Paws Up Montana
Two Michelin Keys
Hotel Details
Location
Paws Up Montana · Greenough, United States
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Key Highlights
- ✓While many guests have exceptional stays, several recurring criticisms have been noted:
Expert Review: Paws Up Montana
Paws Up Montana: A Comprehensive Review of the Two-Key Michelin Property
Paws Up Montana, a Two Michelin Key resort in Greenough, United States, offers a unique blend of untamed wilderness and five-star luxury on a sprawling 37,000-acre working cattle ranch. Praised for its authentic Western experience, diverse activities, and upscale accommodations, it aims to provide an unforgettable "American Safari" experience.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for Paws Up Montana is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests considering it a "life-changing" and "bucket list" destination. It's frequently lauded as a place where true ranch experience meets luxury vacation, making it stand out from other resorts. The resort has been voted among the top resorts globally. However, some guest experiences highlight inconsistencies in management and service delivery, leading to some expressing that the "6-Star Price" can sometimes equate to a "4-Star Experience."
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently rave about the location and the immersive wilderness experience it provides. The resort offers over 70 signature activities across 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of the legendary Blackfoot River, catering to all seasons and interests, from horseback riding and fly-fishing to ATV tours and dogsledding.
The accommodations are a significant highlight, particularly the luxury glamping tents, which are often described as exceptionally comfortable and a unique experience, blurring the lines between camping and five-star lodging. The resort's culinary experiences, crafted by James Beard-nominated chefs, are also a major draw, emphasizing Montana's seasonal and sustainable bounty. The design elements successfully blend rustic Western charm with elevated comfort and modern amenities.
3. Room Quality
Paws Up offers a variety of luxury accommodations, including expansive timber homes and safari-style canvas tents. The luxury homes feature large footprints, proper kitchens, and multiple bedrooms, often with wood-burning fireplaces or stoves, flat-screen TVs, and spacious spa-resort bathrooms. Some homes, like the Wilderness Estates, boast custom rustic-elegant finishes, Western art, decadent bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, and private hot tubs. They often come with electric cars for navigating the vast property.
The safari-style luxury tents are a signature offering, providing a pampered wilderness experience. These "glamping" tents are far from traditional camping, featuring air conditioning and heaters, plush beds, wood furnishings, heated bathroom floors, and spacious en-suite bathrooms with two sinks and large showers. Each of the six tented camps offers a unique setting, some with clifftop views or direct access to the Blackfoot River.
4. Dining Experience
Dining at Paws Up is considered exceptional, moving beyond typical ranch fare to offer gourmet experiences. Meals are often inclusive of the nightly rate, encompassing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There are seven unique dining options, from fine dining to rustic chuck wagon dinners.
The Social Haus, particularly at The Green O (an adults-only section of the property), receives high praise under Executive Chef Andrew Garrison. Another noted venue, The Tank & Trough Bar and Grill, offers a cozy atmosphere with buffet stations and an à la carte menu for breakfast and lunch, providing a wide array of fresh options, including fresh fruit, salads, egg dishes, grilled meats, fish, and an impressive dessert bar. The signature chuck wagon dinner, often enjoyed along the Blackfoot River after a horse-drawn wagon ride, is a memorable experience featuring buffet-style tomahawk steaks, BBQ ribs, cornbread, and berry cobbler, accompanied by live music. Dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets can be accommodated.
5. Service & Staff
Paws Up is a gratuity-free resort, with staff members reportedly well-compensated and highly valued. The resort fee, which is 20% of lodging and food/beverage charges, covers services such as round-trip airport transportation, on-property transportation (with on-demand drivers), use of a personal vehicle for home guests, wireless internet, and access to the fitness center and trails. Guests often commend the guides for activities as "amazing," "accommodating," and "knowledgeable," ensuring safety and fun. The concierge team is skilled at coordinating itineraries, and guests can use a Paws Up app for requests, which contributes to an outstanding level of service across the vast ranch.
However, there have been recurring criticisms regarding management visibility and consistency in service. Some guests have reported a complete lack of manager presence, making it difficult to address issues. Complaints include inconsistent housekeeping, unreliable communication, and issues with activity scheduling and billing. There are also allegations from former employees and locals concerning poor employee treatment, low wages, high turnover, and verbal abuse from management.
