A 40-minute drive from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), along the Blackfoot River, are one and two stunning hotels nestled in the quiet woods of Greenough, Montana. Part of a family-owned bison and farm animal ranch, 37,000 acres of pristine mountain-front nature provides the backdrop for the dual-hotel property, which is home to the family-friendly Paws Up Hotel and its sober sister hotel, Le O Vert. .
Located at the end of a personal driveway, just beyond a coded iron gate and flanked by a lantern, The Green O indeed looks like one of the most unique hideaways in the Western United States. In fact, when the doors opened I let the car through. When I arrived earlier this spring, I felt like my cowgirl boots had been thrown at me first on an episode of “Succession. “
But despite the cold austerity of its entrance, which has the hotel’s characteristic O-shape, The Green O is a stall full of cheerful staff members (the kind who know their calling before they arrive), crackling fireplaces, cozy corners and a different atmosphere. can only be described as hygge-meets-Wild-West (a winning combination, in my opinion). Featured on our list of the world’s most productive adults-only all-inclusive hotels, the assets attract wealthy honeymooners, off-duty businessmen, and wealthy adventurers who trade their pants for Levi’s and leave the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan life for informal life. luxury, Montana style.
When I arrived at Green O this spring, I was swept away (and up in the trees) by the impeccable service, carefully crafted multi-course dinners, and elegant Scandinavian-style rooms; Mine is a two-story treehouse built in the pines. Those who enjoy being immersed in the wonderful outdoors, with a healthy dose of luxury and tranquility, should book a vacation to this special corner of Big Sky Country.
The Green O is an adults-only all-inclusive hotel in Greenough that’s next door to its aforementioned sister property, The Resort at Paws Up, which is also family-friendly and all-inclusive. Located on land once inhabited only by members of the Blackfoot Nation, the Nez Perce tribe, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes of the Flathead Reservation, the acreage purchased around 1915 through a rancher named Paul Greenough, who raised flocks of sheep that he marked with giant green O’s (rightly so), hence the emblem and call of the station. The land was last purchased in the 1990s through existing owners, who expanded it to 37,000 acres of relinquished and leased land in Montana.
Featuring 12 “houses” of varying styles, most commonly designed in-house (in-house, so to speak) through Dave Lipson, Laurence Lipson and Pieter De Liagre Bohl, The Green O is aimed at couples. Each house was created specifically to accommodate two other people in the warmest environment.
Nightly rates include all meals, as well as a variety of wines, beers, and cocktails, round-trip airport transfers, use of Lexus luxury SUVs during your stay, and $500 credits consistent with accommodations implemented for any on-site activities. and excursions.
Guests of the Green O have full access to the Resort at Paws Up (restaurants, amenities, and activity center); however, visitors staying at Paws Up are not allowed to enter from the Green O aspect of the property.
The most productive way to plan a stay at The Green O is to book directly through the hotel’s website, as the assets are not currently part of an issues or loyalty program or a credit card program like American Express Fine Hotels Resorts. Rates tend to hover around $4,000 at night, but can be closer to $3,000 at night, during off-peak hours (I’ve noticed rates as low as $2,892 by January 2025).
While this is in fact the highest point of a maximum daily fee for all-inclusive assets in the U. S. , it is not possible to see the U. S. In the U. S. , the quality of the inclusions (nightly multi-course meals from a James Beard-nominated chef, premium alcoholic beverages, and luxury transportation) is worth noting.
Please note that a minimum stay of three nights is required from June to September and a minimum stay of two nights from October to May. (This would possibly exclude events, packages, and holidays. )
As mentioned above, location is perhaps one of the biggest draws to a Green O vacation. It’s not every day that you find yourself in the heart of the pastoral countryside of the American West and have the opportunity to traverse thousands of uninterrupted landscapes. The acre landscapes of Big Sky Country are pretty special.
The Green O is definitely the type of hotel you go to with the goal of staying at the property; visitors don’t leave halfway to return to Missoula, for example. With a wonderful selection of activities (horseback riding and hiking, clay pigeon shooting and ATV tours, to name just a few), comfortable rooms, delicious cuisine and so many acres of nature to explore, there is no real explanation as to why you should leave. . Formation
There are 12 Scandinavian style houses in Green O, with 4 categories: Tree Haus, Round Haus, Green Haus and Light Haus. Each has a different but equally eye-catching design that reflects the grassy woodland surroundings, bringing the outside in through bright spaces, blank lines, inviting curves and striking paneled floors. All accommodations feature an indoor soaking tub and an outdoor hot tub, ideal for stargazing at night.
I was lucky enough to stay in one of the Tree Haus Suites, which rise 23 feet high, suspended among the trees and offer 1,030 square feet of space. From the gravel parking lot (where I parked my private Lexus, of course), I climbed a series of wooden and pebble steps to the house. Although I could see some of the other houses, they were far enough from mine that I felt private.
Inside, on the glass floor, there is a small area to leave your shoes, as well as poles and snowshoes.
I climbed a magnificent iron and wood spiral staircase that ran through the center of the two-story layout – a painting of art in itself.
The first floor is the living room with floor-to-ceiling windows almost around the room, offering a stunning view of the surrounding forest. Overlooking the porch and trees beyond, there is a work area with everything one could want for a little painting.
In the middle of the room were a pair of sumptuous upholstered armchair-style chairs facing the view (with a Samsung Frame TV, for those who need to watch a movie after stargazing).
A sublime remote-controlled glass fireplace stood to one side of the double doors, revealing a living space, with more seating, a beautiful hand-carved wooden table, and a swing-style chair.
