Hotel Check: Omni Oklahoma City
WHERE IS IT: Between the new convention center and Chesapeake Energy Arena (where the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder plays), the hotel anchors an important development project for the city. A nearby park, convenience to attractions like Bricktown and access to the city’s relatively new street car assure that guests are in the heart of it all.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? Omni is on a roll with new hotel openings around the country, many of which are conveniently located near important sporting venues or large conference facilities. This convention hotel offers all the business traveler amenities without forgoing the design appeal of a smaller boutique property.
Everything from the floor design pattern (meant to look like the iconic Scissortail Bridge nearby) to the hallway carpeting (featuring tall stalks of grain) is related to something local.
I was particularly impressed with the long fireplace that sits on one side of the lobby. The lounge space is popular with guests, and the nearby Basin Bar is so popular that people often bring their cocktails to the lobby to enjoy. Rustic earth tones mark the fabric and wall colors throughout the building, and the local artwork gives talented Oklahomans a chance to show off their skills. Every part of the décor tells a story, and if you’re not sure of something, ask someone because there’s always more than meets the eye. I really liked the cattle-themed items in the bar area. Even if you’re in the city for work, you learn a bit about the region’s history of cattle farming and oil, which is evident in the design.
Omni’s focus on health and safety during the Covid-19 pandemic is front and center with signage to wear masks indoors and stay six feet apart.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 605 rooms and suites
ROOM FACILITIES: The rooms continue the same stylish look with dark navy and beige tones. Fabric headboards have mirrors wrapped around them making rooms seem larger. Plush duvets and plentiful pillows add comfort while built-in power outlets on either side of the bed provide convenience. Instead of a traditional desk, large coffee tables double as work and dining space with power and USB outlets within reach. A bar cart houses a refrigerator and retro-style lamps add to the clever look. Flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers serving Stance Coffee from sustainable coffee farmers and safes are standard. Sofas run the length of the window, and views of the downtown skyline or nearby park are fantastic from this angle.
Omni has not trimmed amenities the way other hotels have. Daily housekeeping is still an option, and in guest rooms, coffee supplies are also wrapped for added protection. The remote control as well as a pad and pen are also wrapped in plastic (many hotels have done away with pads and pens).
Bathrooms have large glass shower stalls (some rooms have combination tubs). Wide vanities have Nest toiletries with gold-framed baskets beneath the sink holding extra towels and hairdryers. Suites add a half bath and soaking tub in the main bathroom.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Omni’s opening has really resonated with Oklahoma City residents. Getting a reservation at some of its restaurants requires plenty of advance notice. Bob’s Steak & Chop House is an elegant steakhouse serving fine cuts of meat, hearty salads and a tasty selection of sides. Each meal starts with the restaurant’s signature pickled vegetables (I would come back just for that part, so delicious). Basin Bar is the happening lobby bar and lounge that bustles all evening while there’s also Catbird Seat, which is several floors up and near the pool with park views plus a menu of casual dining options. A food truck-style burger bar is planned, and soon to open is an all-day dining restaurant called Seltzer’s with an all-American diner menu and retro decor. Walk through the football-shaped archway to enter OKC Tap House, which has two floors of entertainment and sports bar space. The shishito peppers on the appetizer menu were my favorite. Local beers and craft cocktails are on the menu, too. Park Grounds serves sustainably sourced coffee and grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and snacks on the ground level. It’s a popular spot with locals who stop in for nitro-infused coffee or cold brews while they work away on laptops. I appreciated that seats had coat (or purse) hooks and power and USB outlets.
LEISURE FACILITIES: An outdoor pool overlooks the city skyline with lounge chairs and private cabanas with individual TVs. A firepit on the pool deck is perfect for a sunset cocktail from the nearby bar. The hotel’s day spa is very popular with locals including a treatment menu and nail salon services. At the 24-hour fitness center, modern Precor workout equipment and free weights are great for a workout with excellent views of the city from tall windows. I liked that there was a refrigerator with bottled water.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES: With 76,000 square feet of meeting space and the nearby convention center, this property is sure to draw groups of all sizes. There’s also a top-floor board room with excellent views, al fresco reception spaces and a co-working space with individual booths or board room stocked with supplies.
VERDICT: This hotel is an impressive addition to Omni’s portfolio. Its thoughtful design features paired with excellent dining make it the perfect place to stay in the Oklahoman capital whether you’re here for business or pleasure.
CONTACT: 100 West Oklahoma City Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73109, Phone 405-438-6500, www.omnihotels.com
