If your downtime is brief, an overnight or weekend jaunt to a quaint bed-and-breakfast or a favorite hotel can help recharge and refresh the soul. Oklahoma City and its surrounding communities offer a number of luxurious options.
No need for passports, heavy luggage or waiting in long security lines at the airport. Just don the shorts and flip flops and off you go.
The Colcord
15 N. Robinson Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 800.678.8946
In 1910, the Colcord Building at the corner of Robinson and Sheridan was Oklahoma City’s first skyscraper. Every luxury of the time was put into the structure’s 12 floors. Marble adorned the columns and walls of the main lobby, while the original nickel and bronze letterbox and elevator doors shone and an ornamental plaster ceiling crowned the space.
A recent $16 million renovation brought the Colcord into the 21st century. The building’s elegance and historic architecture have been preserved, but are now partnered with a contemporary flair.
The spacious Colcord Suite has one of the best views in Oklahoma City. It features a large living area, and a separate bedroom and bath with the finest in Bulgari amenities, including a large soaking tub with jets, luxurious bed linens and custom artwork throughout the suite.
Take time for a relaxing meal in the upscale Flint restaurant and lounge. Flint takes a simple approach to cooking and offers one of the most memorable dining experiences in the city.
The Colcord was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and today is one of Oklahoma City’s most luxurious hotels.
Arcadian Inn
328 E. 1st, Edmond, OK 73034, 405.348.6347
Crisp lavender-scented pillowcases, rose petals and plenty of gracious Oklahoma hospitality await guests at Edmond’s Arcadian Inn. The Arcadian’s innkeepers have made sure each guestroom is well-appointed with the finest, most lavish furnishings.
Jetted tubs for two, bed linens that make you drift off to sleep and modern technology for practical everyday use make the Arcadian Inn a perfect weekend getaway.
The glamorous Crown Jewel Villa is a second-floor suite in a private villa. A king-sized “glass bed” glows at night, and truly must be seen to be believed. Romantic nights and beautiful Oklahoma mornings glisten through the art deco glass walls, while peacock shades of blue and green surround you.
The Arcadian is the perfect place for holding hands, intimate moments and renewed spirits.
The Ambassador
1200 N. Walker, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.600.6200
One of the trendiest new resorts is Oklahoma City’s Ambassador Hotel. It opened with much fanfare early this spring, and is located in the heart of Midtown.
Style, comfort and service are the Ambassador’s trademark. Rooms boast traditional elegance with contemporary touches like high-definition flat screens, iPod docking stations and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Guest can slip away for a breath of fresh air and sun in one of the charming outdoor spaces. Noted chef Leonard Novak leads the culinary experience at the hotel’s full-service restaurant. And the 7th floor rooftop O Bar and terrace overlooking the downtown skyline are a perfect place to relax.
The Ambassador is truly urban luxury at its finest.
Magnolia Manor
325 W. Cleveland Ave., Guthrie, OK 73044, 405.282.6467
One more option for the traveler who wants to stay closer to home is Oklahoma’s first capital, Guthrie.
Just a short drive from the metro, this picturesque little community has been lovingly restored to its turn-of-the-century charm and is listed as the largest historic district in the United States. Today, tourists from around the world stroll the quaint shops and storefronts.
The Magnolia Manor is a delightful bed-and-breakfast. It was built in 1910 and is located on the grounds of the Magnolia Moon. It has three separate quarters furnished with king-sized beds and has a quaint look and feel all its own. Cozy nooks for reading or sipping a cup of tea are sure to relax the mind. Luxurious top thread count bedding and spa-like bathrooms enhance the romantic atmosphere.
The Magnolia complex is located within walking distance of the many antique shops and tea rooms that dot the landscape of downtown Guthrie. If one could turn back time, the Victorian splendor of Guthrie would indeed be the perfect place to visit.
The Skirvin Hilton
1 Park Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102, 405.272.3040
This landmark is as synonymous with Oklahoma as Rodgers and Hammerstein’s famous musical, or our favorite son Will Rogers. The Skirvin has been the overnight home for such notable guests as Harry Truman, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. Roger Staubach and Jimmy Hoffa stayed there, and so did Bob Hope.
The hotel originally opened to the public in 1911. After a fabulous 70-year history, the Skirvin went dark in 1988, and sat empty for the next 19 years. With more than $50 million in renovations, the legend reopened and is once again delighting guests from far and near.
