Staycation is the New Vacation
CLASSEN INN | OKLAHOMA CITY
Here we are in 2020, and staycation is the new vacation. As a travel-loving girl, I’ve been finding ways to recreate the excitement and revitalization of taking a trip and finding new experiences, including a virtual wine tasting and a drag show/sangria-making class by Drag Taste in Portugal. While these Zoom experiences surprisingly gave me the feeling of travel, I was more than thrilled when given the chance to spend the night at Oklahoma City’s newest little gem, Classen Inn. A change of scenery and real-life experience was just what I needed!
THE HOTEL
Classen Inn is a retro drive-up motel that simultaneously takes you back in time and makes you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot for ultra-cool modern design. The vivid color! The jungle wallpaper! The mod furniture! The mini Frigidaire! The cheeky snacks! I haven’t stayed in a hotel with this much personality in quite some time… maybe ever!
We checked in at The Superette, which doubles as the lobby and a quirky little bodega filled with snacks, bevs and beauty supplies—everything you need to enhance your stay. The funky, comfy chairs and wine selection that could excite any self-appointed enthusiast demand for you to open a bottle and stay a while. With bottles ranging from about $15 - $30 and a Palm Springs-style patio just outside the door, you better believe I’ve found my new happy hour spot and bottle shop!
THE ROOM
Opening the door to my room was like diving into a treasure trove. There was statement wallpaper, furniture, and art as well as personal details everywhere you looked. My friend and I were lucky to stay in the adjoining queen rooms with our own private patio, to boot! The rooms were spacious and the snack selection was perfection. I especially enjoyed the electric teapot and punny teas by The TeaBook in the morning.
THE LOCATION
Classen Inn’s location is fantastic. Even though I drive past it almost daily, it was fun to create a full staycation experience by sticking to the nearby neighborhoods. The Inn has bikes available for guest use, which makes it even more fun to stay downtown as you pedal through the modern homes of SoSA to Midtown or over to West Village and Film Row. After enjoying our wine in The Superette, we went to a late (and socially distanced) dinner at The Jones Assembly and had a night cap on our private patio. In the morning, we headed just a few blocks over to Elemental Coffee, which (as you know) has one of the best cookies in town!
THE COOKIES
You didn’t think I’d do my first hotel review and NOT include a cookie, did you? You’ve seen how beloved the sea salt chocolate chip cookies at Elemental Coffee are through my previous posts and the bike tour with Ride OKC, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a new addition to their cookie case today. They had an edible cookie dough bite! The flavor of their classic cookie topped with rich chocolate and sea salt, created the perfect sweet treat to top off a delicious brunch. Don’t miss this bite on your next trip to Elemental!
THE EXPERIENCE
Classen Inn is a can’t miss for OKC locals and travelers alike. Its personality is unparalleled. I can’t wait for my next visit and will see you at The Superette soon!