. Sue is also a master gardener so you’ll find plenty to ooh and aahh over.

While you’re tucked away among the trees and gardens at Harbour Ridge, this location in Osage Beach is convenient to the outlet shopping center, many of the Lake’s great restaurants and other activities.