The most luxurious of all spaces, the Skirvin Hilton Presidential Suite boasts views of the growing Oklahoma City skyline. At 1,500 square feet, the suite includes living and dining rooms, a wet bar and guest powder room. The master bath features a whirlpool tub, walk-in shower and a television built into the bathroom mirror.
Restored to its original splendor, The Skirvin Hilton is a combination of historic beauty and modern luxury set in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City.
The Two Hearts Inn
2118 W. Edmond Rd., #100, Edmond, OK 73003, 405.715.2524
The Two Hearts Inn is one of the area’s finest bed and breakfasts. The Inn is impeccably decorated in styles of old world and French neoclassical. Each suite is designed to renew, rekindle and relax the guest in a peaceful and luxurious environment.
One of the most requested rooms is the Suite Tuscany, with its Italian tile floors, ornate ceiling moldings and magnificent stone fireplace. It is furnished with a king-sized bed, separate sitting and dining areas, a private deck and amazing panoramic views perfect for enjoying a glass of cabernet on a warm summer’s evening.
The Two Hearts Inn is one of central Oklahoma’s most romantic getaways.
Hit The Road
We’re not knocking the big summer trip, but if your time – or budget – is short, we’re here to remind you that there are plenty of prime attractions right in your backyard. Comfortable quarters, memorable museums and delectable dining lie within easy reach.
If you can squeeze in a few weekend getaways this summer, do yourself a favor and explore the state all around you. There’s a pretty good chance you’ll realize that Oklahoma is like no other place in the world.
►West
Destination: Elk City
Distance: About 120 miles from central OKC
Home Base: Standifer House Bed & Breakfast
Arts, Culture and Kicks: Old Town Museum Complex (includes National Route 66 & Transportation Museum and Farm and Ranch Museum)
Dining Out: Simon’s Catch; Prairiefire
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A trip to Elk City is a key part of your multi-directional summer tour schedule. After checking in at the Standifer House, get to dinner at Simon’s Catch before the sun goes down. Enjoy plenty
of comfort food while you dine on the deck. If you’re lucky you can glimpse some local wildlife – including elk, of course.
After taking in your three-course breakfast on Saturday morning, you’ll be ready to tackle the Old Town Museum Complex. Start by enjoying the memorabilia from the Beutler Brothers rodeo collection. Don’t linger too long there, though. The complex features two other must-see sections: the National Route 66 & Transportation Museum and the Farm and Ranch Museum.
By now you will have worked up quite an appetite. Treat yourself to dinner at Prairiefire. The creative menu features fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch offerings that are sure to please your palate.
If you still have some life in your legs after Saturday’s museum meanderings, make a stop at Lake Elk City for a leisurely hike amid the 250-acre lake’s surrounding grounds. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy after your walk through the park and before heading home.
Standifer House Bed & Breakfast
1030 W. 7th St.
Elk City, OK 73644
580.225.3048
Simon’s Catch
Merritt Rd.
Elk City, OK 73644
580.225.8400
Old Town Museum Complex
2717 W. Third
Elk City, OK 73644
580.225.6266
Prairiefire
422 S. Main
Elk City, OK 73644
580.225.6865
►South
Destination: Sulphur
Distance: About 80 miles from Central OKC
Home Base: Sulphur Springs Bed & Breakfast
Arts, Culture and Kicks: Chickasaw Cultural Center; National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools & Hall of Honor
Dining Out: Quail Hollow Steakhouse; Springs at the Artesian
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If you can get out of town early enough on Friday, you should be able to catch dinner at Quail Hollow Steakhouse. Wake up early Saturday and eat heartily of the breakfast offerings at your beautiful lodgings. You have quite a day ahead of you!
Get to the Chickasaw Cultural Center as soon as they will let you inside. There is that much to see and do inside the 96,000-square-foot museum and on the 109 acres of grounds. Eat traditional Chickasaw fare at the center’s café, and then take in as much culture as you can before closing time.
Freshen up before heading out to dinner at Springs at the Artesian. If you can spare a little time before hitting the highway on Sunday, stop in for a tour of the National Museum of Horse Shoeing Tools & Hall of Honor. Tours are free to the public but available by appointment only, so be sure to call ahead to schedule.
