TL;DR

Retro style: Classic 1963 Googie-architecture with a bold, colorful look.
Kitsch vibe: Perfect if you like playful, cheeky design.
Fun location: Stands out on a nondescript road in Midtown OKC.
Bold contrast: A quirky alternative to the city’s luxury hotels.
Check prices here

This standout piece of 1963 Googie-architecture in Midtown Oklahoma City is an attention-getter of a motel with a design-forward vibe and an easy kind of comfort.

The Classen Inn is all-in on the retro, so if some kitsch puts you off, we’d take it off your list.

If, however, you’re a fan of bold colors and always dreamed of staying in a kind of real-life Barbie house in Oklahoma, this is the one.

It’s an odd yet fitting vibe for an otherwise nondescript section of road, a standout in olive green and bright pink next to sleek condos and roadside storefronts.

Clever and youthful in an unexpected part of town, it’s a nice complement to the more established OKC hotels.

Among art-deco glam and the luxurious elegance of century-old brick, it’s a joy to find something so colorful and cheeky.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 17 total, with studios and connecting options.
Playful decor: Bold wallpapers, stripes, and tropical patterns.
Queen beds: Corner Queens offer balconies with road-trip charm.
Extras included: Coffee machines, mini fridges, vanities, and benches.
See each room in detail here

Rooms are just as dramatic, maybe more so, than the exterior. Walls are covered in either intersecting stripes worthy of Polly Pocket’s personal bowling alley or faux-tropical wallpaper.

It’s a LOT, we won’t lie, but we think they’ve managed to stay just shy of too much.

The patterns manage to speak with each other via some clever color scheming, making the space feel energetic and bold rather than overwhelming.

Beds are Queens, including studios and a vague maze of adjoining options that allow larger groups a nice mix of camaraderie and privacy.

The Corner Queens’ balconies might not have the best views ever, but they have a road-trip romance to them that’s hard to beat.

Besides the exuberant decor, each room is fitted out with a coffee machine, mini fridge, cute vanities and little bench seats.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Outdoor deck: Hanging chairs and a colorful, sunny hangout spot.
Pet friendly: Dogs welcome on the patio.
The Superette: Quirky shop with wine and snacks.
On-site extras: Free parking, Uber access, and complimentary bikes.

The spot to hang is a bright deck with hanging chairs, printed upholstery, and the perfect amount of sun.

Your pups are welcome to air their tails out on the patio as well.

It’s attached to The Superette, a small convenience store-style shop where you can grab all sorts of goodies.

It’s not really convenience store fare, heavily dominated as it is by multiple colors of wine, but this is a twist we can appreciate.

They’ve also got snacks on offer and a cozy (and colorful) inside space.

Once you’re ready to head out, you can get your wheels from the on-site parking, call your Uber, or even take the complimentary bikes for a spin.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Midtown base: Central spot for exploring Oklahoma City.
Arts & culture: Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center nearby.
Downtown access: 7-minute drive to museums and music halls.
Local flavor: Bricktown Brewery next door and Scissortail Park nearby.
Road trip vibes: Easy day trip access along Route 66.

Despite the lack of walkable sites, Midtown is actually a nice base for exploring the city.

To the east, you can head towards the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, which sits next to a cute park and has a handful of nice restaurants nearby. It’s a 5-minute drive.

If you prefer to be Downtown, that’s a 7-minute drive, even less if you’d like to check out the cultural offerings at the Museum of Art or the Civic Center Music Hall.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial is also on the way, with an attached museum. Then you can maybe hit up the Cowboy Hall of Fame or the American Banjo Museum to try and lighten things up.

Bricktown Brewery is right next door, a nice casual taste of the city.

A bit further away you’ll find Scissortail Park, a lovely space with access to the eye-catching Skydance Bridge.

To get a bit more of the road-trip buzz, head down Route 66 in either direction. We’d recommend heading east towards Tulsa for a nice day trip.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Retro charm, perfect for couples. Great location for getting around the city, and nice staff. Option for contactless check-in/out is great for travelers coming in at weird times. Close to airport…..”

“Room decor and accessories were INCREDIBLE! If you are an artist or designer of any kind, you will love this room. If you have a retro sensibility or appreciation for kitsch, you will love this room. If you have a soft spot for old-school motels, you will love this room. The bed is super comfy and this place was spotless. Additionally, while it is NOT a great neighborhood to walk around in, you are very close driving distance to great food, cool street art, and fun local shopping….”