The Pioneer Woman’s Boarding House in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, is booked solid and with good reason. It’s full of extra touches that make the eight-room boutique hotel one of the best in America.
1. Friendly staff
Let’s face it, the open, welcoming, charming folks of Pawhuska are what sold us on this small town in the first place. And Ree seems to have found some of the most cordial of all to work at her hotel.
From the moment you walk in the door you feel both like an old friend and honored guest. The staff goes out of their way to accommodate you and make sure your stay is wonderful.
2. Unique fresh flowers
One small detail we always notice and appreciate at The Boarding House is fresh flowers in each room.
The best part is that each room has a floral arrangement designed to fit that room. You’ll find white roses in The Photograph Room and blush ones in the The Butterfly Room. There are mini daisies in The Drugstore Room and sunflowers in The Prairie Room.
3. The tile (yes, tile)
Ok, we get it. Tile is not something you typically notice (or write about) when visiting a new hotel. However, The Pioneer Woman’s Boarding House is no ordinary hotel and we couldn’t not notice the unique tile in each room.
The Drummonds knew how to make a statement in this area, and each room’s unique tile patterns really stand out. From the intricate black and white patterns of The Photograph Room to the gorgeous green of the Emerald Room, you’ll understand immediately that the tile of your room was hand selected and carefully installed.
Also, take special note of the tile in the foyer of the hotel, as it is likely original to the building.
4. Complimentary wine and cheese
This might just be the best happy hour in Osage County, and it’s exclusively for guests of The Boarding House. Every night the staff opens good bottles of wine and makes beer available along with pop, water, and a gorgeous charcuterie board.
Guests often take their glasses and plates of snacks outside onto the balcony overlooking Kihekah Ave. and downtown Pawhuska. There they sit and meet the other Boarding House guests who come from all over the country and world to stay at the hotel.
Once when we were staying at The Boarding House, we met another couple over wine who shared the same anniversary as us. They had the most amazing story about how they got a room there and you can read all about it HERE.
5. Reservations at The Mercantile or P-Town Pizza
As you have probably heard, getting a table at The Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile restaurant can be tough, especially at peak times.
However, guests of The Boarding House are invited to make a reservation for any meal with the front desk at the hotel. And before you go on thinking this isn’t a big deal, you should know that as far as we know, it’s also the only way to get a reservation…unless, of course, your name is Ree.
PIN FOR LATER
6. Clawfoot soaking tubs
Most of the eight rooms at The Pioneer Woman’s Boarding House have clawfoot bathtubs in addition to an oversized shower. While we rarely take baths in most hotels, we look forward to them at The Boarding House.
Here’s why: The tubs are all long and deep but the stellar Pawhuska water pressure allows you to fill them quickly. In addition, each tub is equipped with a tray perfect for holding your book so you can read while you soak.
Another thing we love about baths at The Boarding House are the gorgeous chandeliers above them. They are all unique and on dimmable light switches so you can set the mood for your bath and completely relax and unwind.
If you stay at The Boarding House, we highly recommend purchasing an Aquamarine bath bomb across the street at Salt Creek Marketplace before you check in. Made from coconut oil and milk, the most popular scents are perido, pearl, and topaz.
7. Tempurpedic beds
At the Pioneer Woman’s Boarding House, they take the idea of comfortable bed to a whole new level. Instead of settling on a regular bouncy mattress, Ree and Ladd chose to use genuine Tempurpedic mattresses in The Boarding House. And believe us, they are wonderful!
8. Turndown service with a cookie
Who doesn’t love turndown service? Honestly, it makes us feel completely spoiled and we love it.
While guests are at dinner, the staff pulls the covers down a little on the bed, lowers the shades, and turns on the bedside light. Then, when the guests get back to the room, all they have to do is fall into bed.
Sometimes hotels that offer turn down service leave a piece of chocolate or a mint on your pillow. Not The Boarding House. No, in typical Pioneer Woman fashion, they go over the top, leaving you a plate with fresh made chocolate chip cookies.
And these aren’t just pull-a-dough-ball-out-of-a-freezer-and-bake cookies, either. No, these are scratch-made-in-The-Mercantile’s-bakery cookies. Trust us, there is no better way to end your day.
9. Morning coffee at the Pioneer Woman’s Boarding House
At check in, guests may place an order for morning coffee. The staff is happy to bring any of the Merc’s speciality coffees, including a Cowboy Coffee with sarsaparilla and powdered espresso and sea salt or a Spicy Cowgirl Coffee with chocolate, cayenne, and sweet vanilla cream over ice.
When the coffee comes, it’s delivered with fresh baked pastries from The Mercantile’s bakery. Honestly, morning coffee has never been so good.
And while we’re talking in-room refreshments, we may as well mention the complimentary fruit, water, and pop available as well as the old-fashioned candies which you can have for just a small fee. Oh, and if you’d like, you can order room service from any of The Pioneer Woman’s restaurants.
10. Vanity/Soaps and lotions
Ree designs bathrooms the way she uses butter in her recipes: always over the top. Most rooms have a walk-through shower and tub, as well as two toilets and two sinks.
But more than that, each room has a dedicated vanity where prepping for the day becomes an enjoyable experience. With amenities like a plush robe, lighted make up mirror, hair dryer and even a curling iron, guests feel like movie stars as they get ready in the morning.
Oh, and let us not forget to mention the huge variety of Beekman 1802 shampoos, soaps, conditioners, and lotions. Truly, you’ll find yourself immersed in hygiene heaven.
11. Automatic blinds
Each of the rooms in The Boarding House has huge, gorgeous windows. Impeccably clean, they let in tons of beautiful, natural light. But when guests are ready for a little darkness, no problem. At the touch of a button on the wall all the blinds lower simultaneously.
12. Sweater blankets
Guests at The Boarding House often want to settle into the room’s comfy couch and watch some TV or even a movie that’s still in theaters.
To make that experience even more cozy, the hotel has provided sweater blankets on the beds and throughout the room making for an evening of complete relaxation and luxury.
To book a room at The Pioneer Woman’s Boarding House
Of course, with special touches like these, The Boarding House books up quickly. However, occasionally rooms do become available, so it is best to keep an eye on the website and watch for openings. And when you see one, book it quickly!
