Honestly joining the Hyatt reservation system will be just the tonic this beautiful place needs. It’ll probably fill up right away, despite its challenges. And by challenges I mean some square footage efficiency issues, and being located a bit off the beaten path (although clearly, the area is experiencing a dramatic improvement and reinvention). It also helps that the owners are patient money. They’re very strategic, and are simply never going to do anything out of panic.

That's really what draws business travelers. What platform are you on, business guys usually love to accumulate points and then spend them on personal vacations.

DonÂ’t beat OKC up over losing the 21c brand. I live and own a retail store in Bentonville and since they went to the Accord system things havenÂ’t been the same. The Brown family (Jack DanielÂ’s) opened the Bentonville location over 10 years ago. The Walton family (Walmart) own the property which was new construction. Rates have skyrocketed and the restaurant has horrible reviews over the past few years. Even though itÂ’s still viable in downtown Bentonville, AR, itÂ’s definitely lost itÂ’s umphÂ….at least locally!

^

Thank you for that perspective.

I'm sure this change to the Hyatt system is going to end up being an improvement, but very grateful for 21c for their time here.

I would miss the changing art exhibits from 21C. Maybe somehow it will continue ?

I would miss the changing art exhibits from 21C. Maybe somehow it will continue ?

Yes, Hall Capital and the Jones family are the primary benefactors of the Fred Jones Museum of Art in Norman (which is excellent), and they've already indicated art would likely rotate between the hotel and the museum.

isn't it the owners that have dumped 21c/Accor and not that OKC lost their flag? Just want to be sure I understand what happened.

isn't it the owners that have dumped 21c/Accor and not that OKC lost their flag? Just want to be sure I understand what happened.

I believe the owners (Hall Capital) didn't want to continue their relationship with 21c and then went out and found an operator that is better suited (Hyatt).

But you never really know in these situations.

I believe the owners (Hall Capital) didn't want to continue their relationship with 21c and then went out and found an operator that is better suited (Hyatt).

But you never really know in these situations.

I heard that the corporate costs of 21C were too high to run the hotel profitably. Source is a former employee that is close with a lot of the current team.

I heard that the corporate costs of 21C were too high to run the hotel profitably. Source is a former employee that is close with a lot of the current team.

Heard the same thing.

The artwork has started coming off the walls in the building.

The artwork has started coming off the walls in the building.

They should use bigger nails then.

Press release:

********

Hyatt Expands The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Brand Presence Into Oklahoma City With Introduction of Fordson Hotel
The new lifestyle hotel, formerly a 21c Museum Hotel, charms travelers and the OKC community with its rich history, steadfast spirit and moments that inspire
August 01, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that Fordson Hotel, formally known as 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City, officially joined the Hyatt portfolio today as an affiliated hotel, in collaboration with Hall Capital and Avion Hospitality, the hotel’s owner and operator, respectively. The industrial revolution-inspired property is now bookable across Hyatt reservation channels and is expected to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in late 2023. Fordson Hotel is conveniently located in the West Village District near Oklahoma City’s downtown and housed in the former Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant, which dates back to more than a century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Hyatt continues to prioritize thoughtful growth in the markets most relevant to our loyal guests and World of Hyatt members, and this forthcoming addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand will offer guests even more story-worthy experiences.”

Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Fred Jones, a local industrialist, civic leader, and one of the largest Ford dealers in the country in the 1950s, the Fordson Hotel building is the only historical landmark in Oklahoma City associated with a blue-collar industry. The rich history of the Ford Motor Company is embraced throughout the property which takes full advantage of its industrial pedigree with authentic design and contemporary furnishings. The hotel is home to a relaxed lobby, welcoming public spaces and 135 guestrooms and suites that provide a comfortable respite with high ceilings. The property also offers 14,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces including 1 large ballroom, a spa and fitness center, and large steel windows and custom-designed furniture.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Hall Capital and Avion Hospitality to offer travelers a sophisticated yet unscripted experience in Oklahoma City’s emerging West Village District,” said David Tarr, senior vice president of development, Hyatt. “Hyatt continues to prioritize thoughtful growth in the markets most relevant to our loyal guests and World of Hyatt members, and this forthcoming addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand will offer guests even more story-worthy experiences.”

