Here's the pics from metro:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/homewood9261.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/homewood9262.jpg

Awesome, more infill for OKC.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/415724_474090025956082_1972448969_o.jpg
I found this on Liquidfish's Facebook page, they are located right across the street.

Anyone know if they will avoid the mistake of the Hampton Inn in not having ballpark facing balconies?

I like all these cranes going up! To some of the people out of the loop, they can see something new is happening, I know I always like new.

Anyone know if they will avoid the mistake of the Hampton Inn in not having ballpark facing balconies?

No balconies.

So, so dumb. Why do developers in the OKC area ignore the greatest assets when building their properties.

So, so dumb. Why do developers in the OKC area ignore the greatest assets when building their properties.

Because they all went to the Randy Hogan School of Design?

Seriously though, why aren't there balconies facing the ballpark?

Because they all went to the Randy Hogan School of Design?

Seriously though, why aren't there balconies facing the ballpark?

Because it's much cheaper to go to the garage and watch from the rooftop floor?

Because it's much cheaper to go to the garage and watch from the rooftop floor?

Or actually go to the game, but I don't think hardly anyone would rent a room just to watch a game. I think the idea is that a balcony with a view would be a 'bonus' and extra perk to an out of towner looking for a room in Bricktown.

I see though why the developers don't want to include balconies. They cost more money and take up space. I'm sure they don't think balconies would add that much value since hotel guests are not that willing to pay that much of an extra premium to watch a minor league baseball game off the balcony.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/415724_474090025956082_1972448969_o.jpg
I found this on Liquidfish's Facebook page, they are located right across the street.

Wow, that's a cool pic.

Soon this view will be amazing.
http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ok6.jpg

Or actually go to the game, but I don't think hardly anyone would rent a room just to watch a game. I think the idea is that a balcony with a view would be a 'bonus' and extra perk to an out of towner looking for a room in Bricktown.

I see though why the developers don't want to include balconies. They cost more money and take up space. I'm sure they don't think balconies would add that much value since hotel guests are not that willing to pay that much of an extra premium to watch a minor league baseball game off the balcony.

Completely disagree. It's not just about watching a minor league game. It's about creating an experience. I wouldn't care who was playing, but being able to sit on my balcony and watch a game would be a game changer. It would also create a better experience for people at the game. That's the thing. So many OKC developers have no vision of what's possible so they just try to get things up as cheap and quickly as possible.

Spartan, I'm confused... how does that view change?

I am with KilgoreTrout on this one. It is the hotel equivalent of not having a patio overlooking the canal when building a restaurant. Not every room needs a balcony but it would have been nice if some of them did.

i think there is a certain level of perceived risk in having balconies overlook the stadium. Whether this is real or not, I can't say but I suspect this is the reason.

I agree no balconies facing that way is a total cheapskate way through these projects. Hampton even put a sign facing that way - so it isn't like they thought it was the back of the building that nobody would see.

Maybe it's a liability issue?

Maybe it's a liability issue?

Thousands of hotels all across America have balconies.

Thousands of hotels all across America have balconies.

Name a few brand new hotels with balconies...

I recall the developer stating that insurance premiums for hotels with balconies are much higher than those without balconies.

Name a few brand new hotels with balconies...


The Aloft in Deep Deuce.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/1618d1337174536-aloft-hotel-aloft3.jpg

The Aloft in Deep Deuce.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/1618d1337174536-aloft-hotel-aloft3.jpg

5 rooms out of over 100...

The Aloft in Deep Deuce.

To be fair, I think the balconies in the above photos are the planned private residences. But, let's not fool ourselves. Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites owners no doubt are not interested in spending a lot of money for something as "frivolous" as a balcony. It's hard to charge extra for one, there probably is an increased liability risk which translates to higher insurance rates and these aren't top of the line hotels where you might expect the extra amenities. It's nice to have new hotels downtown, but these are not buildings that will impress visitors. These are buildings to house visitors who want to save money on expensive downtown hotels.

i don't think the aloft will have any private residences

5 rooms out of over 100...

No one ever said every room should have one. If you go to places where there are things to see from a balcony, they have balconies. The belief is that a hotel overlooking a baseball stadium would try to capitalize on their location.

