15 Best Resorts in Oklahoma - The Crazy Tourist

Oklahoma is often overlooked, stuck within that space some refer to as “fly-over country.” Most people never really think to visit as it’s not a state that’s truthfully considered a destination, but the heartland of America may just surprise you. Wide open spaces, a rustic atmosphere, the small-town charm—it’s all there. Oklahoma invites you to explore its diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the iconic Route 66, while immersing yourself in its warm hospitality and cultural tapestry.

Where the windswept plains meet vibrant cities and rich Native American heritage. Don’t believe us? Check out some of these properties all over the state, and see what’s just waiting to be discovered when you decide to dive into one of the least visited states in the country.

Here are the best resorts in Oklahoma:

1. Echo Canyon Spa Resort

This resort was voted the Best Hotel in Oklahoma by the popular online news site MSN. It offers private accommodations that are perfect for couples looking to get away, and you can choose from suites, cottages, and cabins, whatever fits your visit more. The five-star spa is a favorite, and they’re right next to Oklahoma’s only national park, perfect for outdoorsmen and nature lovers.

In addition to encouraging couples to visit, they also offer great amenities for ladies looking for a quick group getaway, at their spa, which has been voted one of the best in Oklahoma for several years. Not sure how to make it there? They’re located just a 2-hour drive from Dallas and an hour’s drive from Oklahoma City.

Website: http://echocanyonmanor.com

2. Quartz Mountain Resort Arts & Conference Center

Situated within the Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma (near the Texas border), this resort is great for retreats, workshops, and group travel, away from the busy atmosphere of Dallas and Oklahoma City.

The resort boasts that it’s the premier destination in the southwest portion of the state, and its lodge-like inspiration lends a tone of mysticism to the environment. Activities abound, and you can choose to head to the onsite arts institute, play a round of golf, go on a hike, or even go boating on the lake.

Website: http://www.quartzmountainresort.com

3. Thousand Oaks Resort

This property continues the cabin resort theme, which you’ll find is a pretty common occurrence in the midwestern portion of the United States. This resort allows you to choose from various cabin villas, so you can pick one that fits the size of your travel group, whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a larger group.

Thousand Oaks is close to Grand Lake, in Langley, Oklahoma, where you can find fishing, boating, parasailing, and hiking. The lake is also famous because it’s home to Pensacola Dam, the largest multi-arch dam in the world. Onsite amenities at the resort include plenty of outdoor common spaces with outdoor fireplaces and lawn games, courts, indoor games rooms, a saltwater pool, and lots of patios.

Website: https://www.thousandoaksresort.com/

4. Shangri-La Resort

Another lakeside resort, Shangri-La caters to the elite looking to golf in Oklahoma. The resort’s hotel has 120 guest rooms, a large resort pool (including a children’s pool), a luxury spa, a rooftop bar overlooking the nearby lake, huge amounts of event space, and tons of dining.

The golf experience itself is superb, and the course is considered one of the Top 5 within the state. There are 27 new golf holes, 10-minutes tee times, and views of Grand Lake. If golf’s not your thing, you’re tired of being at the pool and you aren’t in the mood for a spa visit, they also offer a full-service marina, so you can rent a boat (or even a yacht) and explore the 1,300 miles of shore.

Website: http://www.shangrilaok.com

5. Grand Casino Hotel & Resort

Oklahoma is known in the area as having some fantastic casino resorts, so much so that you’ll have travelers from all the surrounding states coming to Oklahoma to enjoy them. Grand Casino Hotel & Resort has, of course, the casino, but also the spa and lots of dining and entertainment.

The hotel received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, and has more than 260 guest rooms spread out over 14 floors (one of which is a VIP floor). The Grand Spa has an expansive menu, for whether you need just an hour treatment or something more extensive. There’s a ton of meeting space, four dining choices, and a golf club.

Website: http://www.grandresortok.com

6. The Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa

Take a look at The Artesian, and you’re not going to believe it’s a casino at first glance. The outward facade is classy, elegant and looks a little bit like it belongs on a university campus. The Artesian is the rebuilt Artesian Hotel, which was established in 1906, when it hosted many celebrities.

Now, the new hotel, which was built after the original was destroyed in a fire, tries to reclaim the same elegance and panache. You can expect three upscale dining experiences, an indulgent spa, and a vibrant gaming scene. The accommodations are both elegant and laid back. There are fewer rooms than at other casino resorts, with this one only boasting 81 guest rooms.

Website: http://artesianhotel.com

7. WinStar World Casino and Resort

Luxury and culture abound at WinStar, one of the most famous casinos in the area. They have tons of gaming, lots of dining, and great accommodations. It’s Oklahoma’s largest casino resort, and offers so much to do, you’ll never get bored, even if you’re not a fan of gaming. There’s the Event Center (which frequently hosts household name performers), the WinStar goal course, The Spa at WinStar, and onsite shopping. It’s all there.

You have several different accommodation options to choose from. You can go with a spacious guest room or suite at the resort’s hotel, or a cozy room at the resort’s “Inn.” There’s about 1,500 guest rooms to choose from, no matter what your tastes are. The hotels also have two luxurious resort-style pools, surrounded by private cabanas, a pool bar, and the spa. There’s hardly an amenity that you won’t be able to find here!

