Situated in downtown Branson with expansive views of the Ozark Mountains and Lake Taneycomo, Hilton Branson Convention Center is an elegant place to stay. The hotel is an AAA Four Diamond Hotel, and one of HIlton’s golf resorts. My visit was close to Christmas, and the lobby and grounds were beautifully dressed in their Christmas best.

I was very impressed with my dinner at Hilton’s Level 2 Steakhouse. Their Hawaiian ahi tuna appetizer was perfect and served beautifully atop an under-lit piece of pink rock salt. Steak, of course, is also on the menu. Level 2 sears their 28-day aged cuts in their special 1600° F infrared oven and cook them exactly to your specifications. After your fifth visit to Level 2, you’re invited to join their Cut Club. You can choose your preferred steak knife from five different selections and have your name engraved on it. The restaurant will have your knife, and all the specifics of how you like your steak, ready every time you visit. And don’t forget to order their signature Missouri butter cake for dessert — covered in bourbon caramel sauce, it is ooey-gooey delicious.

There are two Hiltons in Branson, and the Convention Center location is in a 12-story building near the tourist train station. In addition to its meeting facilities, the Convention Center has two pools — one indoor and one outdoor — as well as a fitness centre. While the hotel’s features are wonderful, you’ll want to get out to enjoy Branson’s many attractions, including musical shows and theatres, Marvel Cave and the amusement park at Silver Dollar City, Dogwood Canyon’s waterfalls, hiking trails and fishing, and the impressive Titanic Museum.

You have several choices of rooms at the Convention Center, all with the signature Hilton Serenity bedding collection on your king- or queen-sized bed. Bathrooms also feature Serenity amenities. Whether you choose a room or a suite (the ones on the 12th floor are particularly lovely) you’ll be well equipped for your stay. Guests with mobility or hearing disabilities will appreciate the accessible rooms with roll-in showers, automatic door closers, scald proof faucets, and visual notification lights.

In this town rich with music and theatre, you’ll want to visit Branson’s Strip in the evenings, but likely want to sleep in a more relaxed setting.

The Hilton Promenade is in downtown Branson at Branson Landing, a pedestrian zone near the White River. Here you’ll find water fountains and fire cannons choreographed to music performing every hour, the occasional free concert and parade, as well as a selection of shops and eateries.

At Hilton, all rooms are very spacious. Mine had a comfy king bed, cool red easy chair with ottoman, and a big desk area (and it was easy to work, with the fast and free wifi). The closet was large and I had several drawers to unpack into. My mini fridge held some chocolates gifted from the kitchen — delicious! Had I had the time, I could have watched multiple TV channels, including HBO. The bathroom too was large, with a full bath tub, spacious separate shower stall, and sink surrounded by a big counter, with shelving underneath. Robes were fluffy, and (how rare!) two were provided.

Suites are even more spacious, with a full kitchen, dining area, living room, a balcony which can seat four for dinner, a separate bedroom, and a large bathroom with a jetted tub built for two. The Hilton Promenade even has some fully accessible rooms, with wider doors, lower water fixtures, visual door knock lights and telephone ring lights. TDDs are available on request. Hilton should be commended for offering this when so few other hotel chains do.

While breakfast isn’t included, (though a bed & breakfast rate is available), Big Whiskey’s restaurant serves meals and drinks throughout the day. You’re also only a block away from the Hilton Convention Centre with its Level 2 Steakhouse serving some of the best food in the area.

Other amenities include a hot tub and swimming pool, ideal for kids, and a 24-7 fitness room. The noon checkout is ideal to do a little shopping in Branson’s many nearby downtown shops before you depart for home.

Ko’a Kea means “white coral” and there are pretty coral motifs throughout this 121-room boutique hotel located at Poipu Beach, on Kauai’s southern shores. Designed by Anita Brooks, the hotel is beautifully decorated with depictions of sea life and Hawaiian flowers. Ko’a Kea is aimed at adults, so the resort is quiet with few children. There’s also few passersby, because the beach walk ends at the western edge of the property.

Ko’a Kea’s rooms are spread out in five three-storey buildings which surround a vast green lawn, pool, hot tub and pool restaurant. Many of the resort’s 112 rooms and nine suites have views of the ocean and you can hear the crashing waves from all around the property. On-site is an ocean activity centre where you can rent surfboards, kayaks and snorkelling gear and arrange lessons.

Rooms are a calm oasis of luxury. You’ll sink into the featherbed and duvet covered king sized bed. There’s lots of storage so even if you’re staying a week you won’t feel crowded. Each room has an ipod docking station, 42″ LCD HD television, Nespresso machine and mini fridge, and microwaves are available upon request. Room service is 24-7. All rooms have a lanai balcony with table and chairs, and some have a sunbed.

Most guests seemed to enjoy lounging around the pool and on the lawn facing the ocean. There’s a small beach at the edge of the property, and if the tide isn’t high you can walk on the sand westward to a longer beach ideal for surfing. One of Kauai’s calmest swimming beaches is a two-minute stroll eastward at Poipu Beach Park.

Ko’a Kea’s fitness centre has treadmills, recumbent bikes, and cross-trainers. The spa focuses on natural and indigenous ingredients, and you can enjoy your treatment indoors in the spa, in your room, or at the oceanfront pavilion. If you like to pack light, there are coin laundry facilities for guests.

A part of the Meritage Collection, Ko’a Kea has sister hotels in Huntington Beach, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach and La Jolla.