Situated on a beautiful Ozark mountaintop overlooking Missouri’s scenic Table Rock Lake, just minutes from the many attractions and shows of popular Branson, the resort will be elegantly decorated throughout with festive holiday décor.

The “Ozark Mountain Christmas Package” includes: two nights accommodations in a traditional king room, elegantly decorated with French-country furnishings; $50 food & beverage credit at the resort, for use during the stay; a specially-selected Chateau Christmas ornament; use of the indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness facilities; and free indoor parking. In addition, the package includes 2-day tickets for two adults to the Silver Dollar City theme park, which features 17 thrilling rides and attractions, 50 shows per day, 60 unique shops and restaurants, and which will be celebrating “An Old Time Christmas” festival in November and December. Based on double occupancy, the “Ozark Mountain Christmas Package” starts at $390 per room. Tax and gratuities are additional.

For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com .

“Our resort already features a very picturesque location. Combining this with beautiful holiday decorations and lights throughout the resort, as well as the special holiday offerings in Branson, makes this a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays,” said Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of the 301-room resort.

Boasting an impressive mountaintop and lakefront setting, a vast array of recreational options, award-winning service, and a location convenient to the diverse entertainment offerings of popular Branson, and it is easy to see why Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa is such a popular destination resort.

Recreational options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, which is Branson’s only AAA Four-Diamond resort, include the impressive 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau. The full-service spa, which opened in 2006, features 10 luxurious treatment rooms; customized body treatments; a soothing Infinity Tub that is filled from the ceiling; an opulent Roman Bath situated beneath a waterfall overlooking Table Rock Lake; a lake-view Movement Therapy Studio for Yoga; and a unique Barber Spa.

The resort’s Chateau on the Lake Marina, open most of the year, offers more water sports activities than any other resort in the Midwest. Offerings at the full-service marina include overnight boat slips, and an array of watercraft rentals, which includes ski boats, fishing boats, waverunners, catamarans, paddle boats, sea kayaks, and canoes. Parasailing, guided fishing excursions, scuba diving, and snorkeling are among the many other available options. With 850 miles of pristine shoreline and 80 miles of crystal blue water, Table Rock Lake is a perfect water playground.

Additional recreational offerings at the resort include a 24-hour fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, a year-round indoor pool, an outdoor (seasonal) pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, nature and biking trails, The Sassafras Movie Theater, Crawdaddies Kids Club, and full-service concierge. Golfing at six area courses, which includes two of Missouri’s finest, also is available to guests.

Widely regarded as the “Live Show Music Capital of America,” Branson features more than 100 live shows per day, and a variety of impressive attractions. Among the offerings is the acclaimed Titanic: The World’s Largest Interactive Titanic Museum & Exhibition. The new $420-million Branson Landing in historic downtown features festivals, musical events, a variety of new waterfront dining options, and more than 400,000 sq. ft. of national brand-name shops, galleries and specialty gift shops. Among Branson’s many other offerings is Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex.

Dining options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include the award-winning Chateau Grille, which features a stunning view of Table Rock Lake and is known for its elegant presentation and exceptional cuisine. Casual fare options include: the 9th Street Italian Deli, serving bistro-style sandwiches, hand-made pizza, and “to go” box lunches; the Atrium Café & Wine Bar, located in the lobby beside an indoor waterfall and stream; and The Sweet Shoppe, offering hand-dipped ice cream, baked goods, candies, and specialty coffees.

The resort’s 301 beautifully-appointed spacious guest rooms and suites boast cherry wood beds, down comforters, tiled stone baths, dual-line telephones with data port, WiFi access (at a nominal fee), iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safes, and in-room movies and music (at a nominal fee). Select pet-friendly rooms for pets less than 25 pounds are also available.

Additional features at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include an impressive 10-story sky-lit atrium that provides breathtaking vistas of the lake, lush gardens, and surrounding mountains, and which features meandering streams brimming with colorful Koi fish, as well as a charming library lounge with a great stone fireplace.

Owned and managed by Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, the resort also features 43,500 square feet of meeting space.

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In addition to accommodations in a traditional, deluxe or Chateau King room, the special offer includes: complimentary use of paddleboats, sea canoes and kayaks at the resort’s Chateau Marina on Table Rock Lake; complimentary use of the resort’s 24-hour fitness center; nightly movies in the resort’s Sassafras Theatre; and children 5 and under eat free off of the Chateau Grille/Atrium Café kid’s menu or breakfast buffet with a paying adult. Room rates at the resort start at $179 per night. The offer is based on space availability, does not apply to packages or discounted rates, and restricted blackout dates may apply.

For reservations, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com .

“Chateau on the Lake Resort is absolutely beautiful in the summer,” said Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of the resort. “So this special offer provides a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing longer getaway at a very affordable rate.”

Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, which is Branson’s only AAA Four-Diamond resort, offers an array of recreational options. Offerings include the $6 million, 14,000-square-foot Spa Chateau. The full-service spa features 10 luxurious treatment rooms; customized body treatments; a soothing Infinity Tub that is filled from the ceiling; a Roman Bath situated beneath a waterfall overlooking Table Rock Lake; a lake-view Movement Therapy Studio for Yoga; and a unique Barber Spa.

The resort’s Chateau on the Lake Marina offers more water sports activities than any other resort in the Midwest. Offerings at the full-service marina include an array of watercraft rentals, which includes ski boats, fishing boats, waverunners, catamarans, paddleboats, sea kayaks, and canoes. Parasailing, guided fishing excursions, scuba diving, and snorkeling are among the many other available options. With 850 miles of pristine shoreline and 80 miles of crystal blue water, Table Rock Lake is a perfect water playground for guests.

Additional recreational offerings at the resort include the fitness center, two lighted tennis courts, a year-round indoor pool, an outdoor (seasonal) pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, nature and biking trails, The Sassafras Movie Theater, Crawdaddies Kids Club (for children ages 4-12), and full-service concierge. Golf at six area courses, which includes two of Missouri’s finest, also is available to guests.

Widely regarded as the “Live Music Show Capital of America,” Branson features more than 100 live shows per day, and a variety of impressive attractions. Among the newest offerings is the Titanic: The World’s Largest Interactive Titanic Museum & Exhibition. The new $420-million Branson Landing in historic downtown features festivals, musical events, a variety of new waterfront dining options, and more than 400,000 sq. ft. of national brand-name shops, galleries and specialty gift shops. Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex and Silver Dollar City are among the many other offerings in Branson.

Dining options at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include the award-winning Chateau Grille, the 9th Street Italian Deli, the Atrium Café & Wine Bar, and The Sweet Shoppe.

The resort’s 301 beautifully-appointed guest rooms and suites boast cherry wood beds, down comforters, tiled stone baths, dual-line telephones with data port, WiFi access (at a nominal fee), iron and ironing board, coffee maker, in-room safes, and in-room movies and music (at a nominal fee). Select pet-friendly rooms for pets less than 25 pounds are also available.

Additional features at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa include an impressive 10-story sky-lit atrium that provides breathtaking vistas of the lake, lush gardens, and surrounding mountains, and which features meandering streams brimming with colorful Koi fish, as well as a charming library lounge with a great stone fireplace.

Candlelight dinners, couples massages, horse-drawn carriage rides — they’re all part of the offerings from this elite, new network of historic, boutique and unique hotels across the U.S. and the Caribbean. Combining personalized service with local flair, this upscale collection reflects a growing consumer preference for unique and authentic travel experiences*. You’ll be swept off your feet with Ascend Collection packages like these:

Valentine’s R & R — that’s Rockies and Redwoods

– THE GOLDEN HOTEL, Golden, Colo. For getaways in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Golden Romance Package includes luxurious accommodations, a bottle of wine, box of decadently delicious chocolates, $30 voucher for breakfast at the hotel’s Bridgewater Grill and late checkout. Located in historic downtown Golden, this 62-room, mountain-style lodge serves up spectacular mountain views. Richly appointed guestrooms have fireplaces, king sleigh beds and oversized jetted tubs. Amenities also include a lively bar and the casual, full-service Bridgewater Grill with courtyard overlooking picturesque Clear Creek. Downtown Denver is 12 miles away, while hiking trails, galleries and shopping are just outside the front door. Nightly rates start at $189 plus tax for this package valid year-round.

– BAECHTEL CREEK INN & SPA, Willits, Calif. Two packages are available and valid year-round at this retreat set amidst the wineries and Redwood Forests in the heart of California’s Mendocino Coast. The It Happened In The Redwoods offer includes one-night accommodations, a bottle of Mendocino County Wine, a voucher for a scrumptious dinner for two at the nearby Purple Thistle restaurant, homemade breakfast in the morning, plus a signature 90-minute Redwood Raindrop Massage for two at the inn’s Body Boutique Spa. Relax under a gentle mist of redwood aromatherapy, while enjoying a massage with organic essential oils. Rates start at $485 plus tax.

The Celebration Getaway package provides one-night accommodations; gift basket with bottle of Mendocino County Wine; local gourmet chocolates; an aromatherapy candle; a voucher for a romantic dinner for two at the Purple Thistle, homemade breakfast, and a 60-minute Love Potion #9 Couples Massage with rose petals and a red-hued oil infused with Damiana, a special herb known for its sensual properties. Rates start at $445 plus tax. Add $25 for Friday- and Saturday-night stays for both offers. Two-night packages also are available.

Nestled beside a tranquil creek, Baechtel Creek Inn houses 43 charming guestrooms. In addition to the spa, this pet-friendly lodging offers free WiFi and newly upgraded deluxe guestrooms with pillow-top mattresses and plush robes in the more secluded, adults-only building. Hiking trails, golf courses, award-winning wineries and cultural attractions are all nearby.

