The Atherton Hotel at OSU is both a historic gem on the campus of Oklahoma State University and a learning laboratory for today’s students.

Built in 1950, the Student Union Hotel has been an historical place for alumni, families, and visitors to gather. Among the special features of the Union Club Hotel were the 82 guest rooms. Each newly decorated room had restful, eye-appealing furnishings; wall-to-wall carpeting, air-conditioning, a private bath, and guest dial telephone service. The hotel became known for the circulating ice water, a faucet with chilled water in the system. The Union Club had automatic elevator service and ample parking space adjacent to the entrances. Moderate room rates appealed to parents and university guests.

Throughout the years, many famous guests have visited or stayed at the hotel. A few of the guests include Presidents Truman, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush. The Atherton Hotel has also served Senators John Edwards and Joseph Lieberman plus other Presidential candidates as the host property for political debates on campus. Bob Hope, Haile Selassie, Vincent Price, Will Rogers, Jr., Bill Crosby, Faith Hill, Sinbad, Wilt Chamberlain and Coretta Scott King are among the many other high profile guests that have stayed at the hotel.

The Atherton Hotel has a rich history of serving Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, and Oklahoma. The Atherton Hotel is now a part of the College of Human Environmental Sciences and the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration serving as a “living laboratory” for the education and experience of future hospitality professionals. For more than 75 years, the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration has been providing an outstanding education for our future hospitality professionals.

In 2001, the Student Union Hotel became The Atherton Hotel at OSU named in honor of Mr. Bill Atherton, an OSU graduate that spearheaded the renovation. A recent $6-million renovation and revitalization has imbued the hotel with a stately elegance and sophistication in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Atherton was selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America in 2004. A hotel must be at least 50 years old and have significance in the community to qualify for membership.

In the continuing tradition of excellence and growth, The Atherton Hotel is opening a new restaurant in the fall of 2005 called The Ranchers Club. It is upscale destination dining that features prime steaks, the freshest in fish and fowl, sumptuous sides and desserts. An additional new division, Rancher’s Club Catering, now offers full catering and beverage service both on and off campus. 

The Atherton Hotel sets the standard for experiencing Oklahoma hospitality with quality and sophistication on a luxurious scale and creates the ultimate legacy of distinction for future guests. Truly…..unforgettable.