Fordson Hotel is an inventive union of hospitality, design, unforgettable service and culinary creativity highlighting the steadfast spirit and rich history of Oklahoma City. The hotel features a pool terrace and three on-property dining options including Mary Eddy’s Dining Room, which celebrates the golden age of American dining with an elevated take on American classics, as well as Pool Bar and Bodega. Pool Bar offers laid back, social dining with playful dishes and chilled cocktails and Bodega is a one-stop shop for quick and thoughtful bites and beverages for all hours of the day.

Located at 900 West Main Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Fordson Hotel is expected to join the World of Hyatt loyalty program when it joins The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in late 2023, and members will soon have the opportunity to experience Oklahoma City’s rich industrial heritage and earn points on stays to use toward free nights, dining, spa experiences and more.

For more information or to book a reservation, please visit www.fordsonhotel.com.

To learn more about The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, please visit hyatt.com/brands/unbound-collection.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

More than a compilation of independent, one-of-a-kind hotels, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is a thoughtful curation of stories worth collecting. Whether it’s a modern marvel, a historic gem or a revitalizing retreat, each property provides thought-provoking environments and experiences that inspire guests seeking elevated yet unscripted service when they travel. For a full list of hotels in the collection, visit unboundcollection.hyatt.com. Follow @UnboundxHyatt on Facebook and Instagram and tag your photos with #UnboundxHyatt.

great news for this property and for OKC

Hyatt! That’s awesome. They have a great loyalty program. This is a huge win for the city.

Fordson? Alright.

I stayed at 21c Monday night (last night under that flag) and saw several of the new team members from out of state visiting to discuss the transition. I worked by 21c for about 5 years and it's quite devoid of art now which was jarring to see upon check in. I'm hopeful the new flag will take the hotel to another level but still crossing my fingers.

Fordson? Alright.

Yeah, that name is throwing me off a little.

Yeah, that name is throwing me off a little.

I did a quick Google search because I thought the same thing. Turns out “Fordson” was the name of the original tractor that Ford made. Seeing as the building was originally a Ford Model T plant, I’m guessing the name is a nod to both the origin of the building maybe crossed with a nod to Oklahoma’s ag industry? Kinda neat.

I did a quick Google search because I thought the same thing. Turns out “Fordson” was the name of the original tractor that Ford made. Seeing as the building was originally a Ford Model T plant, I’m guessing the name is a nod to both the origin of the building maybe crossed with a nod to Oklahoma’s ag industry? Kinda neat.

There is a Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI (where Ford is headquartered) nicknamed the Tractors. The new hotel name instantly reminded me of that.

I did a quick Google search because I thought the same thing. Turns out “Fordson” was the name of the original tractor that Ford made. Seeing as the building was originally a Ford Model T plant, I’m guessing the name is a nod to both the origin of the building maybe crossed with a nod to Oklahoma’s ag industry? Kinda neat.

Just returned from Detroit yesterday and got to ride in a 109 year old Model T at Greenfield Village..... I highly recommend visiting if you ever visit Detroit and like historical parks.

I did a quick Google search because I thought the same thing. Turns out “Fordson” was the name of the original tractor that Ford made. Seeing as the building was originally a Ford Model T plant, I’m guessing the name is a nod to both the origin of the building maybe crossed with a nod to Oklahoma’s ag industry? Kinda neat.

Well, in that case, I see why it makes sense. It will grow on me. Good find!

Yeah, that is reasonable to me too.

Stopped in yesterday and the hotel now has a Ford Model T in the lobby. Very cool.

Stopped in yesterday and the hotel now has a Ford Model T in the lobby. Very cool.

A Fordson branded tractor would be appropriate.

A Fordson branded tractor would be appropriate.

Or a Model T since that building was originally a Model T plant.