Oklahoma City offers a unique blend of luxury and relaxation for those looking to stay for more than a week. The city’s northwest area, along with Lake Hefner, provides a serene and upscale environment, complete with golf neighborhoods, lakefront streets, and historic hotels. A writer who manages furnished estate homes in the area notes that visitors often ask where the upscale part of the city can be found, and the answer lies in these gated communities and scenic lakefront properties.
The northwest area is anchored by the Gaillardia Country Club, a private club featuring a golf course, Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, and formal dining. The surrounding homes are large, quiet, and set back on wide lots, offering fairway views and a short drive to downtown. One of the largest homes in the area, Gaillardia Manor, boasts a pool with a waterfall spa, formal dining room, and game room, making it an ideal choice for families or executive teams.
Golf Estates and Lakefront Properties
Closer to downtown lies Nichols Hills, a separate municipality founded in 1929, with a high concentration of old-money addresses. The area is bordered by Oklahoma City on three sides and features a mix of historic homes and upscale amenities. Between the northwest area and Nichols Hills lies Lake Hefner, a 2,500-acre reservoir with 9.5 miles of paved trail, perfect for evening walks or sunset views.
A house on the west shore of Lake Hefner offers a peaceful and scenic environment, with private pools and stunning views of the lake. The Oklahoma City Boat Club, located on the east shore, adds to the area’s charm, with a 36-foot replica of Nantucket’s Brant Point lighthouse. In the evenings, the lake takes on a serene quality, making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
For those looking for a more urban experience, the Skirvin Hilton, which opened in 1911, offers a downtown dinner option, with its restaurant, Perle Mesta, led by James Beard Award winner Andrew Black. The Red Piano Lounge on the ground floor features live music and a proper cocktail list, making it a great spot to enjoy an evening out.
A writer who manages estate homes in the area notes that booking a house instead of a suite can be a more practical and cost-effective option for longer stays. A furnished estate provides separate bedrooms, a full kitchen, laundry, and a pool, making it an ideal choice for families or visiting teams. Companies can also be invoiced directly, making the process even more convenient.
The city’s Midtown area also offers a unique perspective, with the Ambassador Hotel’s O Bar on its seventh floor providing stunning views of the skyline. The bar opens at 2 p.m. daily and serves food from Cafe Cuvee, the French restaurant downstairs. Scissortail Park, which opened in two phases in 2019 and 2022, gives downtown its green front lawn, with the Skydance Bridge arching over the interstate between the halves.
Exploring Oklahoma City’s Culture
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the First Americans Museum are two notable cultural attractions in the city. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum holds a significant collection of Western art and is set to reopen its rodeo hall on November 13 after a renovation. The First Americans Museum, located in the Horizons District, tells the story of the 39 First American Nations in Oklahoma, with a unique architectural design that is a reason to visit in itself.
The Paseo, a Spanish Village-style district, is home to numerous galleries and holds opening receptions on the first Friday of each month. The area is a quiet and charming place to explore, with the opportunity to buy artwork directly from the artists who created it. As the city continues to grow and develop, it’s clear that Oklahoma City has a lot to offer visitors, from its scenic lakefront properties to its rich cultural attractions.
Oklahoma City is becoming a popular destination for those looking for a unique and relaxing experience. With its blend of luxury and natural beauty, the city is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. The average high temperature in April is 71 degrees, and in October, it’s 73 degrees, making spring and fall the ideal times to visit and enjoy the city’s many outdoor attractions, including the lake trail and patios.
Booking and Planning
When planning an extended stay, booking a house instead of a room becomes a more practical option. Booking a house direct from the operator removes the platform service fee on stays of four nights or more.