Oklahoma’s oldest hotels can be found across the state. See our list of historic lodging

While there aren’t many structures in Oklahoma dating back to statehood, visitors to the state can get a taste of architectural history by staying at one of Oklahoma’s historic hotels.

Many of the hotels on this list were opened in formerly vacant office buildings built during Oklahoma’s oil boom heyday, while others faced struggles for decades to remain in the hospitality business before finding their niche with new owners.

While not an exhaustive list, here are some of Oklahoma’s oldest and most historic hotels.

Skirvin Hilton

The Skirvin is considered Oklahoma City’s oldest hotel, opened in 1911 by oilman W.B. Skirvin. The hotel closed in 1988 as the oil bust devastated the state. Former Mayor Kirk Humphreys led an effort a decade later to have the city buy the landmark and team up with Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels and Resorts to do a top-to-bottom renovation while also preserving its historic architecture.

The hotel then reopened in February 2007 with Marcus Hotels and Resorts managing it until its most recent sale in 2022. Now, the Hilton-branded hotel is owned by an investment group that includes Sovereign Properties Holdco LLC., a business entity of the Chickasaw Nation, and other local investors.

Classen Inn

Originally opened in 1963, the Classen Inn was remodeled and reopened in 2020 as an homage to mid-century “futuristic” architecture. The Oklahoma City motel also has a Superette combined with the front desk that offers an extensive array of beers, wines and snacks, as well as a visiting lounge.

The Mayo Hotel

The Mayo Hotel first opened in 1925 and catered to Tulsa’s burgeoning oil industry. Just one year after earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, it closed its doors and fell into disrepair. The Mayo sat vacant for the next three decades until a local family purchased it for $250,000 in 2001.

A $42 million restoration was completed in 2009, and The Mayo Hotel reopened with 102 guest rooms, 76 private residences and an event space.

Hootie Creek Guest House

Talihina’s Commercial Hotel opened in 1906. Fires and ownership changes led to several reopenings over the years, and the two-story brick structure was eventually remodeled in 2004.

It’s now open as the Hootie Creek Guest House with 10 rooms, an outdoor pavilion and second-story deck.

Bradford House

The Bradford House was completed in 2012 as a private residence with guest accommodations for affluent Oklahoma City visitors. Over the next few decades, it was host to celebrity guests who passed through the city.

It was restored in 2015 and reopened as a boutique hotel. In 2024, it became the first in Oklahoma to be honored and featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide.

Campbell Hotel

Built in 1927, the Campbell Building in Tulsa once housed the Casa Loma Hotel.

Each room represents an eclectic mix of 1960s Americana and oddities. It’s been described as kitschy, colorful and fun.

It was renovated and reopened in 2011. The Campbell Hotel is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and allows guests to stay in themed rooms honoring Patti Page, Leon Russell, Historic Route 66 and Tulsa’s oil industry.

Ambassador Tulsa

The building that’s home to the Ambassador Tulsa Hotel first opened as a combined apartment building and hotel that catered to oil barons and affluent families.

Coury Hospitality renovated and reopened it the company’s first Ambassador concept in 1999.

Ambassador Hotel (Oklahoma City)

Construction began on the Osler Building in 1928, and the top floor was finished in 1946.

Originally housing medical offices, the building reopened as The Ambassador Hotel after Coury Hospitality purchased it in 2012.

The National

Oklahoma City’s historic First National Center building was constructed in 1931. After decades as an office building and commercial space, it was converted to include a 146-room hotel in 2022.

The opening of the hotel marked the first time the building was fully occupied in more than 30 years after its anchor, First National Bank, closed during the 1980s oil bust.

Tulsa Club Hotel

The Tulsa Club Building opened in 1927 as one of the city’s premier social gathering spots. It eventually closed in 1994 and sat vacant for the next two decades.

However, the 11-story building reopened in 2019 as a boutique hotel affiliated with Hilton.

Colcord Hotel

The Colcord building was constructed 1910. It was reopened as a hotel in 2006 and went through several owners before being purchased the renovated in 2021.

Downtown Motel (Woodward)

The Downtown Motel in Woodward is reminiscent of roadside stops that popped up across the United States during the mid-century interstate tourism boom.

Built in 1968, the building has been a resting spot for travelers and workers who have passed through or stayed to visit the area.

Dominion Gardens and Hotel

Located in Guthrie, Dominion Gardens and Hotel sits in what was once the Masonic Children’s Home – one of the largest children’s facilities in Oklahoma at the time.

It was built in 1923 but has been renovated into an event space and small boutique hotel.

Contributing: Steve Lackmeyer, The Oklahoman

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma’s oldest hotels, motels and inns where you can stay overnight