Let’s put it right out there; some people don’t automatically think of Oklahoma when they hear the phrase “luxury urban hotel experience.”
It’s typical lack of knowledge about U.S. “flyover country,” and it’s too bad that some have those blinders, because the Colcord Hotel in Oklahoma City and the Mayo Hotel in Tulsa are more than a match for any posh boutique hotel, anywhere.
Built in 1910 and serving as an elegant, marble-stuffed commercial office building until a 2006 renovation turned it into a hotel, the Colcord is convenient to Oklahoma City’s Bricktown entertainment district and Convention Center, and it’s right across the street from the lush Myriad Botanical Gardens.
The hotel is also a quick walk from the Art Deco downtown train station, where I arrived in the city aboard Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer from Fort Worth (following my Megabus ride up from Austin; it was quite a long day.)
My room was big – with a view of the eye-catching new SkyDance Bridge – the bed was a giant, delightful cotton boll from which I could hardly stand to arise the next morning, I smelled good from dousing myself with the provided Bulgari toiletries in an enormous bathroom and the WiFi was free and fast.
Breakfast the next morning at the FLINT restaurant downstairs included lemon ricotta pancakes, fresh fruit and excellent coffee.
It doesn’t get much better than that!
The Colcord lobby mail box is next to the elevators; it’s no longer in use, but something about the rich detail was very appealing to me.
When I left the Colcord in Oklahoma City, I took a Greyhound bus to Tulsa in the eastern part of the state (all part of a four-legged trip by bus, train and plane.)
Going from one lovely Oklahoma property to another – Tulsa’s Mayo Hotel was my next stop – in the middle of a heat wave, pulling my carry-on suitcase from the bus station to the hotel during a 112 degrees F afternoon was a mind-bending experience, I’ll say that.
Walking into the cool, snazzy lobby was quite a relief after the short but broiling walk.
Like the Colcord, the Mayo decor is that hard-to-achieve “modern but timeless” which I’ve also seen done very well by the King Edward Hotel in Jackson, Mississippi.
The Mayo certainly has historic items and fixtures, but there are also updated touches like custom lobby chairs of burgundy faux alligator and velvet, with brass nailheads.
My room was large and included a wet bar, microwave and minifridge. There was no charge for the provided bottles of water (don’t you hate when they hang those price tags on hotel water bottles?) and the WiFi was again free and fast.
Why can’t ALL “full service” hotels be like this?
Another ridiculously comfortable bed; good thing because I needed it.
Looking back from the bed area toward the bathroom.
My one regret about staying at the Mayo is that I missed a chance to see their Penthouse rooftop bar, right under the giant Mayo neon sign. I’ve been told that it’s the best view in Tulsa!
Disclosure: The Oklahoma City CVB hosted me at the Colcord Hotel and for our business breakfast at Flint restaurant; I paid for my own room at the Mayo Hotel.
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Both of these hotels look immaculate. However, the Colcord looks absolutely amazing. The historical yet modern build would make for a great atmosphere. I really enjoy staying in places like that.
Thanks for your comment and for visiting the blog, Boyde. 🙂
The mailboxes are miraculous. I also like the lobby, it looks like from a real palace or kingdom. I wonder how much deos it cost to stay there overnight?