The Hummingbird Inn is located in Branson, Missouri on an expanse of 10 acres of land. The eight guest accommodations come with amenities such as jacuzzi tubs, 4K televisions, a fireplace, and king-sized beds. While the majority of the suites are generally suited for couples, the Ozark Family Retreat is a three-bedroom accommodation with a private entrance that is intended for larger groups or families. Named by the previous owners, the Hummingbird Inn was named for the number of hummingbirds that can be seen seasonally on the property. Chris, one of the owners, reports that the best seasons for seeing the hummingbirds are in the spring and fall, but that there is a variety of wildlife that can be seen year-round at the establishment. The inn is open year-round, with its peak season of operation being July, according to Chris.
The Hummingbird Inn features eight guest accommodations that are available throughout the year. The rooms are situated in a 10,000-square-foot inn in Branson, Missouri. Each unit contains a king-sized bed, a fireplace, and a jacuzzi tub. A kitchenette can additionally be found in every room, although the suites on the bottom floor have full kitchen amenities. Most of the suites also have a 4K television as well. One suite, the Ozark Family Retreat, is slightly different from the other units available, in that it has a private entrance and three bedrooms. Most of the rooms at the inn are generally for couples, however, the Ozark Family Retreat is intended for larger groups and families, as the name states. Chris, one of the owners, says that they "try to make it a romantic experience," and that primarily the guests of the inn are couples.
Ten acres surround the establishment and are home to a fair amount of wildlife that inhabits the area, namely hummingbirds and deer. The perimeter of the property has a walking trail that can be utilized by patrons either on foot or in a golf cart that can be rented on the grounds. Visitors can also fish in the two private, stocked ponds, which are situated along the walking trail. On the back of the inn, there is a relatively large deck that has outdoor sofas. Chris remarks that many visitors sit on the deck and view the different types of animals such as deer and hummingbirds that roam the grounds. The area surrounding the property is, according to Chris, hundreds of acres of conservation land where many woodland creatures take residence.
Provided in each room is either a kitchenette or a full-sized kitchen that can be used by guests to make breakfast in the mornings. Upon arrival, there is juice, milk, yogurt, and other similar breakfast items in the refrigerator, as well as coffee, tea, snacks, and cereal in a pantry. If desired, patrons can pre-order a hot breakfast that is cooked by a chef and delivered to individual rooms for an extra fee. These options allow guests the opportunity to eat when they choose in the morning without a designated service time.
In addition to the aforementioned amenities available at the Hummingbird Inn, there are multiple "wellness" activities that can be participated in. "Wellness has been something that has been very important to us," Chris says. Wellness amenities are an additional fee and can be utilized by both guests of the inn and members of the community. There is a steam sauna with essential oils and a salt humidifier, an ice bath, couples massages, a red light therapy bed, and an exercise bike. The sauna is often used in conjunction with the ice bath, according to Chris, and the ice bath's water is "treated with certain properties," which may promote wellness. The couples massage is mechanical, partnered with "straight oxygen," and is set up with earphones that play different tonal frequencies. Chris explains that these frequencies have been used in treatments of different mental illnesses in the past. In addition to the specialized wellness items, there is also a gym on the premises with equipment including treadmills.
Weddings, family reunions, and other similar gatherings can be held at the Hummingbird Inn. Depending on the size of the parties, multiple events can be held at various locations on the property such as the indoor common area, the backyard, and the front yard. "The property is customizable enough that we can host multiple weddings at once," says Chris, the owner of the inn. In addition to multiple areas for ceremonies and other events to take place, Chris says that there is enough parking to accommodate these various celebrations which may occur at the same time. There are multiple options for services and sizes of parties at various price points as well.
Chris and Hollie hope that those staying at the inn are able to feel "good and whole" after their stay. In an attempt to create this atmosphere, there are policies in place for all guests to abide by. Regarding pets, animals are prohibited from entering any of the inn's suites. This policy is enforced with the intent to avoid exposure to allergens in the rooms. Additionally, smoking or any other type of drug usage is not allowed on the grounds of the establishment. Although events may be hosted at the bed and breakfast, loud parties are impermissible. The owners have hopes that these policies, as well as the amenities offered across the property, are able to give patrons a place where they can relax in nature and have a happy and comfortable experience.
The proximity of the Hummingbird Inn to the downtown area of Branson, as well as the surrounding views of the trees and nature at the establishment, are frequently commented on by guests after their stay. Chris says that the property is located 15 minutes from both the top and bottom of the strip in Branson. Dining options that Chris would recommend to guests include Thai Thai Cuisine, Top of the Rock, and Gettin' Basted. He says that even though they are relatively close to the downtown area, due to the conservation land surrounding the inn, "it feels like [guests] are hundreds of miles from civilization." One former patron of the property said "The owners were incredibly kind and went out of their way to assist us. The room was exceptionally clean and peaceful while the breakfast was delicious. The view was also lovely with the long views of mountains, trees, and nature."
The owners of the Hummingbird Inn, Chris and Hollie Dortch, moved to Missouri from Hawaii. They purchased the inn after a volcanic eruption on their island destroyed their home. In January of 2019, they began as the owners of the inn and started on renovations. They replaced the entire roof of the building as well as added a private well, new carpet, new paint, and an additional 2,000 square feet to the inn. They also completed the property's gym, added the sauna and other wellness amenities, replaced the bedding and furniture throughout the inn, and added new air conditioning units. Finally, Chris and Hollie installed solar panels so the inn could power itself through alternative means.
In the future, Chris and Hollie hope to add more wellness amenities to the property. They also recently purchased land surrounding the establishment totaling 30 acres in hopes of adding more units in the future. A goal of the couple is to add tree house-type cabins to the new land and diversify the accommodations available to guests. Chris comments that the most enjoyable aspects of his job thus far include being able to meet the patrons of the inn and creating new friendships with those who stay at the establishment. He also says that he loves that his family is able to work together on the project and that each of the members of the family can do something to help the business succeed.
256 Ruby's Rest
Branson, Missouri 65737
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Chris and Hollie Dortch
