Scene
The opulent hotel in Oklahoma City’s first skyscraper pulls in a mix of business and first-time visitors
The National gets its name from its home in the First National Center, which was constructed in 1931 as the first skyscraper in downtown Oklahoma City. It was the headquarters of the namesake bank and served as a banking center for several decades until the collapse of the oil loans that had brought the city wealth.
After years of sitting vacant, the opulent Art Deco building underwent one of the largest restorations in the state before reopening in 2021 with the Autograph Collection hotel, alongside shops, restaurants and bars. The restoration included repairs to murals, painted ceilings, stone columns, cast stone, metal finishes, vault doors, and safes.
Because it’s built in a former bank, there isn’t as much of a lobby to speak of. Instead, you enter the building and take an escalator to the second floor, where a vaulted atrium, called the Great Hall or Oklahoma City’s Living Room, opens up. To one side is the check-in desk; the other serves as both a lounge space and seating for the Tellers restaurant. Here, perched on the velvet jewel-toned chairs and couches, you are as likely to see young families as business travelers. Take a few moments to appreciate the intricate tilework on the ceiling, which include four murals by painter Edgar Spier Cameron (the ones repaired during the restoration).
Location
In the heart of the business district and a short walk, streetcar or bike ride from just about everything
The National is in the heart of Oklahoma City’s business district so you’ll definitely notice restaurants that cater to the office crowd. But there’s plenty to see within walking distance and even more if you hop on the streetcar, which you can buy fares for on a mobile app. Before you visit, peruse our guide to Oklahoma City. While you’re here, be sure to check out:
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum– It would be impossible not to mention the site that honors the victims of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which left 168 people dead. The memorial includes chair-type sculptures, a reflection pool and a museum that dives further into the history of the tragic day.
- Myriad Botanical Garden is a paradise in the prairie with landscaped gardens and water features. Don’t miss the cylindrical Crystal Bridge Conservatory, a glass-encased building with tropical plants and blown glass sculptures.
- The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has an incredible collection of American and European works spanning time periods and styles, including pieces by Dale Chihuly, Kehinde Wiley and Ellsworth Kelly.
- The Bricktown neighborhood feels like a mini San Antonio Riverwalk, but here you’ll find a number of shops, restaurants and attractions as well as the water taxi. Check out the American Banjo Museum, which honors the instrument’s contribution to American music, and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, the minor league baseball stadium for the Dodgers affiliate.
- Oklahoma City has an incredible network of bike trails that wind throughout the city and alongside the Oklahoma River. Be sure to stop by the Land Rush sculpture, which tells of the day in 1889 when aspiring homesteaders fought to carve out the lands that had belonged to the Creek and Seminole.
- There are, of course, plenty of restaurants near the hotel to fuel the lunch crowds. Sweets and Eats Cafe is a popular “meat and three” restaurant with home-cooked favorites, while Naija Wife Kitchen offers authentic Nigerian fare.
- If you’re traveling by train on the Heartland Flyer route from Texas, you’ll arrive at the glamorous Art Deco Amtrak station, just a few blocks from the the National hotel. Even if you’re not traveling by rail, it’s worth popping in to see its beauty.
Rooms
Art Deco style rooms with modern amenities
The National has 146 guest rooms decked out in warm woods, navy walls and golden brass accents, a nod to its original, businessmen’s design. All rooms come with a TV, ironing board, free wifi, safe, USB charging ports, a hairdryer and Beekman 1802 toiletries. Each room tier is non-smoking and comes in King or Queen bed arrangements.
Room types include:
- Executive King: These rooms are between 291 and 443 square feet, depending on the location, with photos of the bank’s vaults on the walls, a King bed and white tiled bathrooms.
- Executive Double Queen: These rooms have the same amenities as the King but with two beds. They have a slightly larger footprint of between 363 and 478 square feet.
- Superior King: The larger, over 500 square foot rooms have even more windows overlooking downtown, plus a seating area.
- King Suite: The suite is between 692 and821 square feet and has a separate living area with its own half bathroom.
- Presidential Suite: The most luxurious option at the hotel is this sprawling 883 square foot suite with a separate living room, complete with a dining table, and half bathroom.
Amenities
Onsite dining is just one of the many perks
A reservation here gets you free WiFi and a 24-hour fitness center. In addition, the hotel has onsite dining and shopping so you’re never far from what you need.
Food and Drink:
The Gilded Acorn– This lower level cafe sells artisanal pastries from James Beard award-winning Chef Andrew Black. It’s a great spot to enjoy morning coffee as well as soups and salads for lunch. The cafe also has high tea if you’re feeling bougie.
Tellers– The flagship restaurant contains the original bank teller booths and has a regional Italian cuisine. Expect a menu full of Italian dishes like Neapolitan pizza and pasta. It’s open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The central Lobby Bar is a popular hangout for happy hour.
Stock & Bond– The classic steakhouse highlights the best of the West, including carefully sourced whiskey and top-shelf Angus beef. But don’t skip the sides, including steak tartare and elote.
The Library of Distilled Spirits– Set in the bank’s former vault are two unique cocktail experiences: The Vault and the Archive. Between them, you’ll find 1,500 unique expressions of distilled spirits, including classic cocktails and those created by the highly knowledgeable bar team.
Shops
The First National Bank Building also has a barber shop, nail salon and Drybar. If you want to dress like a local, pick up a pair of boots from Lucchese, the iconic Texas bootmaker. Gift Shop by Plenty Mercantile also has locally made goods and souvenirs inspired by Oklahoma City.
Rooms go for around $250 per night.
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FAQs
What is the closest airport to the hotel?
The nearest airport is Will Rogers World Airport, 7.5 miles from The National.
What is the hotel’s address?
120 N Robinson Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73102
What’s the hotel’s phone number?
(405) 724-8818
Is The National hotel a boutique?
No, the Oklahoma City hotel is part of a chain owned by Marriott.
Does the hotel have a pool or spa?
No, it has neither.
Does the hotel have a fitness center?
Yes, there is a 24-hour fitness center.
What are some of the other basic amenities?
They tout their flexible event spaces, meeting rooms, in-room dining (room service) and a 24-hour front desk.
When is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is 3pm and check-out is noon. Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in
What languages do the staff speak?
The staff speaks English and Spanish.