The Windham Grand OKC
While I am a sucker for a one of a kind boutique hotel, some chains are also worth a look. Take the Windham Grand in Oklahoma City. It exceeds all expectations.
Staying in a large, congested city has its challenges. While some would put cost and safety at the top of the list, I don’t think anything makes a trip more stressful than finding a decent place to park. Valet parking at the Windham Grand is an additional cost, but it’s minimal when compared to the prices charged in other cities of its size and it’s still less than tooling around in an Uber. Their valets are also very fast and I never waited more than a few minutes for my car, even during their most high-demand hours.
Thankfully most of the hotels I have reviewed are blessed with truly customer-focused front desk people.
(The exception being the evening desk staff at the Moonrise in St. Lewis-check out my blog HERE)
But Windham Grand took it up another notch. They really crushed it. While checking me in, the woman waiting on me told me about an upgrade to a balcony suite I could move up to for less than thirty dollars. I normally decline upgrades-especially if I am only staying a night or two. But this upgrade included 24-hour access to their club room-and its free snacks and refreshments.
And by refreshments, I mean a variety that could easily replace a meal or frequent snacks for a family of travelers. Besides desks and comfy places to sit, the room was stocked with fresh fruit, yogurt, candy, trail mix, soft drinks, juice, milk, tea and coffee. They even had a barista coffee maker a couple steps down from the one in Club Quarters in Chicago, but still no slouch of a machine.
Shout out to Club Quarters, I still dream about that coffee maker.
Oklahoma City is rarely at a loss of things to do and the hotel was busy with several events occurring that weekend. But guests were still well placed and we didn’t detect any activity outside our room during our stay, adding to the privacy and peace. The dining area was very popular judging from the number of diners coming and going, but between my stops at local restaurants and the club room, I didn’t feel the need for room service.
The cleaning staff were very quiet and efficient. You would hardly notice they were there unless you encountered them in the hall. The price was very reasonable given the location and rates charged by other area hotels. Overall, it was a very good experience and well worth the money.
My takeaway: Spring for the club room and take some snacks for the road.
Do you have a hotel or inn you would like me to review? Let me know on Facebook, Instagram or at toilandtroublemediagroup@gmail.com
