The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Nestled on the Arkansas River, Tulsa has a dazzling mix of culture, cuisine and cocktails
Nestled on the Arkansas River, Tulsa has a dazzling mix of culture, cuisine and cocktails | Courtesy of The Mayo Hotel / Expedia
Nick Dauk

Smack in the middle of the US is Tulsa, a cosmopolitan city oozing with Southern charm, Western cuisine, and a wealth of art deco-inspired architecture. The Oklahoma oil boom gave birth to a culture that’s constantly influenced by whatever the wind blows in. Think there’s nothing more than wind sweeping down the plain and hawks making lazy circles in the sky? Tulsa’s luxury hotels will make you rethink the Sooner State – and they are all bookable through Culture Trip.

1. Harwelden Mansion – for a historic homestay

Guesthouse

Grand reception area at Harwelden Mansion with red-patterned seating, decorative statues and tiled walls
Courtesy of Harwelden Mansion / Expedia

Wealthy oil baron Earl P. Harwell knew what he was doing when he built this Tudor-style mansion just off Riverside Drive, overlooking the Arkansas River in 1923, now one of the top hotels in Tulsa. Everything screams luxury, from the circular drive with a bronze sculpture to the balustraded balconies where you can sip a glass of champagne overlooking lush velvet-like lawns. Stay in four boutique-hotel-style suites in the main building or the Carriage House, all swish with softly-painted paneling, framed art and designer wallpaper.

2. River Spirit Casino Resort – for glass-fronted gambling

Resort, Casino Hotel

Outdoor area at River Spirit Casino Resort with palm trees, seating and a pool bar
Courtesy of River Spirit Casino Resort / Expedia

Pretty and bold shades of turquoise and orange create a bright, coastal feel in lavishly-styled rooms at this tropical-themed Tulsa resort. There’s no beach to sunbathe on despite being on the banks of the Arkansas River, however if you’re staying at this multimillion-dollar casino with more than 2,500 slot machines, 24 blackjack tables, 15 poker tables, you may not be here for the view. When the gambling stops, take your pick of four restaurants, including a steakhouse, before a beer in the Mystic River Lounge, where you can tap your toe to the live bands playing country and classic rock.

3. Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, Autograph Collection – for a historic hotel

Chain Hotel

Exterior view of Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, a tall red-brick building with white-framed windows
Courtesy of Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, Autograph Collection / Expedia

Custom-crafted furniture; triple-sheeted pillows; Italian stone walk-in showers – one of Tulsa’s most historical buildings is also one of its most luxurious hotels. Allow the Ambassador to introduce you to the finer side of the city with Beef Wellington at the Chalkboard. The concierge will help you secure tickets to the best events at the BOK Center or Tulsa Performing Arts Center. To experience Tulsa’s natural wealth, book the free shuttle to the city’s acclaimed Gathering Place riverside park.

5. Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown – for living the high life

Hotel

Outdoor swimming pool on the roof of Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown, surrounded by sunbeds
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Tulsa Downtown / Expedia

Waste no time getting to know Tulsa with a little help from the Hyatt Regency. The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, the Woody Guthrie Center, and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center are within walking distance of your suite if you want to put a song in your step. Feel free to rock out in your room when you return with a little room service – the Daily Grill downstairs will send up steaks and scotch on the rocks for you to savor on your private balcony.

6. Tulsa Club Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton – for early 20th century glamour

Chain Hotel

Aerial view of a lounge area at Tulsa Club Hotel, with elegant gold and green furniture – including sofas, armchairs and tables
Courtesy of Tulsa Club Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton / Expedia

Immerse yourself in Tulsa’s art scene at the chic Tulsa Club Hotel, which brushes up against the iconic Philtower Building on the Deco District’s skyline. Only a block from the Decopolis art deco museum, the world-renowned architecture here makes an exhibition of the views from your premier king suite’s windows. Meanwhile, enjoy Commerce’s creative cocktails and savor the French fare at the hotel’s Chamber restaurant.

7. Hotel Indigo Tulsa Downtown – for crafty cocktails

Chain Hotel

A modern twin room at Hotel Indigo Tulsa Downtown, with two double beds, patterned wallpaper, a desk and chair, and a television
Courtesy of Hotel Indigo Tulsa Downtown / Expedia

After you are scooped up from the airport, drop your bags at the base of your room’s floor to ceiling windows and wave goodbye to sleep – for now. You’re in a neighborhood of unmissable bars – starting with the hotel’s own, up on the roof. Next, it’s a mint julep at the Tulsan Bar before sinking a whiskey sour at the Rabbit Hole. Ease off the throttle with a little vino at Vintage Wine Bar, before consolidating with international pints at the local haunt McNellie’s.

8. Duets Bed & Breakfast – for staying up all night

Bed and Breakfast

Reception area in a suite at Duets Bed & Breakfast, with a large gray sofa, various ornaments and wooden flooring

Trust us, you definitely want the neighbors of Duets Bed & Breakfast to be a little too noisy into the night. This historic home is located beside the Church Studio where greats such as Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and Stevie Wonder used to keep a beat. Both luxurious urban suites are decked out in musical decor; one even has a turntable ready for you to dust off a classic vinyl. When you want to groove a little harder, head downstairs to the hip High Dive for martinis and live music.

Jo Fernandez contributed additional reporting to this article.
To discover great pet-friendly accommodation in Oklahoma, check out our pick of the best pet-friendly hotels in Tulsa, Oklahoma, bookable on Culture Trip.

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