For those ready to unwind, or are just passing through but hankering for something outside the regular lodging experience, Oklahoma has unique opportunities available for one-night, weekend, or vacation stays in the form of classic motels and inns.
Desert Hills Motel
Tulsa
Tulsa’s Desert Hills Motel is still kickin’ it old school with its slice of Route 66 life. Using a unique architectural design, the motel was cobbled at an angle to allow for more spacious rooms on a small piece of land. Desert Hills has been welcoming guests on the Mother Road since 1953, and the inn’s retro, neon cactus sign beckons to those who yearn for a retro experience … all with fully remodeled units.
This mom-and-pop motor court offers budget prices, and special rates for guests who stay more than one night. Free HBO is available, and some of the rooms have kitchenettes.
“Our classic neon sign makes our business visually unique,” says owner Jack Patel. “We offer travelers classic, comfortable rooms with parking in front of the door, but without sacrificing today’s comforts. We also have wall-to-wall carpeted rooms and classic, tiled bathrooms with a tub and shower combination. Rooms are also equipped with refrigerators, televisions and Wi-Fi. And we have a guest laundry room on site.”
Classen Inn
OKC
For a colorful array of a stay, pop on over to Oklahoma City’s Classen Inn, which showcases itself with positive slogans like “Stay lively,” and “Where elevated design meets a good time.”
The Classen Inn – which was featured on the Paramount+ show Tulsa King – has its very own convenience store, called the Superette, with hyper-funky charm in every nook and cranny. The inn’s guests, or passersby, may purchase goodies including beer, wine and snacks.
There’s nothing dull about the rooms, which are retro, boho, eclectic and entertaining all rolled into one. Kid and bike friendly, with complimentary Wi-Fi and dogs allowed on the patio, the inn has a shared lounge space, free private parking and a terrace. Some rooms even have private balconies.
A Themed Escape
Tulsa
Then there’s a truly different take on an overnight stay, billed as the “Unique Themed Tulsa Escape,” which is a one-of-a-kind, free-standing, 1,270-square-foot vacation rental that takes eclectic, retro and hyper-pastel to new heights. Even the exterior is painted pastel pink, and guests enter through a turquoise front door underneath a red and white striped awning.
Overlooking Route 66 near Tulsa’s Utica Square Shopping Center, the location has two bedrooms, and sleeps six (if you count the double sofa sleeper in the living room), plus room for three cars in the driveway and street parking.
With 1.5 baths, this stylish getaway offers a fully modern, sleek and well equipped kitchen, and an ample dining table. Included are multiple living areas, plus a sunroom.
Plus, there’s keyless entry, smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and a washer and dryer. You’ll find this one on the VRBO website – just search for “Unique Themed Tulsa Escape.”
Image cutline: The Classen Inn, located in OKC, offers the Superette with snacks and drinks. Photo courtesy the Classen Inn
