Hotel Review – The Courtyard Tulsa Downtown

I recently completed a one-night stay at the Courtyard Tulsa Downtown in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This was a personal stay, and I had an expiring MegaBonus certificate. As a Marriott Rewards Category 2 hotel, this seemed like a perfect use for the certificate. I haven’t been to Tulsa for a few years, and was intrigued when this downtown property caught my eye. As it turns out, this hotel is located in the historic Atlas Life building which was renovated and opened as the Courtyard Tulsa Downtown in 2010. I was especially intrigued by the ability to use my certificate to book a “Historic Registry” guest room using my coupon.

The historic registry rooms are located on the 7th floor, and maintain much of the original structure of the building right down to the office doors, complete with mail slots.

Checking In

I arrived at the hotel via rental car, and was immediately met by the valet. Self parking in public garages nearby is an option, but I elected to valet for the very reasonable price of $15 per night. While you enter on the ground level, you will be walking into the original lobby area of the building which now contains shops and a restaurant. Take the elevator to the second floor where you will find the front desk, and typical Courtyard amenities like the lobby bar area, snacks, etc. I had arrived very early, but was immediately checked in and assigned to room 711.

The Room

Exiting the elevator I was struck at how well maintained the original architecture was. I immediately expected something just a little different than your average Courtyard. Upon entering the room I found modern Courtyard amenities combined with the very unique feel of an older building, including high ceilings, and a touch of character that one might not expect at your local Courtyard. The room was plenty spacious for one, included a well lit work area, comfortable bed, small fridge, and functional complimentary wi-fi.

The sink area was actually part of the main room, while the shower and toilet were separate. Unfortunately, I did not go explore the other floors, so I don’t know if the rooms on other floors are similarly designed. Based on pictures on the hotel website, I think they may be slightly different. It wasn’t a bother, just a note about the design of the room. The room was completely comfortable, and I slept great!

Around the Hotel

If you’re expecting a New York experience in downtown Tulsa, you might want to adjust your expectations. That said, the city has made an obvious effort at attracting entertainment into the downtown area, and there are restaurants within a short walk from the hotel. The hotel’s website offers this list. I also noted the Daily Grill was not far away either, located in the Hyatt. I personally paid a visit to the Blue Rose Cafe, located a little over a mile away on the Arkansas River. The new expanded location is not quite as “intimate” as its first incarnation on Peoria Ave, but the food is as I remember….good, and the beer is cold. I’m also a fan of In the Raw Sushi on Peoria Ave, located in Tulsa’s Brookside area. Each of these spots is probably a cab ride, especially Brookside. I visited the front desk and they gladly called a cab for me which appeared in about 10 minutes. Gosh, I miss Uber when it’s not around. 🙂

The hotel itself is equipped with the modern Courtyard lobby which includes a bar and light service restaurant. It was very quiet there on Monday evening, but power outlets abound, and I was able to enjoy a nightcap and power up my laptop at the same time. The hotel does have a fitness center, but given my 4am departure, I did not partake.

The Bottom Line

I really liked the hotel. The historical nature of the building added a bit of something interesting to the stay that is hard to describe. The staff I interacted with were all smiling and pleasant. Should business or pleasure take me back to Tulsa, this hotel will be among the first I consider.

-MJ, April 2, 2014