Escape to OKC: Your Dream Stay at Residence Inn South!
Escape to OKC: My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Review of Residence Inn South – It's a Ride!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Oklahoma City and my stay at the Residence Inn South? Let's just say it was… an experience. And I'm here to spill the tea – the lukewarm, slightly-plastic-tasting free coffee tea, that is. Seriously, let’s dive in, because after all, isn’t that what we're really looking for? A good, messy, honest review, with all the juicy bits.
First, the Basics (and the Good Bits - Mostly)
- Accessibility: HUGE plus! Wheelchair accessible rooms and common areas? YES PLEASE! Finding places that truly cater to accessibility can be a nightmare, so this was a massive relief right off the bat. Easy access is always a win, people. Totally crucial for anyone with mobility concerns.
- Cleanliness and Safety (Thank GOODNESS): Look, with everything going on, cleanliness is paramount. The Residence Inn seriously stepped up. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere (seriously, everywhere!), and Rooms sanitized between stays. They even had a "Room sanitization opt-out available," which, honestly, felt almost… too much? Like, are they REALLY cleaning every detail?! (Yes, I saw the staff and all the work!) The staff was definitely trained in safety protocol. Plus, there's CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Felt secure, folks. Like you could eat off the floor, which, let's be honest, I considered after that airplane food. They even had doctor/nurse on call. I'm not sure if that is great or, now that I write this, makes me a little weirded out.
- Internet (The Lifeblood of Modern Existence): Free Wi-Fi? YES! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? BLESS. Because let's be honest, if the internet sucks, the whole experience sucks. It's a modern necessity! Even Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN was available. You can literally work from bed if you want. (I didn't… mostly.)
The Rooms: Okay, Let’s Talk Details
- Available in all rooms: Yup, they had the goods: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains (a MUST!), Coffee/tea maker (God bless!), Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), Laptop workspace (again, temptation!), Refrigerator, Shower, Slippers (a nice touch!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed ("for all your charging needs" – I imagined the website). They even had an umbrella. Who needs an umbrella?
- The Little Things Making It Extra: Additional toilet (appreciated – especially after that barbecue), Linens, Mini bar (always a risky temptation), Reading light (for that novel you’ll never finish), Seating area (for plotting your next vacation), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Soundproofing (a lifesaver!), Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Visual alarm…
- The Imperfections: Okay, the decor? Dated. Not offensively so, but it felt… lived in. My room had a faint smell of… something. Not bad, just… there. And the view? Yeah, not exactly postcard material. More like… a parking lot. BUT hey, what do you realistically expect at this price point?
Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional Letdown)
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was there. Breakfast [buffet] wasn’t terrible and, the Breakfast takeaway service really helped. The Asian breakfast was a nice touch! There was Coffee/tea in restaurant – thank God! The Breakfast service was also decent. The Bufet in restaurant was decent, the Western breakfast was pretty basic, and the Western cuisine in restaurant was… okay, it was nothing out of this world.
- Dining and drinking: The Bar itself wasn't jumping, though, the Poolside bar had more life. The food options? I mean, they had Restaurants, a Snack bar (essential), and Room service [24-hour]. Yes, they provided a Bottle of water, and there was a Coffee shop. They even had a Happy hour.
- The Reality Check: The coffee wasn’t the greatest, but the waffles were legit. I had a craving… and just. kept. getting. them. Don't. Judge. Me. There's a Coffee/tea in restaurant, but I would recommend you go find your own, or go next door. The Desserts in restaurant were fine, but nothing that screamed "I must come back!".
- Asian Cuisine: I did find some good recommendations nearby on where to eat Asian cuisine in restaurant and they were very good.
Relaxation (or the Lack Thereof – My Fault, Really)
- Spa & Wellness: Okay, here's where I dropped the ball. The hotel has a Fitness center. It had a Swimming pool [outdoor]. There was a Sauna, a Spa/sauna. I heard someone say there was a Pool with view. But did I actually experience any of this? Nope. Too busy working/exploring/eating waffles. I had a quick moment to grab the Foot bath but that's it. (I regret every decision.) Next time, people, next time.