I'm sure the Redhawks owners appreciate that no one can pay to stay at the hotel and watch instead of actually attend the game...

Completely disagree. It's not just about watching a minor league game. It's about creating an experience. I wouldn't care who was playing, but being able to sit on my balcony and watch a game would be a game changer. It would also create a better experience for people at the game. That's the thing. So many OKC developers have no vision of what's possible so they just try to get things up as cheap and quickly as possible.

Thus the earlier remarks about so many people being happy with just any hotel. People need to understand that these are very middle of the road hotels and not generally tourist hotels. They are nice enough for what they are, but they don't focus on extra amenities, but cheaper rates. Clean, comfortable, value, but not concerned with creating "experiences".

I'm sure the Redhawks owners appreciate that no one can pay to stay at the hotel and watch instead of actually attend the game...

Now you are reaching - unless they plan to black out the windows.

No one ever said every room should have one. If you go to places where there are things to see from a balcony, they have balconies. The belief is that a hotel overlooking a baseball stadium would try to capitalize on their location.

These are basic hotels lacking many amenities. They are basically value hotels. These are not tourist hotels.

i don't think the aloft will have any private residences

I may be wrong, but fairly recently I was told that the spaces facing west (with balconies) would be sold as private residences. I have a friend who is/was contemplating buying one. If that is still true, it is likely word of mouth and they will all be sold before the hotel is open. I was also told the top two floors facing west will be a residence for the owner of the hotel. I believe his name is Jim Thompson?

Now you are reaching - unless they plan to black out the windows.

How am I reaching? The Redhawks must like the fact that there are no balconies is all I said. They know that no one will bother to watch from inside their room.

These are basic hotels lacking many amenities. They are basically value hotels. These are not tourist hotels.

I get that, but I stay at a Courtyard overlooking I-75 in midtown ATL and a small number of rooms have balconies. I wouldn't consider it a tourist hotel.

How am I reaching? The Redhawks must like the fact that there are no balconies is all I said. They know that no one will bother to watch from inside their room.

Sorry, I thought you were implying that the hotel was doing a favor for the Redhawks by not including balconies. I'm not sure the Redhawls would care either way, although, it might make the game day atmosphere a little better. The Cubs tried to make apartments overlooking Wrigley field pay to watch the games and the City told them to get lost.

Sorry, I thought you were implying that the hotel was doing a favor for the Redhawks by not including balconies. I'm not sure the Redhawls would care either way, although, it might make the game day atmosphere a little better. The Cubs tried to make apartments overlooking Wrigley field pay to watch the games and the City told them to get lost.

With a name like the Cubs, I guarantee you those people are paying to watch the games...they're just not paying the Cubs.

How am I reaching? The Redhawks must like the fact that there are no balconies is all I said. They know that no one will bother to watch from inside their room.

Does very many even watch the Redhawks ?

I'm sure the Redhawks owners appreciate that no one can pay to stay at the hotel and watch instead of actually attend the game...

Well, that would be a narrow-minded way to look at it. I guarantee you that it would improve their product, and long-term, make the stadium more attractive. I don't think a few balconies would hurt attendance. It would help it.

Completely disagree. It's not just about watching a minor league game. It's about creating an experience. I wouldn't care who was playing, but being able to sit on my balcony and watch a game would be a game changer. It would also create a better experience for people at the game. That's the thing. So many OKC developers have no vision of what's possible so they just try to get things up as cheap and quickly as possible.

I'm gonna have to disagree with you, $45 million dollar hotel is hardly as "cheap" as possible.

Stop into the Hampton Inn and take a look around. Nothing cheap about it.

The Hampton Inn sign facing the ballpark was actually put there for signage as it pertains to the old I-40.

A very very high % of new hotel builds don't get balconies. It's an insurance and liability issue plain and simple.

When you build your 11 story hotel feel free to add all the balconies you like.

i'm gonna have to disagree with you, $45 million dollar hotel is hardly as "cheap" as possible.

Stop into the hampton inn and take a look around. Nothing cheap about it.

