Bradford House earns prestigious MICHELIN Key distinction

Photo courtesy: © Michal Rzepecki - Bradford House

This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com. 

The Bradford House, a boutique hotel located in Oklahoma City’s vibrant Uptown, has been recognized in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide as one of the country’s outstanding hotels, a first-time accolade for Oklahoma. This announcement marks the second time the MICHELIN Guide has awarded Keys to hotels in the United States, celebrating properties that significantly enhance the travel experience. 

The MICHELIN Keys, similar to the esteemed MICHELIN Stars awarded to restaurants, signify exceptional quality in five categories: architecture and interior design, service consistency, overall character, value for price and contribution to the guest experience. The 2024 selection includes 16 Three Key hotels, 70 Two Key hotels and 207 One Key hotels, highlighting the best of more than 5,000 vetted accommodations globally.  

“We wanted to create something that didn’t exist yet—a place where guests could connect to the space in a deeply personal way,” Sara Kate Little explains. “The design reflects our love of color, art and the tangible emotions they evoke. This recognition by MICHELIN and Design Hotels™ affirms that our vision to create a bold, unique experience resonates with guests worldwide.” 

Bradford House, originally built in 1912 by prominent Oklahoma City cattleman William L. Bradford, features 36 uniquely decorated bedrooms within a well-preserved historic building. Owners Jason and Sara Kate Little have infused the space with their passion for property development, combining vintage and antique furnishings sourced from France and Italy to create an eclectic yet personal ambiance. This year, Bradford House has also joined the exclusive Design Hotels™ collection, further solidifying its place in the elite global category known for distinct design and character. 

The hotel offers modern comforts, including Bellino linens and Apple TVs, as well as complimentary bicycles for guests to explore Uptown. An elegant cocktail bar and a stylish restaurant serving brunch, dinner and afternoon tea enhance its social atmosphere. The hotel’s design reflects the couple's love of color, art and storytelling, inviting guests to connect with the space in a deeply personal way. 

The Bradford House’s rich history dates back to the late 19th century when William L. Bradford arrived in Oklahoma City from Kansas. Known for his congeniality and hospitality, Bradford hosted notable figures, such as Hollywood star Rock Hudson and then-presidential candidate Jimmy Carter, during the turbulent 1960s and 1970s. Today, the hotel continues this legacy of warmth and welcome, inviting guests from near and far to experience its charm. 

As noted in the MICHELIN Guide’s review, “A proper boutique hotel is more than just an ordinary hotel with a bit of extra color applied to the décor—to be worthy of the name, it’s essential to have some personality, a point of view, a style you can’t order from a catalog.” Bradford House embodies this ideal, offering a character-filled atmosphere that highlights the spirit of boutique hospitality. 

As the MICHELIN Guide expands its hotel selections, the recognition of Bradford House highlights the growing reputation of Oklahoma City as a destination for travelers seeking memorable stays in exceptional accommodations. With its unique blend of history and modernity, Bradford House is setting a new standard for experiential travel, celebrating creativity, charm and quality in the heart of Oklahoma City.