Services & Conveniences: Your Standard Stuff (and a Few Surprises)
- The Good Stuff: Air conditioning in public area (duh!), Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes.
- The Quirky Bits: Doorman (fancy!), Gift/souvenir shop (tempting!), Invoice provided, Smoking area (if you're into that). They even had a Convenience store! Where was this during my college years?!
- They were ready to help: They had a 24-hour Front desk, a Contactless check-in/out, and, surprisingly, a Shrine.
Things to Do (Even If I Didn't Do Them)
- For the Kids: They seemed pretty Family/child friendly.
- Business Stuff (for the Workaholics): They had Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, a Projector/LED display, and a Xerox/fax in business center.
- Events: On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events was there too!
- Getting Around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] (essential!), Taxi service.
The Verdict: Go, But Manage Your Expectations. And Eat ALL the Waffles.
Overall: The Residence Inn South? It’s practical, it’s convenient, it’s safe. It’s not the Four Seasons, but it's not trying to be. It is a solid choice for a comfortable stay in OKC. The accessibility is a HUGE bonus. The staff was helpful and friendly (even when I was being a total tourist).
My Emotional Reaction: I had a good stay. It was easy, reliable, and a great base for exploring. There are some real perks!
Would I go back? Absolutely. Just gotta schedule in some serious spa time and maybe try the pool this time. And definitely more waffles. Definitely.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (because, you know, the internet):
- Keywords: Residence Inn South OKC, Oklahoma City hotels, accessible hotels Oklahoma City, wheelchair-accessible hotels, free Wi-Fi, travel review, hotel review, OKC travel, family-friendly hotels, breakfast buffet, swimming pool, fitness center, convenient location, clean hotels, safe hotels, Oklahoma City lodging.
- Title: Escape to OKC: My Honest Review of Residence Inn South (and the Waffle Obsession!)
- Meta Description: A brutally honest, slightly messy review of the Residence Inn South in Oklahoma City! Accessibility, amenities, and the all-important waffle verdict inside. Is it worth the stay? Find out!
- URL: [Insert URL here, obviously]
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into Oklahoma City chaos, fueled by caffeine and the unsettling feeling that I forgot something crucial. Residence Inn Oklahoma City South, here we come! (Disclaimer: I’m a travel writer, not a doctor, so this itinerary might induce wanderlust, uncontrollable giggling, or the sudden urge to eat a bucket of fried pickles. You've been warned.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Oklahoma Migration (of Food)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM -ish): Arrived at the (surprisingly charming) Residence Inn. Key card in hand, I awkwardly fumbled with the door. "Oh, honey, the key needs to be flat against the sensor!" a kindly housekeeper chirped. Mortifying. But hey, I'm in! The room? Decent. Clean. A small victory over the travel gods. Unpacked a bit, noting my socks are somehow always missing. Conspiracy theory brewing…
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Hunger pangs hit me like a runaway tumbleweed. Destination: The nearby Cattlemen's Steakhouse, a legendary OKC institution. The drive? Smooth sailing, minus the existential dread that surfaces when you're navigating a new city.
- Upon entering, a wave of nostalgia hit me. It felt like I was in a time capsule. The lighting was dim, almost romantic. The sounds of sizzling steak and boisterous conversations filled the air.
- Ordered the classic: a ribeye. And the moment of truth. Each bite? Pure, unadulterated bliss. Perfectly cooked, juicy, and… I swear, a tiny tear escaped my eye. This is why I travel.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): A post-steak coma descended. Needed coffee. Desperately. Found a local coffee shop, Clarity Coffee (thanks Google Maps!), and inhaled a latte. The barista, a young woman with more piercings than I have brain cells, actually seemed impressed that I ordered a "cinnamon, oat milk, triple shot." Apparently, I'm a caffeine-fiend, a point well taken.