Back in the look, on the other side of the spiral staircase, is a small kitchen domain with a counter-style seating area, sink, integrated drawer-style refrigerator with San Pelligrino seltzers, and the same drawer-style freezer, a Nespresso machine on the countertop with capsules. , complimentary red wine and a collection of delicious local snacks, plus two reusable water bottles for visitors to keep.
Beyond the kitchen, what I considered the jewel of the first floor: a bathroom in which I would gladly pay rent to live for the rest of my life.
It included a deep bathroom surrounded by elegant black tile, hardwood floors with comfortable lambskin rugs, a double vanity with plenty of drawers, Le Labo products, a full shower, a set of separate toilets, and a dryer for easy use. Access to laundry room. Of course, the panoramic view of the trees is the icing on the cake.
I discovered the most sensible room on the spiral staircase at the moment. With floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides of the room, I felt like I was absolutely suspended amidst the towering pine trees.
Hygge vibes were the key to the game in this space. The room included a comfortable four-poster king-size bed with softer gray linen sheets than the soft ones and incredibly plush pillows, adding a weighted blanket and pillow hybrid that I found to be very comforting. .
A second wood stove was placed in front of the rear window, and there was a small sink with toilet and sink, plus a giant garage cabinet with hangers and shelves. Two giant glass doors opened onto a small patio overlooking the surrounding forest (with elegant woven chairs and a coffee table, ideal for enjoying morning coffee and pastries).
Sinking into those linen sheets at night, with the wood stove burning and a cool breeze coming through the double doors, is a blessing. And speaking of sleeping, before going to bed, I went out ahead to see the treehouse all lit up.
My favorite way to end the night is to pop into my private hot tub, located just outside the treehouse, with a glass of wine in hand and my head tilted toward the stars.
I appreciated the added touch of a small pole where you can simply hang a bathrobe and towel. And Montana did indeed live up to its nickname of Big Sky Country: Every night was like witnessing a celestial spectacle.
To say that the food alone is worth it when booking a vacation to Green O is definitely not an understatement. James Beard-nominated chef Brandon Cunningham is known for his eight-course dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients and ingredients from elsewhere (think: seasonal morels shipped from Washington state or seafood imported from the Pacific Northwest). Each dish is prepared with passion and intentionality; Find vintage prepared food enhanced in haute cuisine style.
Cunningham runs Social Haus, another striking Scandinavian-style architectural detail on the property. This is the main area where visitors gather to dine, drink and relax around a glass-enclosed fireplace. The area itself reflects the same nature oriented characteristic as the houses; Three sides of the building feature floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal views of pine trees and houses, with wood-focused decor and furniture that reflects the surrounding forest.
Of course, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the nightly price at Green O. Dinner is a subtle affair, as the presentation and the meal in the form of a plate are as sublime as possible; However, visitors can show up in jeans and cowboy boots, if they need to (dressing up is also smart!): it’s about what visitors are most comfortable with.
During my stay, the weather was warm enough for spring, so I ate several times outside on the terrace, by the fire. Sitting by the indoor fireplace is ideal for cooler evenings and sitting at the bar, watching the chefs prepare the food. Outdoor cooking is also an exciting experience.
The dinner menu is adapted both for the evening and for each dish, a waiter (or even one of the chefs) will approach the table to find the inspiration behind the dish. Cocktails, chosen based on wines, beers and spirits, are also part of the all-inclusive program.
On my first night, I enjoyed halibut with seasonal ramps, hamachi, and wild onions; a delicious mixture of celeriac and morels; sumptuous salmon; duck prepared on parsnip puree; yuzu with red fruits; and a delicious pineapple and ginger dessert. My favorite wine on the menu, the Rombauer chardonnay 2022, suitable for a seafood menu.
For lunch, my favorite dish was the rich filet mignon made with beans and squash, which paired well with a blood orange mocktail.
Breakfast included menu items such as potatoes with a very spicy romesco sauce, a cereal set with choux dough and white chocolate ganache, and buttermilk steak with eggs.
While it’s perfectly appropriate to spend the duration of your stay at Green O by the fireplace with new linen sheets and enjoying leisurely meals at Social Haus, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy a true ranch delight in Montana. From raising farm animals to hunting, fly fishing and horseback riding through stunning landscapes, the 37,000-acre assets that make up The Green O and The Resort at Paws Up offer a host of inspiring activities. western.
Green O’s nightly rate includes $500 credits for those other activities, and I really appreciate the credit for at least one or two.
Head to the Wilderness Outpost at Paws Up and a team of staff will help you embark on the activity that’s right for you. Don’t look for the outpost gifts (think: cowboy hats, locally made jewelry, Western-inspired clothing and souvenirs).
Take a guided ATV tour along winding trails along the rushing river and fields of grazing bison, immerse yourself in a full cattle drive experience, or meet the local horses with a relaxing ride through the assets.
There are a few reasons why these special assets may not appeal to each and every traveler:
Unfortunately, one domain where The Green O doesn’t shine is the accessibility department. There is only one available space advertised as a wheelchair and there are no features on the particular assets intended for other people with visual or hearing impairments. The complex does not have an accessibility section and upon contacting The Green O we learned that it is simply not a very available asset.
Just down the street at the Resort at Paws Up, visitors with mobility desires can find more options, adding two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant hotels and wheelchairs in the maximum facilities.
Since I’m the type of user who likes to be in a secluded, outdoor-focused environment, knowing that I can lounge on a plush bed by the fireplace at the end of the night, I found The Green O to be a tonic in resort form. Those who spend their time wandering and venturing outdoors and have an affinity for luxurious, avant-garde hotels, as well as the charm of the western United States, will stay here.
While the value is very high, between the comfortable, intimate hotels and inspiring cuisine, The Green O is worth it for those who spend quite a bit of money on an adults-only all-inclusive getaway in this price range.
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