Rumours of a haunting in the hotel persist and even various NBA teams have cited such haunting. The most famous reports were made by the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls. The New York Knicks blamed their loss to the Oklahoma home team on the hotel being haunted. Players of the Chicago Bulls, on the other hand, have reported strange sounds coming from outside their rooms and doors slamming shut by themselves.
There is a rumor that W. B. Skirvin, the hotel’s first owner, had an affair with one of the hotel’s maids named Effie and got her pregnant. In order to avoid sullying his reputation, he locked the maid on the 10th floor of the hotel. The maid was so depressed when Skirvin refused to let her out of the room, even after she gave birth to their child. She killed herself by jumping out of the window.
See also: The Haunted Places Along Route 66
Many men who stayed in the hotel have reported hearing a female voice propositioning them. Other male guests claim to see the figure of a naked woman in the shower with them. One person even said that he was sexually assaulted by an unseen entity during his stay at the hotel.
History
The Skirvin Hotel opened in 1911 and by then it had 224 rooms in its two-winged tower. A third wing was added to the hotel in 1925. The hotel was named after its founder, William Balser Skirvin, a wealthy Texan oilman. The hotel was designed by the famous architect, Solomon A. Leyton. Skirvin originally planned for a 6-story hotel but Leyton convinced him to build a 10-story hotel instead. When the hotel opened, it has an English Gothic lobby, café, retail shops, and a drugstore.
The hotel was sold to Dan W. James in 1945. He modernized the hotel extensively and added numerous amenities to draw more visitors and guests to the hotel. The Skirvin Hotel became more popular after Harry S. Truman and Dwight Eisenhower visited it. The hotel was sold to Chicago investors in 1963. In 1968, the hotel changed owners again. The hotel reopened in 2007 and since then has remained in business.
About
The hotel, a smoke-free property, offers guests 225 comfortable and well-equipped rooms. All the rooms boast of premium bedding and free rollaway beds may also be requested. The hotel has various amenities for businessmen for conferences and meetings. There is a well-equipped business center which has audio-visual equipment and conference rooms. Catering can also be arranged.
Guests will enjoy relaxing and swimming in the indoor swimming pool and playing on the tennis courts. For the convenience of guests, the hotel offers secure parking and limousine services can also be arranged. Park Avenue Grill, the hotel’s restaurant, offers guests American cuisine fused with South-western cooking. Park Avenue Grill can seat 120 guests and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can partake of desserts, creative sandwiches and burgers, cocktails, wines, and beers.
Features
- Wireless internet connection
- Cable television
- Hairdryer
- Laundry service
- Concierge desk
- Safety deposit box
- Doorman
- Air-conditioning
- Complimentary newspaper
Things to Do
Oklahoma is a thriving city with a lot of great things to offer. The Museum of Osteology is an educational experience for everyone with over 7000 square feet of skeletons from humans, as well as animals. It is America’s only skeleton museum. Paseo District is one of the city’s most historic districts and it has a share of some of the best restaurants and bars, as well as antique shops. Guests who would like to experience local talent can go to the Lil’ Ol’ Opry.
Visitors will be treated to a lot of entertainment, including stand up comedy, house bands, and great singers. Cole Gardens is a garden with many themes. It has wood, bronze and stone sculptures by various local artists. Although the garden is quite small, it is very beautiful. It also has a great place where people can exchange vows. If you are a gambler, Remington Park is the place to be. It has nice racing conditions and they serve quite great food. The city of Oklahoma also has several museums and festivals all throughout the year which people can enjoy.
Room Tariffs
Standard two doubles start at $179
1-bedroom rotunda suites start at $199