I had some family visiting and they stayed at the Tower Hotel a few months ago at some ridiculous price of like $44/night on a "hotwire mystery hotel rate" for a couple nights. For the price it is certainly a bargain however the room looked like it had not been updated in 30 years. With a good gut of the bathrooms and replacing the furniture in the room should be pretty nice.

Looks like this hotel will be getting a $13 million makeover and will rebranded as an Embassy Suites.

Looks like this hotel will be getting a $13 million makeover and will rebranded as an Embassy Suites.

I think Embassy is a great choice for that property, except that it doesn't have an atrium. I always liked the property when I stayed there in the 90s and the Metro needs another Embassy.

I think Embassy is a great choice for that property, except that it doesn't have an atrium. I always liked the property when I stayed there in the 90s and the Metro needs another Embassy.

The atrium makes such a huge difference in those Embassy Suites. It completely sucks up all of the noise. It's great when you're staying with a pretty rowdy group.

Sale closed on this property for $8.25 million.

They already have new management in place and renovations should be starting soon.

After 3 decades, Russell's Lounge closes its doors (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=447-After-3-decades-Russell-s-Lounge-closes-its-doors)

As plans are readied for the complete renovation of the former Marriott hotel at 3233 NW Expressway, one of Oklahoma City's longest running bars and clubs has quietly closed its doors.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/russells010417ca.jpg


Last month, the Champion Hotel group purchased the 354-room property from the lender. After opening in the mid-80's as a Marriott, the property lost its flag and had been operating as the Tower Hotel since 2013.

Champion will make a full conversion to the Embassy Suites brand, reducing the room count to 215 and thoroughly reworking all the common areas and meeting spaces.

Hotel management told OKCTalk that since Embassy Suites incorporates a bar into its lobby, the Russell's space will be re-purposed.

The venerable bar and night spot closed its doors for good last Saturday.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/russells2.jpg


Starting with its opening of the hotel in the fall of 1985, Russell's was an OKC sensation with weekend crowds filling the large space and packing the dance floor, particularly on weekends where DJ's and live bands were routinely featured.

A recent photo shows that the club, like the hotel around it, had changed little in more than 32 years.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/russells3.jpg


Entering Russell's from its signature separate side entrance last week, visitors discovered hours limited to weekend nights, cash-only terms and a vastly reduced liquor selection.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/russells122917a.jpg


Champion Hotels is owned by Champ Patel and operates dozens of hotels in Oklahoma as well as surrounding states. The company recently opened the first TRU hotel in the U.S. On S. Meridian Avenue. TRU is a new brand by Hilton Hotels.

Champion is also ready to start on a large Canopy Hotel in Bricktown and is a partner in the recently purchased former lumberyard property directly north of the now-demolished Producer's Coop.

Renovation to Embassy Suites will be starting soon and the company also plans to build a smaller, limited-service hotel on some of the parking to the north.

The large 13,000 square meeting space will also receive a complete makeover.

Although hotel construction has boomed in Central Oklahoma over the last decade, this hotel is one of the few that feature significant meeting space and considered full-service.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/russells010417a.jpg

Thanks for covering the neighborhood, Pete. We are all VERY excited about this new step. Champ will kill it here with this location, meeting space, and new flag. Can't wait to follow the progress.

Do you know what type of hotel he will build to the north?

Do you know what type of hotel he will build to the north?

It will be some sort of limited-service 100 room property like all the others being built all around town.

I was shocked to learn that Russell's was still open. I'd hate to be the guy tearing out the carpet in that place!

I was shocked to learn that Russell's was still open. I'd hate to be the guy tearing out the carpet in that place!
I wouldn't mind. There were a lot of cougars there I found.

I wouldn't mind. There were a lot of cougars there I found.

Erm. okaaaay,...but what's that got to do with the carpet? 30 yr old carpet coming out of anywhere isn't going to be pretty, but from a bar it has got to be pretty nasty.

I misread that post.

https://newsok.com/article/5606174/questions-emerge-on-bricktown-hotel-building-spree


work continues on renovating the former Marriott in northwest Oklahoma City

It looked sad and vacant when I was there a few weeks ago.
We had a few Benham Christmas parties there and hit Russell's often.

THE WAY TO EARLY PREVIEW OF WHAT IS ON THE WAY:

I would like to thank you all for your interest in this project, we are working diligently to ensure this project is completed and will make all of us, as members of the OKC community proud.

We are all very pleased that it is Champ Patel taking on this project, while many challenges have come our way, Champ has remained steadfast in his commitment to giving the city the best.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/169601154@N07/32653399897/in/dateposted-public/

Good Evening Everyone,

Since we have received a few calls this evening about the demolition of the front part of the building I thought I would give you an update.
Full demolition of the hexagon shaped building that at one time housed Russell’s Lounge has begun, this has been apart of the plan so there is no need to worry. This clearing will make room for a planned McAlister's Deli which will be independent of the hotel.
As many of you know Embassy Suites incorporates a lobby bar into the design of the hotel, construction of this open concept lobby bar is well underway and will take the space that was at one time occupied by the JW steakhouse. The design in my opinion is simply wonderful. Discussion is underway weather or not to name this new area “Russells”, any opinions?

