Tulsa's BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive HEADFIRST into Tulsa's… wait for it… BEST Kept Secret: The Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby! And trust me, it's a secret worth whispering about. I'm gonna be brutally honest, opinionated, and probably ramble a bit. Deals with me? You're gonna want to read this before you book… or maybe after you book, just to feel smug.
First Impressions & the Gut Check (Cleanliness & Safety – Gotta Be Honest, Right?)
Okay, let's get the serious stuff out of the way. Cleanliness? My biggest fear, honestly. I'm a germaphobe, a recovering one, but still. The Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby gets it. They're rocking the whole Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas (phew!), and Rooms sanitized between stays. I even saw staff wearing masks and gloves, which, as a former worrier about these things, eased my mind. The Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere, and I even saw them using Professional-grade sanitizing services. They even offered an option to opt-out of room sanitization, which I thought was cool, like you're trusted enough to say "Hey, I'm good, I'll handle it." They have the Hygiene certification, so you know they're legit. My room felt clean, smelled fresh, and I didn't find any mystery hairs on the pillow. Huge win. CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour] also made me feel a bit safer.
Accessibility: A+… Mostly.
Now, on to the good stuff: accessibility! The Facilities for disabled guests are a huge deal to me because I'm all about inclusivity. They do have Wheelchair-accessible rooms, which is fantastic. The Elevator is a must, and it was working! They also have CCTV outside property which is good! They clearly have the Check-in/out [express] down!
Rooms: Tech, Comfort & Cozy Vibes (or, My Bed is My Best Friend)
Let's gush about the rooms. I'm a sucker for a good room, and this one delivered. My room had a Blackout curtains, so my internal clock got to restart itself! Everything was in working order. They have Wi-Fi [free], and it worked! And the best part? Extra long bed. I'm tall, so it made a huge difference. Air conditioning? Yep. Alarm clock? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Double-check. Free bottled water? Yes, yes, and yes! Bathrobes and slippers? Swoon. The shower was good. I could probably mention more, but it was all there.
The Internet Situation (Because, Let's Be Real, We're All Addicted)
Okay, the Internet access – LAN was available, but who uses that anymore? I'm all about Wi-Fi [free]. It was reliable, fast, and worked everywhere. I could stream Netflix, check emails, and even annoy my friends on social media without any glitches. Internet access was great!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and Dealing With My Hangry Side)
Breakfast is included, and it's a classic Hampton Inn situation. Breakfast [buffet] is the name of the game. There was Breakfast takeaway service, but I was happy to chow down. It was classic, predictable, and I knew what I was getting into. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant so that's what to look forward to! They have a Snack bar, which I appreciated. There's also a Bar (I did not partake); I'm more of a bed-and-Netflix kinda creature, but good to know it's there.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and the Quest for Inner Peace (Or Just a Good Nap)
Okay, this is where The Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby REALLY shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is the real winner. I even saw a Pool with view. There's a Gym/fitness. But I'm not a fan, so I didn't check it out. They have a Spa/sauna which looks promising. The thing is, I was just too busy relaxing in my comfortable bed and going back and forth from the pool!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
They have all the basics. Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning. They’ve got a Convenience store if you forgot toothpaste. Cash withdrawal is available, for those old-school people. They even have a Gift/souvenir shop if you want a Bixby-branded coffee mug! The Concierge was awesome.
Things to Do Around Bixby (Because Staying in Bed All Day Is Judged…Sometimes)
There's a lot to do around Bixby, but I'm not going to tell you all of it. I was happy in my little bubble.
For the Kids (Because, Parenting Is Hard, Right?)
I did not see kids, but the hotel looked like it would be Family/child friendly.
The Imperfections and the Honest Truth (Every Rose Has Its Thorns…and Sometimes, a Missing Remote)
Okay, here's the real talk. No hotel is perfect. I wish there was a Babysitting service. The TV remote might have been missing a battery at one point. But hey, it's not a deal breaker!
The Quirky Observation and Emotional Conclusion (Would I Go Back? In a Heartbeat!)
Overall, The Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby is a winner. It’s clean, comfortable, and safe. You can relax and actually feel relaxed. For the price, you get way more than you pay for. And, let's be real, the Meeting/banquet facilities are here, too!
The Offer: Unleash Your Inner Relaxation Guru at Tulsa's Best Kept Secret!
Okay, here's the deal. Are you tired of hotels that promise the world but deliver a lukewarm shower and a lumpy bed? Do you crave a getaway where cleanliness, comfort, and a touch of luxury reign supreme? Then book your stay at The Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby right now!
Claim your escape:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness: We're obsessed with making sure your stay is fresh and worry-free.
- Comfort is King (and Queen): Sink into those comfy beds, and feel the sweet embrace of a perfectly-styled hotel room.
- The Pool Is Calling: Forget the daily grind and indulge in our fantastic pool!
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected, stream your favorite shows, or simply be lazy without guilt.
- Free Breakfast: Fuel your day with a delicious buffet!
Bonus:
- Mention this review when you book and get a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability - but seriously, book now!).
- Use the code "SECRETBIXBY" to receive 10% off your stay.
