Condos Offer 'Home Away From Home'
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO -- There are many reasons to rent a vacation condominium at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks -- at least as many as the number of condos available in the area.  According to the Tri-County Lodging
Association, that's nearly 1,000 and growing.

"More people are renting condos these days.  It's a national trend, an evolution," says James Leveridge, marketing director at Lake Ozark Vacations, A PMG Company, the area's largest and oldest condo managers.  "It reflects the
history of lodging.  First there was a bedroom with a shared bath.  Then a room with its own bath.  Then two-room suites.  Now at most vacation destinations, condos or homes are the trend."

The Lake of the Ozarks is part of that trend.  Trisha Roberts, executive director of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, notes, "The Lake of the Ozarks has so much to offer when it comes to lodging.  Visitors can select from bed
and breakfasts, campgrounds, hotels, motels, houseboats, private homes or resorts or condominiums.  Condos complement the Lake experience by offering all the comforts of home."

Home-like comfort is one of the main reasons why a growing number of Lake visitors prefer vacation condos.  Inside, most condos are fully furnished and equipped with everything from cookware, tableware and utensils to sheets, blankets and towels … from microwaves and washers and dryers to cable TV, VCRs and DVD players as well as Internet access.

"When people compare the value of a condo versus other lodging, it really is economical," Leveridge says.  "Visitors like the fact that at a condo they have more room.  It's more homelike, but with a big, beautiful lake outside."

Speaking of outside, all Lake-area condo complexes have swimming pools.  Several also offer tennis courts, barbecue grills, picnic areas and playgrounds, boat slips, swim docks and boat launches.

Choice is another reason Lake-area condo rentals are increasingly popular.  With hundreds of individual condos to choose from, you can count on finding the perfect getaway.  Lake-area condos range from studios up to six bedrooms,
to easily accommodate a couple or an extended family or group.  And with units available in practically every corner of the Lake area, you can rent a vacation condo precisely where you want to be -- right in the middle of fast-paced Lake of the Ozarks action or overlooking a quiet cove.

Condo choice also applies to décor and style.  For those who plan to spend very little time indoors, a basic but comfortable unit may be perfectly appropriate.  On the other end of the spectrum, a lavishly luxurious condo complete with Jacuzzi, plush carpeting, overstuffed furniture and a romantic fireplace may be just right.  Simple or elegant, most area condos offer a private waterfront deck or patio -- the perfect spot to relax and watch a spectacular Lake of the Ozarks sunset.

Several condominiums have facilities that can be rented for family reunions, corporate meetings or other get-togethers.  "At several condo complexes there's a club house available as well as numerous rental condos," Leveridge says.  "This works out well for larger groups having reunions or meetings."

With 15 first-class golf courses in the area, one is sure to be nearby.  In fact, at some condos the golf course is right on the property.  The condo you choose may offer Golf-A-Round packages featuring special condo and golf course rates.  Some condo management companies also will make complete arrangements for vacations, reunions, honeymoons, anniversaries or other occasions. "It's important when you come to the Lake on a busy weekend that your boat rental
and water-park tickets are taken care of in advance," Leveridge says.  "Your condo becomes your base for venturing out to enjoy all the Lake area attractions."

And what an array of attractions awaits!  Excursion boats, country music theatres, mini-golf and go-karts, arcades, water parks, show caves, state parks, a huge outlet mall and hundreds of specialty and antique shops are just some of the fun things to see and do at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Condos are available year-round.  In fact, people increasingly are renting them in the winter, especially units with fireplaces, Roberts notes. "Visitors enjoy the quiet beauty of the Lake then, and there's still quite a lot to do around the area," she says.  Condo rental rates range from $95 to $595 in-season, Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Off-season, rates are $65 to $450.  Right now several condominiums are offering special rates for romantic Valentine's Day getaways.

To reserve a Lake-area condo for Valentine's Day or any day, contact a property management company or a condominium reservation office.  For more information about condo rentals and other outstanding accommodations, as well as area attractions, dining, shopping and more, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at (800) FUN-LAKE or visit www.funlake.com .

NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA: For your convenience, you may download an electronic
version of this article at www.funlake.com/press_releases/current_releases.