Terra R.
4/5
This is a complicated review haha - I stay here every time I come to Tulsa. This *might* be changing.
Hereās what I love: The place has a lovely quirky historic vibe on Route 66. There are pretty wood floors (that are very clean Iām noticing as I shuffle around in my white socks) instead of ugly hotel carpet. The couches and sitting rooms and gathering areas are very comfy and chic. The bartender seems really cool. The staff really stand out, Dakota is great. They are all great. Everything Iāve ever asked for, they have accommodated (Iām high maintenance). I feel safe here traveling alone. Parking is around the back, itās a big free lot and there is no hassle. My rentals feel secure.
The room I love, and the only room I stay in is 226 - for its comfy bed, sky light, and faux fireplace that gives me sun light by day and a warm glowing ambiance at night. Thereās a cozy reading chair for taking zoom calls. The shower and jet tub are for tall people - The two big closets (one with hanging rod and one with shelves) are a dream for my OCD organization needs. Thereās a fridge and a microwave and a keurig - Plus all the cool shopping is nearby (check out Tulsa Vintage Co for great vintage denim) and itās close to the airport. Lately itās been way cheaper to Uber than to rent a car so this proximity to airport is a boon.
Heres what Iām noticing over time: I must admit, this particular room has been on a steady slow decline over the years. The peeling skylight paint has spread, thereās more dents in the walls that need paint touchup, one of the faucets is so wobbly now that it leans all the way to back to the wall. The floating table by the bed is leaning toward the floor so everything rolls off. The lamp is so wobbly I opted not to use it. The water pressure is very low. The tiles beside the fireplace need repair. There is no functioning upper door latch. While there is a deadbolt, if you forget to lock it, one can easily open these doors from the hall by sliding a credit card between the door jam because the locking mechanism is installed backwards.
There was only a sheet and brocade coverlet on the bed so Iām not sure if thatās standard or if everyone has to ask for actual soft blankets. They allow dogs (I have brought mine in the past), but how do you screen for loud dogs, am I right? So, this time I was awoken by a yapping dog and its yelling owner a few times (you can hear any ruckus, so the hope is that no rowdy kids or yappy dogs are staying in rooms close by. Itās usually fine!) There was a mentally ill person yelling in the parking lot when I checked out so Dakota walked me out - but hey, this is midtown and Iām not a princess. The guy moved along.
Breakfast is Keurig coffee (which is so gross to me) and packaged muffins or granola bars. There is an Amish bakery right across the street so Iāve always wondered why this historic hotel isnāt feeding us better with local Route 66 fare from across the way and drip coffee or juice or even cold bottled waters.
I think that a thoughtful locally sourced breakfast and the accompanying morning social scene would change the whole face of this place, and revive its charm just enough to keep me there. As it is, I just go to the grocery store for protein and use my mini fridge. Again, itās been fine for me.
Overall, with the latest declines in care for the property and hit or miss cleanliness (my room was immaculate but my sisters room was pretty dirty āshe changed out her own bedding as a result āand was given a full refund), I might choose another place to stay next time. This breaks my heart, it could be so good! But Iām afraid to recommend it because one manās historic treasure is another manās major disappointment.
After tax, I paid $700 for 5 nights and never felt like I had a decent shower. At this rate, with the room being in a 10% decline every time I go, I just donāt know. Itās going from charming and quirky to ā¦a rip off (at this price point anyway).
Sadly, maybe Home2Sweets is the better bet until they can get some updates done.