- Evening (6:00 PM -ish): Attempted exploring the Bricktown Entertainment District. So many neon lights! It was overwhelming. The riverwalk was… well, I’m sure it’s lovely, but I was starting to feel the effects of my stomach and I needed to find a store to buy my favourite snacks.
- Evening (8:00 PM): The real reason for my visit. Saw the Oklahoma City Thunder game at the Paycom Center. The whole place was thrumming with energy! The crowd, the sheer size of the arena, the screaming – it was electric. I was just so lucky to be able to go!
Day 2: Culture Shock and Fried Wonders
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at the Residence Inn. Waffles. Generic, yet somehow… comforting. I’m starting to get used to the "hotel breakfast" experience, like wearing a comfortable old sweater.
- Morning (10:00 AM): The Oklahoma City National Museum & Memorial. The air was heavy with grief, but also resilience. Seeing the memorial for the victims of the 1995 bombing was tough, but also incredibly moving. The chairs, the empty chairs… It was a powerful reminder of the human cost of hatred. I have many feelings, but also many memories, and I'm glad this museum is accessible.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Did some research for amazing food, and my search led me to The Fried Pie Shop. All kinds of pie, but fried, I’m in heaven. I don't even like pie that much! I felt like a kid again, and I will never pass up a good pie again.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Attempted to stroll through the Myriad Botanical Gardens, but got sidetracked by a charming little antique store. Ended up buying a ridiculously ornate candlestick… which is now sitting precariously on my hotel desk. Oops?
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at Nic's Grill, an OKC institution, and I will never ever go anywhere else! All the staff was super friendly and the food was fantastic and cooked to perfection. Simple, classic burgers - the kind you dream about. They were so good, I almost wept.
- Night (8:00 PM): Back to the room. Wrote in my journal, a ritual designed to calm my mind. But, I got distracted by bad tv, and then fell asleep. The whole thing ended with me accidentally hitting snooze 6 times.
Day 3: Farewell, Oklahoma, and the Mystery of the Missing Socks
- Morning (9:00 AM): Another breakfast at the Residence Inn. Starting to feel like a regular. The waffle iron and I had a silent understanding. Another waffle for the road.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Hit the road. The trip was short but sweet. Oklahoma City, you were fun, and the food was amazing. Also, I still don't know where those socks went! The mystery remains.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Drive to the airport, stopping for a final coffee.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Arrived back home. Unpacked, socks still missing. The adventure is over. The memories, however, are just at the surface.
So there you have it: my utterly imperfect, slightly messy, undeniably real Oklahoma City experience. Go forth and explore, my fellow travelers. Embrace the unexpected, the delicious, and the… mysteriously sockless. You never know what adventures await!
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Escape to OKC: Your Dream Stay at Residence Inn South... Or Is It? (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, spill the tea: What's the *real* vibe at Residence Inn South? Is it ALL sunshine and rainbows?
Alright, buckle up. Look, it’s *good*. Seriously, it’s pretty darn good. But is it "escape to paradise and forget all your troubles" good? Let's be REAL. It’s Oklahoma. There’s going to be a tiny bit of dust somewhere. But overall, the Residence Inn South aims for charming and mostly gets it right. The rooms? Comfy. The breakfast? Okay, let’s just say I snuck a few extra pastries for the road… and possibly regretted it later. But listen, I *needed* that sugar rush, okay? It's that kind of place. You know, a safe haven after a long day of... whatever you're doing in OKC. Like, you’re not gonna walk in and suddenly become a minimalist, Zen master. But you’ll feel... relaxed. Mostly. Okay, mostly.
Tell me about the breakfast. Be honest. I NEED to know.