Website: https://www.winstar.com/

8. Choctaw Casino Resort

There are actually eight Choctaw Casino Resorts spread out through Oklahoma, all operated by the Choctaw nation. Each is gorgeous in its own way and offers luxurious amenities that you won’t want to pass up. You’ll have a hard time deciding which to book! Choose from properties in Durant, Pocola, Grant, McAlester, Broken Bow, Isabel, Stringtown, and Stigler.

The one in Durant is one of the most popular, though. In addition to gaming, dining, shows, entertainment, and a spa, there’s also what they call the “District,” which has a whole other level of fun activities, such as bowling, laser tag, an arcade, a sports bar, and a movie theater.

Website: http://www.choctawcasinos.com

9. Longlake Resort

Calling itself “Oklahoma’s Best Kept Secret” is certainly the truth. This beautiful scenic spot is home to all the outdoorsy activities you could want on a scenic lake. There’s fishing, horseback riding, hiking, you name it! See the roaming buffalo, kayak, swim, go mountain biking, go to the shooting range, and enjoy total privacy as you explore it all.

The resort offers luxury lodging in cabins, which are each secluded in their own little wooded nook, so you can really feel like you’re in your own world. Sizes vary, so you can pick what works for you, whether you’re a traveling family or just a couple.

Website: http://longlakeresort.com

10. Rivers Edge

If you’re looking for even more log cabin-style getaways in the Oklahoma wilderness, you can choose to head to Rivers Edge. Just northeast of Watson (a town with just a post office), there are a selection of cabins for you to choose from, each overlooking the Mountain Fork River in a wilderness setting.

There are 400 private acres, that you can step right into from your luxury accommodations. Follow the river trails, ride mountain bikes, and hike your way through it all! There’s also fishing, scenic driving trails, and birdwatching. It’s the perfect secluded getaway to really enjoy some quiet time!

Website: http://www.riversedgecottages.com

11. Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center

Situated between the Lake of the Arbuckles and the Arbuckle Mountains, the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center is a nature resort that also offers a fair amount of luxury. Guest rooms are highly spacious, with views of the surrounding wilderness and property.

Suites with mini kitchens, all updated and beautiful, are available, and they even come with balconies or a soaking tub. Other amenities at the resort include pools, a sauna, steam rooms, a fitness center, and of course, a spa.

Website: http://chickasawretreat.com

12. The Skirvin

Of course, you may not be all that into the wilderness resort and retreat stuff, and that’s okay. Oklahoma also has a few luxury options within its two major cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The Skirvin, by Hilton, is one of these.

Located near the Brockton Entertainment District, it’s centrally located and has hosted a variety of presidents and politicians. It maintains its historic looks and is listed as a Historic Hotel of America. It’s only a short walk from the State Capitol and also the Cox Convention Center, making it very convenient for those traveling on business. On site, there’s a piano bar and lounge, a restaurant and the guest rooms are absolutely elegant.

Website: http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oklahoma/the-skirvin-hilton-oklahoma-city-OKCSKHF/index.html

13. Ambassador Oklahoma City

If it’s an Autograph Collection hotel by Marriott, you know it’s got to be good. So it is with The Ambassador in Oklahoma City. Historic but modern, this hotel is within the Osler Building, with all its 1920s flair that it had as a medical facility, before being turned into what you see today. You’re right within easy distance of downtown Oklahoma City and the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

On site, you’ll find a great restaurant, a rooftop bar, an outdoor pool, and a full fitness center. The rooms are posh and perfect for a restful night’s sleep, each with an elegant design with dark colors, crown molding, sophisticated desk spaces, carefully chosen window treatments, and more. You’ll find it all right here, and may even pick up a few decorating tips while you’re at it!

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/okcak-ambassador-hotel-oklahoma-city-autograph-collection/

14. Ambassador Tulsa

Just as there is an Ambassador Autograph Collection hotel in Oklahoma City, so there’s also one in Tulsa! This particular property was created in 1929 by General Patrick Hurley, who created the Ambassador Hotel as the first extended-stay hotel in the state. At the time, the facade had a Mediterranean look, and was meant to house those rich oil guys and their families while they were out in Oklahoma, overseeing the building of their mansions.

They would stay in the hotel for a time, and then move on, making way for new barons to take their place. It quickly became known as one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. After about 50 years, the hotel became an apartment hotel, and then a retirement home, before closing for a decade. Then, it was purchased, given a $5 million renovation, and that is part of what you see today.

So, explore the gorgeous suites with all their beautiful decor, yellow and black finishes, and comfortable technology. The elegant restaurant, The Chalkboard, is a Tulsa staple, and other amenities include nightly turn-down service and luxury airport transportation.

Website: http://ambassadortulsa.com

15. 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City

The quickly-growing luxury brand, 21c, has made its way to Oklahoma City.

With 135 guest rooms that are modeled after loft apartments in New York’s Soho neighborhood, other on-site spaces include a contemporary art museum, a cultural civic center, and a restaurant and lounge.

There’s also a spa and fitness center! Each room has an industrial feel, and lots of black accents, making for a chic moody feel.

Want something super cool? Book the 21c suite, which has two king bedrooms, a huge living space (with a gorgeously fantastic couch that you have to see for yourself), a dining room, great views of downtown Oklahoma City, a terrace, folding glass wall, two bathrooms with soaking tubs and dual showers and more.

Website: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com