– O’BRIEN HOTEL, San Antonio, Tex. Enjoy high style and Southern hospitality at the O’Brien, just a leisurely stroll from the cafes and shops of San Antonio’s lively River Walk promenade. The Romance Package starts at $275 for the first night for a luxurious room with whirlpool tub or balcony overlooking historic downtown San Antonio. Also included in this package: continental breakfast, bouquet of roses, chocolate-covered strawberries, rose petal turn-down, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through the River Walk. The O’Brien Hotel welcomes with 39 elegant rooms with high ceilings and high-end bedding and linens. The property is minutes from popular attractions like the Alamo museum; La Villita Historic Arts Village, and Historic Market Square, a shopping, dining and entertainment district. Romance flourishes year-round, with this package available throughout 2009.

What’s Dreamy: Baseball, Arts and All That Jazz

– HOTEL BOTHWELL, Sedalia, Mo. Relive the golden days of the Roaring Twenties with the Hotel Bothwell Romance Package. Starting at $159.99, you’ll get one-night accommodations at this national historic landmark housing suites with ornate sleigh beds and fireplaces. Other romantic goodies include: a bottle of sparkling wine, rose-petal turndown service and deluxe gift basket with assorted chocolates. As Sedalia’s premiere fine dining restaurant, the hotel’s Ivory Grille serves up savory cuisine and historic charm with decor inspired by former frequenter Scott Joplin, the late composer known worldwide as the King of Ragtime. The stately Hotel Bothwell has hosted such other famous guests as Bette Davis, Harry Truman and Clint Eastwood. Located in the historic district of Sedalia, Mo., the lodging provides easy access to popular attractions, including the Katy Trail State Park for hiking and biking; Katy (Train) Depot Historic Site; Truman Lake, and Daum Museum of Contemporary Art.

– WILDWOOD TOWN CENTER HOTEL, Wildwood, Mo. For lovers of romance and baseball, the Wildwood Town Center Hotel’s Honeymoon Package is good for a Friday- or Saturday-night stay in a Jacuzzi suite. Guests are greeted with fresh flowers, assorted chocolates, champagne and gift vouchers toward breakfast for two at the nearby Rise N’ Dine restaurant. Located minutes from the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, the 112-room Wildwood Town Center Hotel provides a full-service restaurant, free WiFi, 24-hour fitness center, indoor heated pool and hot tub. Guestrooms have flat-screen TVs with high-definition programming; plush robes; mini-bars; balconies, and dreamy king beds dressed up in double pillow-top mattresses and 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. Nearby attractions include the Saint Louis Zoo and Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Hiking, swimming, biking and picnicking are within easy reach at Babler State Park. Nightly rates start at $199 plus tax. What’s not to love with this offer available throughout the 2009?

– INN AT MENDENHALL, Mendenhall, Pa. For pampering in the picturesque Brandywine Valley, head to the Inn at Mendenhall, not far from the Philadelphia International Airport. The Romance Rendezvous Package, good for Valentine’s Day, includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary breakfast buffet, Champagne, Godiva chocolates, chocolate-covered strawberries and one dozen roses. As part of the package, you’ll receive a $100 gift certificate toward a meal at the award-winning Mendenhall Inn Restaurant, featuring New American, French and Asian Fusion cuisine with a wine list of more than 60 fine wines and Champagnes. The 70-room Inn at Mendenhall has fully renovated guestrooms and suites with whirlpool baths and flat-screen TVs. Guests explore such nearby attractions as: the vibrant Longwood Gardens, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Delaware Art Museum, Chaddsford Winery and Winterthur Museum & Country Estate. The Romance Rendezvous Package is valid year-round. Nightly rates start at $265.95 plus tax (includes the $100 gift certificate for the restaurant).

– KRESS INN, De Pere, Wis. Discover Wisconsin’s scenic Northeast region minutes away from the city of Green Bay. Valid year-round, Kress Inn’s Romance Package starts at $189.95 plus tax for one night’s lodging for two plus champagne, locally made Seroogy’s chocolates and deluxe continental breakfast. This award-winning, pet-friendly boutique hotel has 46 charming guest rooms and suites, some with fireplaces and whirlpools. Among the nearby offerings are art galleries; ballet; theater; specialty shops; restaurants; waterfalls; the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, and state parks for hiking, biking and recreation.

Ascend Collection members harness the resources of Choice Hotels, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, while still maintaining their independent and intimate charm. Guests can participate in the award-winning Choice Privileges program and earn points towards airline rewards and free stays at more than 5,000 hotels worldwide. They also enjoy easy booking through one of the most robust reservation systems available.

Ascend Collection premiered this fall with 23 upscale hotels nationwide, including properties in Florida, Hawaii, California, Colorado, New York and Puerto Rico. For more information on this collection of historic, boutique and unique hotels, visit http://www.ascendcollection.com.

*A boutique hotel, with unusual atmosphere and décor, appeals to one in five leisure travelers, according to the Ypartnership/Yankelovich 2008 National Leisure Travel MONITOR. Nearly one in three travelers enjoy historic lodgings, the survey also found.

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