Review: Renaissance Hotel – Oklahoma City Convention Center

After spending last Thursday in Dallas, I made my way back to Wichita Falls for the weekend. I was in town for just a few hours when I received a call that my wallet was returned. As I stated before, I replaced all of the cards and identification but wanted the wallet back because it was a gift. I immediately began looking for hotels in Oklahoma City because I did not want to spend six hours in my car.

Booking

I booked the standard King room at the hotel for $95/night. I used my Marriott Rewards credit card to pay for the stay. I was able to earn 2,125 points (1,220 base points, 600 credit card points, and 305 elite bonus points as a Marriott Rewards Gold member).

Arrival

The hotel is located just minutes from Bricktown, which is the entertainment hub of Oklahoma City. I arrived late in the evening to find the valet area filled with cars. Some were people taking their time unloading, while others were waiting to be parked in the valet lot. The valet told me that it would be $27 for him to park my car or I could drive to the other side of the building and use the public garage for $10. The catch is that you have to pay $10 EVERY time your car leaves the public garage. I did not have a use for my car since everything was within walking distance.

Check-In

The walk from the parking garage to hotel is aboutt a quarter of a mile. The walk would not have been bad if it was not so hot in the sky bridge.

The sky bridge brought me to the second level of the hotel. I walked down the steps to the front desk.

The open design of Renaissance Hotels allows the properties to feel less stuffy and gives them more natural light. There was plenty of seating throughout the ground level.

The front desk is located to the right as you enter from the valet parking entrance.

I provided my credit card and ID to the clerk. He welcomed me back to Marriott and thanked me for being a Marriott Gold Elite. I was informed that because the lounge was closed on the weekend, complimentary breakfast for two would be available at 10 North Grille (directly across from the front desk). The clerk also informed me that I was upgraded to a King Suite. Sweet! I am really liking these Renaissance Hotel upgrades.

Before going to my room, I poked my head inside of the business center which was located by the front desk.

Room

The Room was located on the 14th floor, just a few steps from the elevator. There was a great view of the lobby.

The door opened into the HUGE living area.

On the right was the the first bathroom. It was a half bath, but was nice nonetheless.

Just past the half bath was the kitchenette. It included a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.

The living area consisted of a desk, couch, chair, and a flat screen TV. The couch was fairly comfortable, but the sides were too high which prevented me from comfortably using the armrest.

There was a small balcony just off of the living area. It offered a nice view of downtown OKC.

Across from the living area was the bedroom. The bedroom did not have a balcony, but big windows offered the same view of downtown.

In the bedroom was a king bed, small desk, and a TV. The bed was comfortable and the feather pillows were soft.

There was a small closet in the bedroom. It consisted of a robe and ironing supplies.

The door to the bathroom was located to the right of the closet. I really liked the bathroom. It had a ton of space and the towels were so soft.

Dining

10 North Grille

There was not a shortage of places to dine at the hotel. As I mentioned earlier, the lounge was closed so I went to 10 North Grille for breakfast. I was seated very quickly. The restaurant opened into the ground floor which continued the natural light theme.

The food selection was great for a hotel breakfast buffet. During my entire time at the restaurant, the staff refilled drink orders, buffet selections, and service items without prompting. I enjoyed the customer service experience.

The buffet had cereal, fruit, yogurt, and quite a few hot food items. On the left side of the buffet was the omelet station. It was at this station where I was (jokingly) questioned by one of the chefs. She asked. ‘Baby, why are you taking pictures of my food’? My response was so that I could show pictures to people when I tell them how good the food was. She laughed and continued about her morning.

10 North Bar

10 North Bar is located to left of the front desk. I did not eat or drink in the bar, but I stopped by to take a few pictures. There were quite a few people lounging in big chairs, while a few others were at the bar. I really liked the seating options and the ambience of the place.

Caffeina’s

Caffeina’s is located to the right after passing the front desk. Much like 10 North Bar, I did not eat or drink in the coffee shop. Caffeina’s had coffee (of course), pastries, and a gift shop. It seemed like a really cool spot.

Bricktown

If eating at the hotel is not for you, Bricktown is only a few minute walk from the property. You can gaze at the amazing art that lines the entrance to Bricktown.

I decided to check out Bricktown Brewery. Having been to the one in Wichita Falls, I wanted to compare the two. The service was a little bit below what I am used to receiving at the restaurant in Wichita Falls, but the rustic pizza that I ordered was delicious.

Fitness

Just like all the restaurants, the fitness section of the hotel was located on the ground level. The pool and fitness center were located to the right of 10 North Grille. The pool was a decent size. The best thing about the pool is that it was indoors (Oklahoma summers are not forgiving). There was a small Jacuzzi attached to the pool.

The fitness was adequate, as far as hotel gyms go. It felt very comfortable for me. I do not know how to best express that, it just did.

Between the fitness center and Caffeina’s was The Spa. I did not get to visit during this trip.

Final Word

The Renaissance Hotel in Oklahoma City is not only a great value, but its location put all of the attractions within walking distance. I enjoyed every aspect of the hotel. The customer service, amenities, and the room were over the top. I cannot wait to visit this property again. Well done Renaissance OKC.