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Y’all, I am obsessed with 21c Oklahoma City!  Why?  Well, what happens when you find an out-of-use industrial building in a redeveloping part of Oklahoma City?  And that building represents important Oklahoma City History?  You turn it into a museum, hotel, and farm-to-table restaurant, right?  That’s the fascinating formula for 21c Oklahoma City, a wonderful Oklahoma City Boutique Hotel!

 

First Published: March 28, 2018 Last Updated: July 3, 2019

 

21c Oklahoma Red Arrow Art Installation

 

 

Neon pink lights and a tree painted on a wall decorate the 21c Oklahoma City Hotel Lobby

 

 

21c Oklahoma City

I first experienced this progressive take on modern hotel spaces at the recommendation of fellow Blogger Tanya Foster.  She was invited to stay at 21c Oklahoma City a few years ago, and when she heard I was going to OKC on a college visit with my daughter, she recommended I do the same.

I enjoy interesting hotels, especially boutique hotels with history, and this Oklahoma City Boutique Hotel does not disappoint!  According to the web site, “21c Hotel OKC is situated in the former home of a Ford Motor Company assembly plant, which dates back more than a century.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  21c Oklahoma City takes full advantage of the scale and openness of its historical setting.”

The rooms have a New York loft feel, and are very sleek and contemporary, while also comfortable and incredibly quiet.  Oh…and there’s penguins.  The signature purple penguins seemingly move on their own throughout the hotel.  Which adds to the quirky and unique atmosphere of this excellent Oklahoma City boutique hotel.

 

Three purple penguins in a hallway in the 21c Oklahoma City Hotel

 

In addition to being a hotel, 21c Oklahoma City is also a museum.  The ground-floor museum is free to the public, and the exhibitions change often.

 

Framed canned goods hung as art in the 21c Museum

 

The restaurant, Mary Eddy’s Kitchen Lounge, is spacious and cool.  The bar space is open and inviting, and the restaurant offers table seating.  There’s also counter seating, allowing guests to watch the chefs at work.  On my most recent stay, I enjoyed both dinner and lunch, and both meals were excellent.  The staff is incredibly kind, helpful, and attentive. There’s private dining spaces if you are hosting an event. And the hotel also offers spaces for larger events, weddings, and parties.

 

Mary Eddy's Restaurant booths and tables

 

 

Wood Tables and metal bar stools inside Mary Eddy's Restaurant

 

And, if the swanky cool aspect of 21c Oklahoma appeals to you, I encourage you to check out the Okie Mod Squad’s web site.  There you can find a treasure-trove of information and pictures of mid-century architecture throughout Oklahoma City.  Some sites are demolished and others are still standing. Some are near the 21c Hotel and Museum.  Don’t we all wish more architecturally interesting places were being preserved around the country?  I know I do!

For all my readers who have kids attending the University of Oklahoma in Norman, I would absolutely recommend driving a short 20 minutes north to stay in the 21c Oklahoma City!  And for my readers who live in OKC…can anyone say Weekend in Oklahoma City Staycation??????

 

Spend a Weekend in Oklahoma City

I fully endorse checking into 21c Oklahoma City and never stepping foot outside the hotel again for a solid 48 hours.  However, there are other fun things to do in Oklahoma City very close to the hotel.

 

If you have the opportunity to stay at this excellent Oklahoma City Boutique Hotel, let me know what you think!  You never know…I might be in the room down the hall!