The National, Autograph Collection

The National, Autograph Collection: A Jewel of Art Deco Luxury in Oklahoma City

The National, Autograph Collection, a Michelin Key Selected property in Oklahoma City, consistently earns high praise for its breathtaking historic restoration, exceptional service, and prime downtown location. Housed within the iconic First National Center, a 1931 Art Deco skyscraper that was once Oklahoma's tallest building, the hotel offers a luxurious and memorable experience, seamlessly blending its rich past with modern comforts.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with an outstanding overall rating of 9.5 on some platforms and a 4.7 out of 5 average rating from hundreds of reviews on others. Guests frequently describe their stays as "wonderful," "fantastic," and "exceptional," often highlighting the hotel's stunning architecture and attentive staff. Many consider it one of the best hotels they've experienced in the United States.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the following aspects of The National:

• Design & Historic Restoration: The "gorgeously restored" Art Deco architecture is a major draw, preserving original elements like teller booths, vault doors, painted ceilings, and stone columns. The Great Hall, a vaulted atrium, serves as a stunning central lounge and dining area, often adorned with beautiful holiday decorations. The blend of modern touches with the historic design is highly appreciated.
• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "exceptional," "amazing," "friendly," "welcoming," and "attentive," going "above and beyond" to provide unparalleled service. From valet to front desk, guests feel genuinely cared for.
• Location: Its prime downtown location is a significant highlight, placing guests within walking distance or a short ride to major attractions.
• Amenities: Bespoke amenities, a 24-hour fitness center, and diverse on-site dining and shopping options contribute to a luxurious and convenient stay.

3. Room Quality

The 146 guest rooms are designed as sanctuaries of comfort and style, reflecting the building's Art Deco origins with warm woods, navy walls, and golden brass accents. Rooms feature high headboards and period details. Guests can expect luxury accommodations with modern amenities, including air conditioning, private bathrooms, mini-bars, coffee machines, flat-screen TVs with casting options, free WiFi, USB charging ports, hairdryers, irons, and Beekman 1802 toiletries. The beds are comfortable, with pillowtop mattresses wrapped in Egyptian cotton and hypo-allergenic bedding, and blackout drapes ensure restful sleep. Room types range from Executive King and Double Queen to more spacious Superior Kings and various suites, including a sprawling Presidential Suite. Guests have specifically praised the "excellent room comfort & quality."

4. Dining Experience

The National offers a "rare culinary experience" with a diverse range of on-site dining and drinking establishments:

• Tellers Restaurant: The flagship restaurant, located in the original banking hall among restored teller booths, serves regional Italian cuisine, including house-made pastas, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and locally sourced steaks and vegetables. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Stock & Bond Steakhouse: An American steakhouse that pays homage to the High Plains' agricultural history, featuring High Plains steaks and an extensive selection of American whiskeys and bourbons. Guests have described meals here as "amazing" with an "excellent wine list."
• The Gilded Acorn: A cozy coffee shop and eatery offering artisanal pastries from James Beard award-winning Chef Andrew Black, quality coffee, and quick breakfast and lunch options like soups and salads. High tea is also available.
• The Vault: A craft cocktail lounge situated behind the historic vault doors, providing a unique and vibrant atmosphere for expertly crafted drinks.
• The Great Hall Bar / Tellers Bar: Located in the dramatic Great Hall, this all-day bar serves espresso martinis, craft European cocktails, and antipasti, making it a popular spot for both hotel guests and locals.

Guests have praised the "delicious food" and "superb cuisine" across the hotel's offerings, with breakfast pancakes being a specific highlight for some.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently rates the staff and service as "exceptional" and "wonderful." Reviewers frequently mention the friendly, welcoming, helpful, and attentive nature of staff members, from the front desk and valet services to the restaurant and bar staff. The hotel's commitment to personalized service and making stays memorable is a recurring theme. One guest specifically noted the front desk and valet being "so welcoming helpful and even brought treats up to the room for our dog."

6. Location & Accessibility

The National, Autograph Collection boasts an "excellent" and "prime" location in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. It offers convenient access to numerous attractions and transportation:

• Nearby Attractions: Within a short walk, guests can reach the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (5-minute walk), Civic Center Music Hall, Myriad Botanical Gardens (410 meters), Paycom Center, Oklahoma City Convention Center, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Bricktown is also easily accessible.
• Transport: The hotel is just 10 minutes from Will Rogers International Airport. Public transportation, including the streetcar, Adventure District Train Station, Union Station, and Santa Fe Station, are all nearby, providing easy access to other parts of the city like the Oklahoma City Zoo and Science Museum Oklahoma. Valet parking is also available.

7. Value & Pricing

While offering unparalleled luxury, The National is often perceived as providing "incredible value" for a high-end experience. Average room prices hover around $209-$295, which, while higher than the city's average, is considered reasonable for the level of opulence and service provided. Many guests feel the experience is well "worth the cost" given the quality of the property and service, with some rating its value for money at 8.9 out of 10.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Draftiness in Public Spaces: One guest mentioned that "the entire space is drafty" in public areas, advising visitors to "take your coat for sure."
• Mattress Comfort: The same review noted that "the mattresses need replacing; they are uncomfortably dished."

Despite these minor points, the positive feedback regarding cleanliness (rated 9.6/10), comfort (rated 9.7/10), and the overall "exceptional property" status consistently outweighs any minor inconveniences.

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