3 days in OKC near Convention Center (Oklahoma City: hotels, construction, college)

[texas_nightowl]

Hello all from a neighbor to your south.

I'll be in OKC with my mom who is attending a conference at the Convention Center. We are staying at the adjoining (well across the street with skybridge) Renaissance Marriott. We'll be there for 3 full days. So I have a couple questions.

First of all, from maps provided it seems like the hotel is essentially 1 block away from "Bricktown". But in reading some hotel reviews, construction was mentioned. Anyone know the current status of construction right there? Will it be an easy walk to restaurants, etc. Also, is it fairly safe for two women to walk around in the evenings?

Also, if we wanted to save a few $, is there parking relatively near available for less than the $25/day the hotel wants for valet?

And then, suggestions for what to do? I believe the botanic gardens are just a block to the west, right? We'll probably try to see the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and maybe the Museum of Art. What other suggestions?

Thanks for any feedback.

[debzkidz]

While it might look like a block, that will only really get you to the edge of Bricktown. To get to where most of the the restaurants and bars, it really more like 3 or 4 blocks, but it's very doable. Downtown is very torn up right now because of the huge revitalization project taking place, but most of it is still open to pedestrian traffic. I walked near the convention center, within a block or so of the Renaissance, a couple of days ago and it seems like there were people out and about down that direction. Even with the construction, the walk should not be hard.

I would definitely recommend the Museum of Art. The Chihuly glass collection alone is worth the visit. It's wonderful. The Myriad Gardens are nice, and while there, I would recommend walking across Sheridan and visiting the new Devon Energy building, which just recently opened. It is a beautiful piece of architecture and everything has been done absolutely first class. You can have lunch in their dining facility on the first floor. It is very nice and the food is great and quite reasonably priced. It reminds me of a college dining hall, where you can walk around and choose lots of different food options, then check out in one central spot.

Also, you must visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. It is the site of the Murrah Federal Building bombing in 1995. This is a beautifully done memorial and museum and is the one place I make sure to take all of my out of town visitors. It is quite moving.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum – Official Website

Downtown is pretty safe, as long as you are not out really late. There's usually people out and about in Bricktown and between the downtown hotels. Just use your street smarts like you would in any other city.

Forgot to mention, the Memorial is especially beautiful at night.

[texas_nightowl]

Thanks debzkidz for the input and the info on the Devon building/dining. And the reminder about the Memorial.

Also, I think I saw something about a trolley that runs around downtown and to Bricktown? Looks like it has a stop outside the Museum of Art as well?

[westernkansas]

plan a better part of a day for the cowboy museum, I can't say enough about it and look forward to my next trip there, also on my list is the underground, from what I saw on the web it looks interesting. there is also a city park that appears awesome, I think it may be the will rogers one but since I am from the state to the north I pray the locals will chime in. hope you and your mother will have a very enjoyable stay in OKC

[debzkidz]

Yes, there is a trolley that runs around downtown. Here's a link to the website with info on it. Trolley Schedules & Maps | METRO Transit Providing Central Oklahoma Transportation & Bus Service Options

[Secret Samadhi]

Originally Posted by debzkidz

Also, you must visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. It is the site of the Murrah Federal Building bombing in 1995. This is a beautifully done memorial and museum and is the one place I make sure to take all of my out of town visitors. It is quite moving.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum – Official Website

The Museum of Art is also a great idea, but I just wanted to second this one in particular. This is something I really hope you'll get a chance to visit, texas_nightowl. Very poignant. I hope you enjoy your visit here!

[Libsk]

I'm a Texan and OKC Is UP AND COMING. Great place!

[Libsk]

Originally Posted by texas_nightowl

Hello all from a neighbor to your south.

I'll be in OKC with my mom who is attending a conference at the Convention Center. We are staying at the adjoining (well across the street with skybridge) Renaissance Marriott. We'll be there for 3 full days. So I have a couple questions.

First of all, from maps provided it seems like the hotel is essentially 1 block away from "Bricktown". But in reading some hotel reviews, construction was mentioned. Anyone know the current status of construction right there? Will it be an easy walk to restaurants, etc. Also, is it fairly safe for two women to walk around in the evenings?

Also, if we wanted to save a few $, is there parking relatively near available for less than the $25/day the hotel wants for valet?

And then, suggestions for what to do? I believe the botanic gardens are just a block to the west, right? We'll probably try to see the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and maybe the Museum of Art. What other suggestions?

Thanks for any feedback.

If The hotel wants $25/day for valet why not just park yourself? If there is other parking nearby, the walk will be much farther than the hotel. This doesn't make sense at all. You have free parking at the hotel, but since you want valet parking, you're looking to PAY somewhere else to park your car and walk further?

[texas_nightowl]

Originally Posted by Libsk

If The hotel wants $25/day for valet why not just park yourself? If there is other parking nearby, the walk will be much farther than the hotel. This doesn't make sense at all. You have free parking at the hotel, but since you want valet parking, you're looking to PAY somewhere else to park your car and walk further?

The hotel does NOT apparently have a parking lot for guests. So you either valet or find a garage somewhere close and hoof it yourself.

[debzkidz]

There are parking garages all over downtown. There's one in the basement of the convention center, just across the street. I would just ask at check-in where they suggest you park.