Just took this:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy041919a.jpg

Wow. Quite the transformation thus far.

Good Evening Everyone,

Since we have received a few calls this evening about the demolition of the front part of the building I thought I would give you an update.
Full demolition of the hexagon shaped building that at one time housed Russell’s Lounge has begun, this has been apart of the plan so there is no need to worry. This clearing will make room for a planned McAlister's Deli which will be independent of the hotel.
As many of you know Embassy Suites incorporates a lobby bar into the design of the hotel, construction of this open concept lobby bar is well underway and will take the space that was at one time occupied by the JW steakhouse. The design in my opinion is simply wonderful. Discussion is underway weather or not to name this new area “Russells”, any opinions?

People will definitely know the Russell's name and associate it with that approximate location. Some might initially be confused trying to go to the external location, but that will self correct. IMO don't lose the established brand.

Thank you for the info, Manager. I don't think there was a way to keep the old Russell's spot and bring this property to 2019. Very impressive so far.
And Pete, wow, your drone shot shows just how much Champ has committed to this hotel. This will make an excellent Embassy Suites. Can't wait to see how this looks completed!

Good Evening Everyone,

Since we have received a few calls this evening about the demolition of the front part of the building I thought I would give you an update.
Full demolition of the hexagon shaped building that at one time housed Russell’s Lounge has begun, this has been apart of the plan so there is no need to worry. This clearing will make room for a planned McAlister's Deli which will be independent of the hotel.
As many of you know Embassy Suites incorporates a lobby bar into the design of the hotel, construction of this open concept lobby bar is well underway and will take the space that was at one time occupied by the JW steakhouse. The design in my opinion is simply wonderful. Discussion is underway weather or not to name this new area “Russells”, any opinions?

Back in the day Russells was the place to go for Wed Happy Hour. Standing room only if you got there after 5. Had some free buffet items (if you bought drinks) and was the hot spot to go. Even had a DJ come in starting around 8ish. At a point some very younger crowd started showing up and was eating food and not buying drinks and basically this chased off the regular crowd who had been going there for many many years. The regulars then moved to Hefner Lake haunts and never went back. Within a month it went from best HR to dead.

Will be interesting seeing the rehab/changes and how they come out and if anyone goes back. Glad to see the upgrades. They used to have the SW Airlines overnight contract and I may or may not have met some females there lol.

Anyone know what improvements they'll do to the indoor/outdoor pool?

Good Evening Everyone,

Since we have received a few calls this evening about the demolition of the front part of the building I thought I would give you an update.
Full demolition of the hexagon shaped building that at one time housed Russell’s Lounge has begun, this has been apart of the plan so there is no need to worry. This clearing will make room for a planned McAlister's Deli which will be independent of the hotel.
As many of you know Embassy Suites incorporates a lobby bar into the design of the hotel, construction of this open concept lobby bar is well underway and will take the space that was at one time occupied by the JW steakhouse. The design in my opinion is simply wonderful. Discussion is underway weather or not to name this new area “Russells”, any opinions?

I have some good memories of this hotel from when I was a kid and am glad it is being transformed back into a nice hotel. Are you all keeping the inside/outside pool?

I'm also glad to hear a McAlister's is going in there. The middle of the city needed one.

I have some good memories of this hotel from when I was a kid and am glad it is being transformed back into a nice hotel. Are you all keeping the inside/outside pool?

I'm also glad to hear a McAlister's is going in there. The middle of the city needed one.

Embassy Suites NW OKC will feature a completely remodeled new indoor pool. The area that once was the outdoor pool will make way for a new patio space with all new landscaping, fire pits, and relaxation area.

Embassy Suites NW OKC will feature a completely remodeled new indoor pool. The area that once was the outdoor pool will make way for a new patio space with all new landscaping, fire pits, and relaxation area.

Cool, thanks. Would love to see some plans or renderings of anything that you'd like to share. I'm really looking forward to this hotel opening for some stay-cations over the winter time.

Switch from old topic header “Nw okc Marriott”.
Please see small preview of the work currently in progress


15259

15260

Please see new topic header : Embassy Suites OKC NW, Under buildings and development

A McAlisters?? So disappointed. Never received good service or good food at any location they run in OK.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marriott071319a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marriott071319b.jpg

The Embassy Suites is looking a LOT better, but that 7-11 needs serious reworking.

^

Yes, the paint job has made a big difference. And it's not just all white; there are some gray areas too. Looks really good IMO.

Sales mgr. tells me they are shooting for a fall opening for the hotel.

I need to get in there and check it out.

I know they are doing a full renovation; even the large ballrooms.