Okay, breakfast. This is where things get a little… granular. Look, free breakfast is FREE breakfast, right? And the Residence Inn South *does* offer a free breakfast. And it's… sufficient. Think eggs (some are probably real!), sausage (mystery meat, maybe!), and waffles. The waffle maker is the real MVP. I saw a kid load it up with a mountain of whipped cream and go absolutely bonkers. Honestly? Jealous. The coffee isn't going to win any awards, but it'll keep you upright. The fruit? Well, let's just say I've seen better days (and better oranges, I'm looking at you, sad little clementines!). But hey, carbs are a love language, and they speak fluent waffle at the Residence Inn South. And that's a win, in my book. Just don’t expect gourmet dining, okay? Think, "fuel for the day" not "culinary masterpiece." Which, honestly, is what I need most mornings.
Room specifics: What can I expect? And are the beds as comfy as the hype says?
The rooms are… functional. And by functional, I mean clean, mostly. Seriously, they're not going to win any design awards, they're the kind of space that fades into the background, which, honestly, is exactly what you want after a day of exploring. The beds? Ah, *the beds*. They're… good. Not "cloud nine" good, but good enough that you’ll actually sleep. I slept. Repeatedly. And I am a notoriously light sleeper who is also prone to midnight snacking so, yeah, the beds are good! You get a mini-kitchen (which is great, because you can go full hermit and avoid people... or, you know, make a sandwich). The bathroom is… a bathroom. Clean enough. And the towels? Acceptable. No complaints there. Basically, it's a comfortable place to crash after a day of adventures. Just don't expect a suite fit for a king, you know? Unless your king appreciates microwave popcorn and CNN (which I do, on occasion).
The pool! Is it worth packing my swimsuit?
Okay, the pool. I have mixed feelings. One time I went in there it was fine, another time... well, let's just say there were a *lot* of screaming kids. And while I love kids (from a safe distance), a screaming kid is basically my kryptonite. If you are a person who likes a nice, quiet, meditative swim? Maybe not. If you have kids, and you want something to keep them occupied? Bingo. The pool is… a pool. It’s outside, it's a decent size, and it has a few lounge chairs. Just be prepared for potential splashing and general chaos. Pack earplugs, maybe? Or embrace the pandemonium. *shrugs* You know?
I'm a worrier about parking. What's the situation? Is it a nightmare?
Parking? Easy-peasy. At least, it was for me. Never had a problem. Plenty of spaces. You're not going to spend half your vacation circling the block, desperately trying to find a spot. Which is always a plus. Seriously, the parking situation is one less thing to stress about. And honestly? That's a HUGE win. I HATE struggling to park. My blood pressure doesn’t need that.
Is it actually "South" and how far am I from... stuff?
Yes, it's in south OKC. It’s relatively close to… things. It's a decent base for exploring, anyway. You'll probably need a car (though, let's be honest, you'll probably *want* a car in OKC). I'm not going to pretend it's smack-dab in the middle of everything, because it's not. But driving around OKC isn’t usually *that* bad, traffic-wise. You can get around. Google Maps is your friend. Just plan your day realistically. Everything is driveable, but don't expect to walk everywhere. Well, unless you *really* enjoy walking. In the Oklahoma heat. Godspeed.
How's the staff? Are they helpful? Do they have any weird habits?
The staff? Generally, yeah, they were fine. Polite. Helpful enough. Nothing extraordinary, nothing terrible. I didn't walk away with any earth-shattering anecdotes. No one broke into a spontaneous song and dance. No one had a collection of ceramic cats in the office (that I saw, anyway). They did their jobs. They got me extra towels when I asked. They were… normal. Which, honestly, is sometimes the best you can hope for. You know? You don't want overly friendly, you don't want rude. You want… competent. And they were. So, yeah. Good staff. Not the highlight of my trip. But not a problem either. And let’s be real: the bar is pretty low for hotel staff, right? As long as they don't steal your toothbrush, you're probably alright.
Any real downsides? What should I REALLY know before booking?
Okay, REAL talk. The downsides… Well, it's not exactly a boutique hotel. It's a chain. So don'tHotels Near Your
Residence Inn Oklahoma City South Oklahoma City (OK) United States
Residence Inn Oklahoma City South Oklahoma City (OK) United States
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