6. Location & Accessibility
Paws Up Montana is situated in Greenough, approximately 40 minutes northeast of Missoula International Airport (MSO). The resort's expansive 37,000-acre property is set on a historic working cattle ranch, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience. It provides access to the Blackfoot River, a notable attraction for fly-fishing. The resort itself is designed to be a destination, with over 70 activities on-site, negating the need for extensive travel to external attractions. Round-trip airport transportation and on-property transportation are included in the resort fee. For guests staying in homes, a personal vehicle (like a Kia Soul) is often provided for navigating the massive property.
7. Value & Pricing
Paws Up Montana is a luxury destination, and its pricing reflects that. It is "not cheap, not by a long shot." Rates vary significantly based on the season, accommodation type, and package. For instance, packages can start from $8,800 per person (single occupancy) or $5,670 per person (double occupancy) for a three-night stay in a one-bedroom Big Timber Home during certain seasons, with meal and beverage plans included. Glamping tent packages for two adults and two children can start from around $3,820 per person in May for a four-night stay, also including meals and beverages.
Nightly rates for adults can range from approximately $1,250 to $4,387, depending on the season and accommodation style. Children ages 4 to 11 can stay for an additional $216 per night, including daily meals, while those 12-20 are $348 per night, and children under 3 stay free.
While the nightly rates include three meals per day and an impressive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, most wilderness activities come at an additional cost. Guests should budget around $250 per person per day for activities. Despite the high cost, many guests feel it is "worth every penny" for the unique and memorable experiences offered.
8. Common Complaints
While many guests have exceptional stays, several recurring criticisms have been noted:
- Management Issues: A significant complaint involves a perceived lack of leadership visibility on the sprawling property, leading to operational inconsistencies.
- Inconsistent Service & Communication: Guests have reported issues with messages going unanswered, perpetually confused scheduling for activities, and activities appearing on bills that were not participated in. Room service has also been cited for issues with outdated menus.
- Employee Treatment: There are allegations from former employees and locals regarding poor working conditions, low wages, high turnover, and instances of verbal abuse and discrimination by management.
- Activity Booking: Activities can be popular and fill up quickly, leading to disappointment for guests who wait to book until arrival. It is strongly advised to book activities as early as possible.
- Local Sentiment: Some locals express negative views towards Paws Up, citing issues with land access, the use of public lands for commercial tours (e.g., ATVs), and perceived disregard for local environmental impact.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While many guests have exceptional stays, several recurring criticisms have been noted:
- •Management Issues: A significant complaint involves a perceived lack of leadership visibility on the sprawling property, leading to operational inconsistencies.
Google Reviews
258 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Willem Kamerman
We visited Paws Up with friends. We enjoyed every day. Besides the beautiful area I liked the hospitality that much. Have you ever meet staff that are so friendly and helpful and also remember what you preferred drink was the day before? The activities (horseback riding, kettle drive and fly fishing) we did were also guided by very young and highly skilled staff that enjoyed their work that much t...
Mike B
My favorite places in the whole world. The staff, like Ethan and Cameron especially are absolutely amazing. They make your activities so much more fun. I’d basically only Vacation here if I could
Denrick Bayot
Where do I even begin? We spent this winter at Paws Up in Montana and it was one of the most magical trips we’ve ever had. If you’re dreaming of the perfect winter escape, look no further! Our whole group—including a toddler—had an absolute blast. The winter activities were off the charts. Dog sledding was such a cool experience (the dogs are amazing!), we raced around on snowmobiles, and took the...
Helen Weber
Just got back from my Stepdaughters wedding at Paws Up and it couldn't have been more perfect!! The staff, cabins, the owner, everything was the best I ever experienced! Thank you Nadine for the wedding of a lifetime! I wish every girl could have one as perfect as this one!
Lance Conlan
A great experience! We especially loved our wrangler, Hannah J!!! What a beautiful and kind soul she is! And all the staff were top notch and professional. Plus the location and facilities are gorgeous. It's truly God's country!
Sami Spalter
My family and I had one of the most unforgettable trips of our lives at Paws Up. It was our first time in Montana, and we wanted something really special—we’d heard incredible things, but the experience exceeded every expectation. We visited in July and were blessed with perfect weather. We stayed in a Wilderness Estate, and it was beyond luxurious—spacious, cozy, and beautifully designed, comple...
About Two Michelin Keys
Two Michelin Keys recognize hotels that provide an excellent stay experience. These properties stand out for their remarkable quality, distinctive character, and superior service that goes above and beyond expectations.
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