Tulsa's official founding dates back to the late 1820s and early 1830s when the Loachapoka Band of Creek Native Americans settled here. It's played host to notorious outlaws, oil boom tycoons, and a diverse cast of characters and cowboys, as well as Americans traveling Route 66 on their way through the American West.
Tulsa has historically been a major hub of oil production, but in recent years, the city has diversified with aviation, finance, and telecom, and soon, the city will welcome a new Amazon fulfillment center and the USA BMX headquarters and its national track stadium and Hall of Fame museum.
Tulsa is also home to world-class higher education, including the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University. From the opera to the zoo, there are cultural opportunities around every corner in Tulsa. The revitalized downtown, with its Art Deco architecture, bars, shops, and restaurants, is perfectly walkable for a night downtown after you take in a show at the nearby BOK (Bank of Oklahoma) Center or the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
The BOK Center welcomes major acts, from rock and rollers to pop stars and country-western acts. This venue is also the home stadium for the OKC Thunder. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center hosts touring and local theater productions (including Tulsa's full-time opera and ballet companies), dance troupes, and musical acts from contemporary to classical.
Tulsa Zoo is a family favorite, with exotic animal exhibits that include Malayan tigers, Komodo dragons, Chinese alligators, snow leopards, and Asian elephants, to name a few. If you prefer to spend your time outdoors on the greens, check out one of Tulsa's excellent (and accessible) golf courses, such as Mohawk Park and Page Belcher, welcoming golfers of all abilities.
Come for the arts, culture, business, or pleasure. Whatever brings you to Tulsa, Oklahoma, you're sure to enjoy your stay.
When should you visit Tulsa, OK?
Downtown plays host to annual events each year that include Tulsa Tough, September's three-day cycling festival, and Tulsa Winterfest, which runs from late November through early January. These events bring even more energy into the lively area. If you plan to travel to the area during those times, be sure to book early to secure your accommodations.
Thanks to its location in the green belt of northeastern Oklahoma, Tulsa enjoys a humid subtropical climate. Winters usually average in the upper 40s but can dip to lower extremes depending on weather patterns. Summers top out in the mid to upper 90s. May, September, and October tend to usher in more rain, which can also bring high winds and occasional hail — even tornados!
This extreme weather is not frequent. Just be sure to check before heading out the door and dress accordingly. The weather is generally fine, so you can get out to hike the hilly, mountainous terrain around Tulsa most days of the year.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Tulsa, OK:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Tulsa, OK. Analyze these illustrations to determine the cheapest seasons to book in Tulsa for upcoming travels.
Where are the top luxury hotel options for travelers to Tulsa, Oklahoma?
4 Star Average Prices: $232.24
When you stay at the Mayo Hotel in Tulsa, you will be following in the footsteps of celebrities and historical figures like Mae West, John F. Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Charles Lindbergh, Charlie Chaplin, and Bob Hope, to name a few. The hotel was built in 1925 in the Chicago style, an Art-Deco building that retains its historic charm today.
Rooms are well-maintained and stylishly updated to welcome guests in contemporary luxury. When you check in, ask if you can see the original room that's maintained in its early Art Deco style. This romantic property is ideal for honeymooners or couples on a romantic getaway or for those who love to experience a taste of the past. It's a favorite spot for weddings and receptions, as couples love its classical ballrooms and photo ops on the roof deck in front of the neon Mayo Hotel sign.
The Mayo isn't as formal as its elegant looks may suggest, however. Locals come here for a classic cocktail and a fine meal at the Hotel restaurant, The Boiler Room. The hotel also has its own nightclub. Guests can take advantage of the fitness center and room service. Other perks include free wireless internet, in-room fridges and safes, flat-screen televisions, and use of the free local shuttle.
If you're seeking a luxury hotel on a more intimate scale, check out the Ambassador Hotel. This property exudes elegance, with gold, gray, and black finishing throughout the lobby and guest rooms. Top-notch service awaits you here, from the concierge and bellhop's warm greetings to the 24-hour room service and fine dining at Chalkboard Restaurant.
What affordable hotels in Tulsa are best?
3 Star Average Prices: $83.15
If you're taking a great American road trip that's taking you through Tulsa, Oklahoma, plan to stop for the evening at the convenient Best Western Plus Downtown Tulsa/Route 66. This roadside hotel is clean, welcoming, and modern, decorated in funky contemporary decor featuring elements like chevron murals and quirky lighting. Guests will enjoy the convenience of a business center to print directions or catch up on emails. You can stretch your legs out in the fitness center and then hit the comfortable bed for the night. Wake up to a free, hot breakfast before departing via Route 66, just outside the door.
If you love modern style, you can't miss Aloft Tulsa Downtown. This hotel is a hotspot for billiards, cocktails, and lounging on the outdoor terrace. Guest rooms feature clean lines and spectacular views of downtown Tulsa.