The hampton inn sign facing the ballpark was actually put there for signage as it pertains to the old i-40.

A very very high % of new hotel builds don't get balconies. It's an insurance and liability issue plain and simple.

When you build your 11 story hotel feel free to add all the balconies you like.

boom.

I'm gonna have to disagree with you, $45 million dollar hotel is hardly as "cheap" as possible.

Stop into the Hampton Inn and take a look around. Nothing cheap about it.

The Hampton Inn sign facing the ballpark was actually put there for signage as it pertains to the old I-40.

A very very high % of new hotel builds don't get balconies. It's an insurance and liability issue plain and simple.

When you build your 11 story hotel feel free to add all the balconies you like.

Every now and then us posters get a reality check by folks in the know. LOL

Name a few brand new hotels with balconies...

Hotels in Tulsa, OK - Embassy Suites Tulsa I-44 (http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oklahoma/embassy-suites-tulsa-i-44-TULESES/index.html)

Downtown Seattle Hotels | HOMEWOOD SUITES SEATTLE | Hotel in Downtown Seattle WA Pike Street (http://www.homewoodsuitesseattle.com/)

Jacksonville Hotels | Homewood Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown-Southbank | Jacksonville, FL (http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/homewood-suites-by-hilton-jacksonville-downtown-southbank-JAXDNHW/index.html)

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport-Liberty Station - San Diego - 292 Reviews & Bedbug Reports | Raveable.com (http://www.raveable.com/ca/san-diego/courtyard-by-marriott-san-diego-airport-liberty-station_hotel-reviews/p6593)

Gatlinburg Accommodations - Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Hotel Rooms (http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/tennessee/hampton-inn-gatlinburg-GATBGHX/accommodations/index.html)

Savannah Hotels | Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District | Savannah, GA (http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/georgia/hilton-garden-inn-savannah-historic-district-SAVSHGI/index.html)

Embassy Suites Hotel Anaheim-North (Anaheim, United States of America) | Expedia (http://www.expedia.com/Orange-County-Hotels-Embassy-Suites-Hotel-Anaheim-North.h21025.Hotel-Information)

Farmers Branch TX Hotels | Courtyard Dallas Hotel in Farmer (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalnw-courtyard-dallas-lbj-at-josey/)

Dallas Hotels | Sheraton Suites Market Center Dallas (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=96)

San Antonio Riverwalk Hotels | Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel (http://www.embassysuitesriverwalk.com/)

Obviously there are a ton more. This was just the result of a 2 minute google search. I can only guess what their concerns are or that's it's just an oversight, but balconies are not unheard of in newer hotel construction and is certainly a missed opportunity for this property. Add a few here and there and it becomes THE value hotel to stay in downtown, but that just may not be what they're going for... who knows?

Hotels in Tulsa, OK - Embassy Suites Tulsa I-44 (http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oklahoma/embassy-suites-tulsa-i-44-TULESES/index.html)

Downtown Seattle Hotels | HOMEWOOD SUITES SEATTLE | Hotel in Downtown Seattle WA Pike Street (http://www.homewoodsuitesseattle.com/)

Jacksonville Hotels | Homewood Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown-Southbank | Jacksonville, FL (http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/homewood-suites-by-hilton-jacksonville-downtown-southbank-JAXDNHW/index.html)

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport-Liberty Station - San Diego - 292 Reviews & Bedbug Reports | Raveable.com (http://www.raveable.com/ca/san-diego/courtyard-by-marriott-san-diego-airport-liberty-station_hotel-reviews/p6593)

Gatlinburg Accommodations - Hampton Inn Gatlinburg Hotel Rooms (http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/tennessee/hampton-inn-gatlinburg-GATBGHX/accommodations/index.html)

Savannah Hotels | Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District | Savannah, GA (http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/georgia/hilton-garden-inn-savannah-historic-district-SAVSHGI/index.html)

Embassy Suites Hotel Anaheim-North (Anaheim, United States of America) | Expedia (http://www.expedia.com/Orange-County-Hotels-Embassy-Suites-Hotel-Anaheim-North.h21025.Hotel-Information)

Farmers Branch TX Hotels | Courtyard Dallas Hotel in Farmer (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dalnw-courtyard-dallas-lbj-at-josey/)

Dallas Hotels | Sheraton Suites Market Center Dallas (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=96)

San Antonio Riverwalk Hotels | Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel (http://www.embassysuitesriverwalk.com/)

Obviously there are a ton more. This was just the result of a 2 minute google search. I can only guess what their concerns are or that's it's just an oversight, but balconies are not unheard of in newer hotel construction and is certainly a missed opportunity for this property. Add a few here and there and it becomes THE value hotel to stay in downtown, but that just may not be what they're going for... who knows?

more boom.

