# 139 - Mayo Hotel in Tulsa

Landmark Hotel

 Don and I lived in Tulsa for 6 years when our kids were young.  But we never stepped foot in this fine looking hotel.

Last April,  we were in Oklahoma for a brief stop. We only had little time since we were squeezing in a couple events, along with my Dad from Missouri and my sister and wife from Oregon.  We hoped we would at least get a moment to pause and take in the grandness of this fine hotel!

A Happening Downtown!

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon, when we arrived. Tulsa looked more beautiful and alive than I ever remembered.

We barely made it on time to enjoy a local production of "Billy Elliot" starring a friend of my dad's.  Then we rushed a block away to Guthrie Green to catch the end of a performance with composer/ performer, David Amram.  He and my Dad had a quick reunion.  It was their first, since working together over 50 years ago at Lincoln Center.  It was a whirlwind of reunions and then it was time for goodbyes. 

City Hotel

It was hard parting with family, but at least Don and I had a night at The Mayo.  The hotel was just a couple blocks away and looked very impressive as we approached. The 2-story base, lined with Doric columns, appeared to hold up all floors above.   
I wanted to stand and study the terra cotta facade with all the stone trim accents. 

Entrance

But we were in a rush.  I only had time to glance up all 18 stories as we rushed in through the main entrance.  This was once the tallest building in Oklahoma, when it was built in 1925!

Grand Entrance

Everything was shining when we entered the lobby.  The chandelier was shimmering, the floors were shiny, the marble was glossy.   

And where was everyone?  It was a Sunday evening, so things were a little quiet. But Sunday also meant we could afford the rates.  

From Floor to Ceiling

Don checked us in at the desk while I studied the 2-level lobby.  (Those were some very long curtains!)  I wondered what the place looked like when Bob Hope stayed... or JFK or Charlie Chaplin!

Off to Our Room

We got our key and headed for the set of elevators.  It was fun to imagine the clothing styles and even the suitcases that traveled up these elevators over the years.

​History in the Halls

The hall gave no hints of the hotel's age.  The Mayo was gutted and renovated before its reopening in 2009, so all seemed sleek and modern.  But there were numerous framed photographs telling lots of history.  I longed for some time to study, but we were in a hurry. 

Our Room

We checked in at 7:10 and needed to freshen up and be in the bar by 7:30, so I snapped pics fast.  It is my job to take photos before we mess the place up.  This place was huge for $119.00!  

Space!

It was nice to be able to spread out after 2 weeks of of road-tripping, with mostly cramped accommodations.  The modern decor was a little unmemorable and I think they forgot to put artwork on the walls, but we weren't complaining. The bed was heavenly and the TV was huge.

Bathroom

Well, there was some art in the bathroom, which was spotless.  My photos don't capture any of the clean, fresh feel of this place.  I kept wishing we could slow down and enjoy.

View

I lifted the blinds of one of our two windows, since I always need to check out the view.  I couldn't see much, since we were surrounded by buildings. But if I have to stare at a building, at least it was one with some character.

 

Boiler Room

So Don and I rushed to make it downstairs to the hotel's "Boiler Room" by 7:30. The classy restaurant and bar were as quiet as the hotel lobby. But then we met up with our dear friends and old neighbors, Kim and Dan!  What a treat that they could meet up on short notice.  

In about 2 seconds we filled that quiet place with a few years worth of catching up and laughter. 

Drinks Served by Casey

Casey was our very extroverted server in the bar.  He brought our drinks and made sure to give Dan lots of olives.  We yakked on and on over appetizers and drinks. We made sure Casey got a photo of all of us and of course he took a selfie of himself.  I took my own photo of Casey and I think it shows off his personality quite well.

We made some toasts and enjoyed having the place to ourselves.  I also had a chance to wander a bit and snoop at the decor.  

Celebs

In the dining room there were numerous, Warhol-ish images of celebrities like Lucy and Lindberg who were once guests.  I didn't see any artwork showing Britney Spears, but evidently she booked 80 rooms in 2009, right before the grand re-opening.

Boiler Room Treasures

I liked the clever use of this piece of "junk" that actually did come from the original boiler room. The rusty metal piece made an excellent host desk!  

Since The Mayo was vacant for nearly 30 years, there must have been very few valuable treasures left in the building.  I'm glad they rescued a few curious things like this.

Good Night To Dan & Kim

If it hadn't been a Sunday night, our friends might have been able to hang out longer.  We also could have enjoyed a visit to the Penthouse Rooftop Bar, but it was closed on Sunday.  It was finally time for good-byes, then Don and I took a detour on the way to our room. We weren't able to peek at the Rooftop Bar, but we found The Crystal Ballroom.

Wow!

We had no idea The Mayo had been rescued from the wrecking ball in 1981! No wonder Don and I had never stepped into the hotel before.  This is photo from the hotel's website, shows what the ballroom looked like before renovation.  I so love stories like this! The building was bought for "for the price of a parking lot" and look at it today!

What's Notable?

I'll mostly remember this stay, like a dream. I didn't get to absorb all that this impressive hotel had to offer. Our focus was on family and friends and I would have it no other way.

We pulled out at 7 the next morning, after a good night's sleep... except for the trash trucks at 3 am.  I'm eager to give this one another try in the future. I'll be sure to allow lots of time to explore the hotel and the downtown and visit with old friends, as well!