Oklahoma City is one of those cities we never thought we’d love as much as we do.
Much like Dallas, it’s a creative, cosmopolitan destination that welcomes and celebrates LGBT people despite being in an ultra-conservative state. You can learn about all the fun queer things to do on the Visit OKC LGBTQ+ page. (You’ll even find one of our stories from five years ago there with quality info that’s still relevant.)
On our most recent stay, however, we didn’t explore the city itself at all. We were invited to immersive ourselves in everything the recently opened hotel, The National, Autograph Collection, a historic skyscraper in the heart of downtown.
To say it’s gorgeous would be the understatement of the day. The developers lovingly and painstakingly restored a former bank that was falling into serious disrepair and brought it back from near-destruction to be a real jewel in the OKC crown.
Now, it’s a place we’re going to visit often (because we’re suckers for collecting Marriott Bonvoy points).
Awaiting you are three incredible restaurants (including one that still features the original teller windows), a basement speakeasy in the former bank vault, and a corridor of shops and services (including a great barber).
You can now drive to OKC (damn you, Southwest for axing the non-stop flight to/from Love Field!) for a weekend and never have to leave the property. Of course, you’re within walking distance of several other fantastic eateries, watering holes, museums and attractions. You know, if for some reason you get cabin fever while snuggled into your gazillion-thread-count sheets on one of the most comfortable hotel beds ever while sipping on champagne with your dog curled up next to you.
Click on any of the images in the gallery below to get a deeper look at The National, Autograph Collection and consider a spring trip to OKC for a change of scenery and a healthy dose of culture and charm.
Plenty Mercantile
The National, Autograph Collection
120 North Robinson Avenue, Oklahoma City
thenationalokc.com