A very very high % of new hotel builds don't get balconies. It's an insurance and liability issue plain and simple.

How much of that can get passed on to the customer? I assume the increase in insurance and liability would only be for the rooms that have balconies. In the few times I have stayed in a room with a balcony I paid a premium for it (about 25% more than a non-balcony room in the same hotel). How does the liability compare to that of Level, where every unit has a balcony?

[
Obviously there are a ton more. This was just the result of a 2 minute google search. I can only guess what their concerns are or that's it's just an oversight, but balconies are not unheard of in newer hotel construction and is certainly a missed opportunity for this property. Add a few here and there and it becomes THE value hotel to stay in downtown, but that just may not be what they're going for... who knows?


In the franchise hotel industry it is often the owner's choice of enhancements. When you see hotels being built with through-the-wall air conditioners, no balconies, etc., you know that it is focused on constructing it cheaply. And, balconies not only create additional construction cost, hotels with balconies tend to have higher heating and cooling costs. And of course if you use through the wall ACs then under the window is a typical place where that goes or the balcony is shared with the condensing side and the noise. If the owner wanted to create a more quality hotel they would have built to the standards of better franchises...Doubletree, etc. that are still moderate price points, but higher standards.

If the owner wanted to create a more quality hotel they would have built to the standards of better franchises...Doubletree, etc. that are still moderate price points, but higher standards.

That's why I stayed within the value hotel category with my examples. The Homewood Suites / Courtyards / Embassy Suites / Hampton Inns of the world do build hotels with balconies. In the end, though, you are right that the owner is just not very interested in quality.

Oh, I forgot a few with balconies that are probably most relevant:

Residence Inn Oklahoma City Downtown/Bricktown: Oklahoma City Extended Stay Hotels (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/okcbt-residence-inn-oklahoma-city-downtown-bricktown/)

Oklahoma City Hotels | Embassy Suites OKC | Will Rogers Airport Hotel (http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oklahoma/embassy-suites-oklahoma-city-will-rogers-world-airport-OKCMRES/index.html)

Courtyard Oklahoma City Downtown Comfort designed for business travelers in Oklahoma City (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/okcdt-courtyard-oklahoma-city-downtown/)

In the end, though, you are right that the owner is just not very interested in quality.

Since balconies = quality, I'm going to have to agree with you here.

Since balconies = quality, I'm going to have to agree with you here.

This cracks me up.

Kudos to the Pitmans. Now that I'm not City of OKC staff, I can say that they're my favorite Bricktown property owners.

Let's not forget this one (although it doesn't meet the criteria of brand new).

http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/o/okcbr/phototour/okcbr_phototour29.jpg

We really did appreciate working with you throughout the years.

You're missed down here.

We really did appreciate working with you throughout the years.

You're missed down here.

Thanks - I appreciate that.

On the balcony note, most people say they'd like a balcony, but I wonder how often balconies actually get used. I've been to numerous hotels with them, and I've rarely stepped foot on them, let alone hang out on them. Only time I really did was in the DR when it was too hot to do anything else.

We seem to have gone off of the quality track a little bit. A balcony doesn't mean quality or shabby built.

Fact 1: Hotels built today have balconies (ample proof provided)
Fact 2: The new Bricktown hotels don't have them

Simple Question: Why don't they?
Simple Answer: Because insurance cost to much.

Simple Question: Why can other properties afford the insurance and these can't?
Simple Answer: ???? - anyone (possible and valid answers could include 1) It would cut into profits. 2) Would keep room rates in-line with market demand. 3) Just didn't think about it.