Don't wait! This secret won't stay hidden forever. Book your escape to The Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby today and experience the best-kept secret in Tulsa!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Meru Homestay (Malaysia)
Alright, here we go, my attempt at crafting a "real" travel itinerary. Forget the perfectly curated Pinterest boards, this is the Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa South-Bixby, Oklahoma, through the eyes of a slightly frazzled, definitely coffee-deprived human. Buckle up, buttercups!
The "Oh God, Did I Pack Underwear?" Hampton Inn & Suites Tulsa South-Bixby Itinerary (aka My Semi-Functional Week)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and the Complimentary Breakfast)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived! After a drive that felt like an eternity (seriously, how many billboards can one state have?), I finally pulled into the Hampton Inn parking lot. First impression? Clean. Always a win. Slightly less charming than the photos online, but hey, it's a Hampton Inn. Embrace the beige. Immediate emotional reaction: relief. I survived the drive and remembered to bring… mostly everything. (Still need to check on the underwear situation, though. Don't judge.)
- 1:15 PM: Checked in. Brenda at the front desk was a saint. Patient, even when I fumbled for my ID like I'd never seen one before. Bless her heart.
- 1:30 PM: Unpacked (more like, vaguely threw things onto surfaces). The room is fine. Bed looks comfy. That’s really all I need.
- 2:00 PM: Settled in. Watched some mind-numbing daytime TV. Required viewing. The hotel shower is actually pretty decent! A total win given my low expectations. This is good. Really good.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner! (Where to eat, even with google maps… is a struggle). Settled on a greasy spoon diner, "The Tulsa Grill." Ordered a burger and fries. It hit the spot. Maybe too many. Definitely a burger-coma in progress.
- 8:00 PM: Bed. This felt like the right thing to do with my current state.
- 8:30 PM: Attempted to watch tv but passed out.
Day 2: The Art, The Anxiety, and the Questionable Coffee
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. I attempted the complimentary breakfast. The coffee was… an experience. Let's just leave it at that. The waffle? Surprisingly awesome. I ate two. Zero regrets.
- 8:00 AM: Driving to the Philbrook Museum of Art. I tried to look up the address but did not retain it.
- 9:00 AM: Philbrook Museum time
- 9:15 AM: The museum is nice. I was worried about the architecture and the gardens looked amazing. This place is a blast, I stayed for 2 hours!
- 12:00PM: Lunch at the cafe… meh. Overpriced. Should have just had another waffle.
- 1:00 PM: Wandered around the museum gift shop. Ended up buying a ridiculously expensive postcard. Impulse control is not my strong suit.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Needed a nap (see: burger coma from Day 1).
- 3:00 PM: Woke up. Still felt tired. Watched more TV. Deep existential questioning of life choices… mostly the ones involving undercooked burgers in the past.
- 5:00 PM: Decided to walk around the neighborhood. Found… a strip mall. My expectations were too high.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the Olive Garden. (Yes, really. Don't judge. I needed comfort food.)
- 9:00 PM: Bed, but with a lingering feeling of "did I actually DO anything today?"
Day 3: The Unexpected Joy of… a Mattress? And the Tulsa Zoo!
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. More waffles. Still delicious. Coffee, sadly, the same.
- 8:00 AM: The best surprise. The hotel mattress is seriously comfortable. Like, better-than-home comfortable. I feel like I need to write a strongly worded letter to my current mattress situation. Pure bliss.
- 9:00 AM: Finally, the Tulsa Zoo. I love zoos. I always get a bit teary seeing the elephants, that’s my emotional weak spot.
- 9:30 AM-12:00 PM: The zoo. It was amazing. The animals were incredible. Spent a good chunk of time just staring at the giraffes. They are just so elegant. Then the lions. Absolutely majestic. I even bought a stuffed tiger for myself… I’m thirty-something, what’s wrong with that?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the zoo. Expensive zoo food. But, fine. Because giraffes.
- 1:30 PM: Back to the hotel. I did not take a nap (yet).
- 2:00 PM: Decided to do laundry at the hotel. Everything is working fine here.
- 3:00 PM: More down-time. More TV.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a dive bar called "The Rusty Nail." Excellent food and good vibes.
- 8:00 PM: Bed. This feels like a pattern.
Day 4: The Drive Home (And the Unavoidable Reality of Dirty Laundry)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast! One last waffle, I suppose. The coffee is still a tragedy.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out. Brenda was there again, smiling. Bless her.
- 8:15 AM: Looked back at the hotel. "Goodbye, Hampton Inn. You were, well, fine."
- 8:30 AM: Hit the road.
- Ongoing: Drive. And the laundry. My dirty laundry. The reality of that. I'll deal with it later.
Overall Impression:
This week wasn't the masterpiece I thought it was going to be when I started making plans. It was messy, imperfect, and filled with questionable coffee choices. But, you know what? It was real. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Now, back to reality… and that laundry.
Alice's Hidden Gem: Holiday Inn Express - Unbeatable Rates & Luxury!
Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby: Tulsa's (Mostly) Hidden Gem - Your Burning Questions Answered (and Then Some!)
