The Mayo Hotel
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Two words can be used to describe The Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa, opulent and swanky. The hotel’s grandeur is an unapologetic throwback from a more glamorous era. Visitors can easily imagine Sylvester Stallone’s character from ‘Tulsa King’ lounging in the lobby.
As with most attractions downtown, parking was a challenge and it is almost impossible to find public parking that won’t set you back a bunch. During my stay, I relied on the hotel’s valet service which was very efficient and comparable in price to the public lots farther away. The guys were fast and friendly, having my car to me in minutes-even during peak demand hours.
The front desk staff were standoffish but were still organized and responsive. Given a majority of their clientele have no interest in being personable, being mechanic was understandable. I encountered a few of their ‘regular’ guests at the elevators as we were leaving the lobby. I had to reach past the Louis Vuitton luggage to press the button for my floor so as not to interrupt the conversation they were having about living the high life as a single American man in the Philippines.
Sorry, Sylvester. I think you missed out.
Even the rooms on the lower floors were large and roomy. The décor was tasteful and steeped in historical references. The peace and quiet of the room was impressive; even a thunderstorm passing overnight was undetectable.
Some of the amenities were a surprising letdown. The toilet paper was thin and cheap even by household standards, and the robes provided had seen better days. The in-room phone didn’t work, requiring me to use my cell phone and call the front desk through the general inquiry line when asking for additional towels. Despite the peculiar inconvenience, they did respond swiftly. I’m just not sure if going through the automated server saved me any time as opposed to stopping by the lobby in person.
The in-house café The Mark and the rooftop bar, The Penthouse were highlights of my stay. Each has a unique appeal any traveler would enjoy. The lone evening attendant at The Mark deserves a special shout-out as a one-man bartender, waiter and barista while handling each role superbly.
Overall, the cost of the room was too high to be considered a budget-friendly option. But the price was still comparable to other hotels downtown and right in line with the higher end franchise hotels like a Sheraton or Hilton. And neither of those can boast the style and history of the Mayo Hotel.
My takeaway: pack your favorite suit, make reservations at a nice restaurant and hit The Mayo. You’re sure to come away feeling like a Tulsa King.
Do you have a hotel or inn you think I should review? Let me know on Facebook, Instagram or shoot me an email at toilandtroublemediagroup@gmail.com