Since balconies = quality, I'm going to have to agree with you here.

Oh, come on. I didn't say that. This isn't some high end quality hotel whether it has balconies or not. This is a place where you expect the rooms to be clean and that's about it. Nothing wrong with that, but since it was brought up, balconies would make it nicer and help it stand out a little against the slew of the small value hotels that dominate Oklahoma City's hotel offering.

Oh, come on. I didn't say that. This isn't some high end quality hotel whether it has balconies or not. This is a place where you expect the rooms to be clean and that's about it. Nothing wrong with that, but since it was brought up, balconies would make it nicer and help it stand out a little against the slew of the small value hotels that dominate Oklahoma City's hotel offering.

Perhaps balconies would achieve that, perhaps they wouldn't. As you've already pointed out, many properties downtown have balconies. So on the flip side, maybe hotels without balconies would stand out more.


The Homewood Suites / Courtyards / Embassy Suites / Hampton Inns of the world do build hotels with balconies. In the end, though, you are right that the owner is just not very interested in quality.

Apparently I misinterpreted your last comment on the owners interest in quality. Please accept my sincerest apologies.

Here's another thought - maybe the hotel owners were going for a Bricktown feel (not Lower Bricktown like the Residence Inn) by not putting balconies in the design. Most of the original buildings in Bricktown do not have balconies.

This cracks me up.

Kudos to the Pitmans. Now that I'm not City of OKC staff, I can say that they're my favorite Bricktown property owners.

No one is knocking the developers of the hotel. It is their prerogative to build whatever style they want and they are good business operators. The hotels are well appointed and nice enough. But that doesn't make them what they are not. They are very good basic hotels with some corners cut. Architectural features like balconies can be expensive. Upgraded mechanical systems are expensive. Downtown OKC rates are limited on the upside, so unnecessary costs have to be limited. I am sure they do the best they can and perhaps will put in better hotels later on when the economics prove it will be worthwhile.

Maybe so, but they built on a site that would be greatly enhanced by balconies. Another opportunity missed because of excuses and low expectations. There are tons of cities where this gets done...

Perhaps balconies would achieve that, perhaps they wouldn't. As you've already pointed out, many properties downtown have balconies. So on the flip side, maybe hotels without balconies would stand out more.

Um, well, I guess a development can stand out for having less amenities. Kind of funny that there'll be a junker in lower bricktown with balconies over looking a massive parking lot and a Bass Pro, while the two hotels over looking bricktown and the ballpark are both without balconies.

But, hey, the "I'd rather not have a balcony" customer needs a place to sleep, too.

http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/o/okcdt/phototour/okcdt_phototour10.jpg?Log=1

Oops. Posted before I got to the last page.

So, so dumb. Why do developers in the OKC area ignore the greatest assets when building their properties.


Because they all went to the Randy Hogan School of Design?

Seriously though, why aren't there balconies facing the ballpark?


Completely disagree. It's not just about watching a minor league game. It's about creating an experience. I wouldn't care who was playing, but being able to sit on my balcony and watch a game would be a game changer. It would also create a better experience for people at the game. That's the thing. So many OKC developers have no vision of what's possible so they just try to get things up as cheap and quickly as possible.

This. It is saddening builders in this city have NO VISION, like Randy Hogan the king of no vision. These posters obviously don't get the OPPORTUNITY. It's not about "paying a premium to watch a minor league ballgame from a balcony", it's about creating an experience. It would enhance the human element of urban living, give visitors another option of something to do (very limited options in Bricktown for entertainment), as well as it provides unparalleled views in Oklahoma.

http://cache.marriott.com/propertyimages/o/okcdt/phototour/okcdt_phototour10.jpg?Log=1

These courtyard balconies are great, especially during the Thunder playoffs. Last season was fun walking into and out of the arena with mostly visiting team fans (Lakers, Spurs, Mavs) being out on the balconies either heckling Thunder fans or being on the receiving end of it. Truly a big league experience, something Bricktown would enjoy too if there were a hotel with balconies extending over Sheridan Ave or overlooking the Redhawks. It is little things like this that add to the entertainment value of a city.