Is this place *really* Tulsa's "best kept secret"? I mean, c'mon... Bixby?
Okay, okay, "best kept secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. Let's be real, Bixby isn't exactly the Hamptons. But consider this: you're probably *not* expecting a gem in this little corner of the universe, right? And that's exactly what makes it… well, pretty great. I mean, how many times have you driven past and thought, "Hampton Inn Bixby? Meh." Exactly! That's the secret. It's the unassuming underdog that quietly delivers a genuinely pleasant experience. I'd rather have a pleasant surprise than a hyped-up disappointment any day. Plus, it's convenient to EVERYTHING, from getting to Tulsa to exploring all the things in Bixby town.
The free breakfast. Tell me about the free breakfast. Is it as tragically generic as other hotel breakfasts?
Alright, buckle up, breakfast lovers. The free breakfast at Hampton Inn & Suites Bixby is… well, it's *better* than most. It's not winning any Michelin stars, that's for sure. But listen, after a night out, or after a long drive, or even after a stressful work day, they do the usual: eggs, sausage, waffles (YES!). I had one morning where I swear they had the fluffiest, most perfect waffles. I'm not saying it was life-altering, but it certainly started my day off RIGHT. And the coffee? Surprisingly decent. Always a huge plus, because I can't have a good morning without a cup of coffee!! Plus, the breakfast staff is always super nice, which is good. They truly make the experience of breakfast, for me. No complaints!
Speaking of which, let's talk about the staff. Are they actually *nice*, or just, you know, *hotel nice*?
Okay, this is where the Hampton Inn Bixby really shines. The staff is genuinely, truly NICE. Like, real-life nice. One time, I arrived super late for a conference, totally frazzled after the trip, and the front desk guy (I think his name was Mark?) could tell I was about to lose it. He didn't just check me in and hand me a key. He smiled, asked me about my trip, gave me a welcome snack and bottle of water, and just... made me feel *seen*. It's those little touches that make a difference, you know? They seem to genuinely care about making your stay pleasant. I've had a handful of interactions with the staff since and it's always been a positive experience.
Is the pool any good? I need to know if I can actually RELAX by the pool...
Okay, the pool... It's… fine. It's not a resort pool, let's be clear. But it's clean, the water's usually a good temperature, and it's a nice little oasis, especially after a long day. I've seen kids having a blast in there (which, admittedly, can be a little noisy, but hey, they're having fun!). The area around it is well-maintained. Could *be* better, could be worse. I've spent a couple of hours there on a calm afternoon and it was pretty much perfect. Now, if only they had a swim-up bar…
Okay, let's talk rooms. Spacious? Clean? What's the vibe? Is the lighting depressing?
Rooms are solid! They are generally clean and they are well-maintained, which is always a win in my book. The vibe? Think… comfortable. Not overly trendy, not sterile. More like a reliable friend's guest room, if that makes sense. The lighting is good – not the harsh fluorescents of doom, thank goodness. It's bright enough to see what you're doing, but not so harsh it feels like you're under interrogation. I mean, it's a Hampton Inn, so you aren't getting a five-star luxury suite, but the rooms are very well-equipped with everything that I need. The beds are comfortable. And, the air conditioning actually WORKS, which is a huge plus in Oklahoma summers. (And trust me, you *want* that AC to work.)
What about the gym? Am I going to be surrounded by equipment that looks like it's been in service since the Clinton administration?
Okay, the gym. Here's the deal: Its small. Real small. Enough for a decent workout, but don't expect a full-blown fitness center. They've got treadmills (which seem to be in good shape, and a couple of other pieces of equipment. It's enough to get a quick workout in, but probably not if you've been training for a marathon. But honestly? A quiet, functional gym is better than a huge, intimidating one, in my opinion. However, if you're a serious gym rat, you might want to look into a fitness club because the Hampton Inn isn't for you.
Is it noisy? I hate noisy hotels!
This is always a gamble, but the Hampton Inn Bixby tends to be pretty quiet. I think the location helps – it's not right on a super busy main street, and the walls seem decently soundproofed. Look, you're always going to get a little bit of noise from the hallway occasionally. During my stays, I've never had problems with noise, even on the weekends. But, I’m sure that can vary. Generally, it's a peaceful place to get some sleep. If you're a light sleeper, definitely request a room away from the elevator or the pool area. Otherwise, you should be good! But, if you're REALLY sensitive to noise, bring earplugs. Better safe than sorry!
Alright, I'm in. But any deal breakers I should know about? Any downsides?
Okay, the downsides. Let's be honest, it's not perfect. While I love the breakfast, sometimes, depending on the crowd, the breakfast area can feel a little tight. They could definitely expand the dining area. The location, while convenient to EVERYTHING... is in Bixby. Which means if you're looking for a super happening nightlife, you might be disappointed. You'll have to head into Tulsa for that. Also the parking sometimes can get full, but that's more a minor annoyance than a deal-breaker. Ultimately, though, the pros vastly outweigh the cons. I'm pretty sure I'll keep going back. Maybe it *is* Tulsa's little secret.