Glad to see it coming back. Had my wedding reception there and it was really great. Of course that was 11 years ago so it took a nose dive after that. Not sure im on board for it being white, but if they can spruce that up with some designs along with the white, it would go a long way for me...maybe some black and grey shapes?

Glad to see it coming back. Had my wedding reception there and it was really great. Of course that was 11 years ago so it took a nose dive after that. Not sure im on board for it being white, but if they can spruce that up with some designs along with the white, it would go a long way for me...maybe some black and grey shapes?

If you see it in person you'll see that there are other shades in the same palette on the building as well, which adds interest and depth. Those subtleties just didn't show up in the photos above. It looks really great.

I need to get in there and check it out.

I know they are doing a full renovation; even the large ballrooms.

Yep, full reno including the ballrooms, which we here in Founders District are really excited about--it is such a great event space for this part of town.

And remember, eventually way out in that huge NE parking lot adjacent to Founders Tower, they are building a limited service hotel with pool--something like a La Quinta.

Now if we could just get the Wyndham on track for a rebirth!

speaking of Wyndham, hard to believe all of the flags that hotel has flown:

HIlton (longest time, even when I was in OKC), Crowne Plaza, ES, etc. ...

Hard to believe this was what Hilton once was in OKC. ...

Yep, full reno including the ballrooms, which we here in Founders District are really excited about--it is such a great event space for this part of town.

And remember, eventually way out in that huge NE parking lot adjacent to Founders Tower, they are building a limited service hotel with pool--something like a La Quinta.

Now if we could just get the Wyndham on track for a rebirth!

Speaking of wyndham...Oklahoman is reporting that property is in foreclosure now

Speaking of wyndham...Oklahoman is reporting that property is in foreclosure now

When did you see that report? Link?

Troubled northwest Oklahoma City hotel now is in foreclosure (https://oklahoman.com/article/5636390/troubled-northwest-oklahoma-city-hotel-now-is-in-foreclosure)

Troubled northwest Oklahoma City hotel now is in foreclosure (https://oklahoman.com/article/5636390/troubled-northwest-oklahoma-city-hotel-now-is-in-foreclosure)

Thank you. Hopefully it will get turned around sooner than later.

I personally would like a developer with deep pockets completely raze the hotel and start again. The exterior is very dated and the architecture is nothing special. Then, it comes back as a newly modern Wyndham.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/marriott071319b.jpg

Truly remarkable what they have done with this building. Bright color will represent a new life.

My cousin worked there during the last days as the place went into disarray needed a ride one day; didn't have my cellphone when I returned for pickup, so I went inside to let someone know his ride arrived. The place didn't look the same as it did when it was the Marriott. Hallway carpets throughout the place were run down; restroom wasn't clean (used paper towels scattered on the floor, stale sour smell--vent wasn't operating), couldn't believe it was the same place I visited years before for several conferences under the Marriott flagship.

Anyway, from the exterior pic it looks like Embassy Suites is making a major investment.

Our website is active: it is still very generic and using stock photos but we will be working on it over the next couple of months to improve the content.

https://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oklahoma/embassy-suites-by-hilton-oklahoma-city-northwest-OKCONES/index.html

Went to an open house Friday which was very well-attended. They served lunch in the renovated ball room which looked incredible. This place had gone down so badly in recent years, this renewal is massive and looks great. We got a tour of some of the new rooms up on the 16th floor and the guest rooms look fantastic--fresh, classy, spacious. They have a breakfast area that will seat over 200 for Embassy's trademark made-to-order breakfast--which business travelers say is the best in the industry--a great value to be included in the room rate. The lobby is sleek and clean and the patio has been reworked, with the outdoor portion of the pool filled in and water and fire features added to enable outdoor events in a cool environment. Just like the Hilton/Crowne Plaza/Wyndham/Radisson hotel in the same neighborhood, this place was overhauled from top to bottom--which it needed. Champ Patel should be very proud of this investment his company has made. It is a complete 180. They are supposed to be open Dec. 20. Founders District will benefit majorly having both of these full service hotels in great shape.

When will Embassy Suite signage be added?

When will Embassy Suite signage be added?

Tomorrow it will start to go up.

Former Marriott set to reopen after $20 million renovation (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=681-Former-Marriott-set-to-reopen-after-20-million-renovation)

When Champion Hotels purchased the hotel at 3233 NW Expressway in late 2017, it had already lost its Marriott flag and had been operating as the Tower Hotel since 2013.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919a.jpg
New Embassy Suites hotel with McAlister's Deli under construction


After a massive renovation, the hotel will re-open December 20th as Embassy Suites.

When the hotel originally opened in 1985, it represented a massive investment in northwest Oklahoma City at a time the region was heading into a deep recession due to a slump in the oil patch.

Throughout the '80s and '90s, the Marriott Northwest was a nightlife magnet due to the popular Russell's Lounge and the full-service hotel itself which featured 13,000 square feet of quality meeting space.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919x.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/russells3.jpg
Marriott from the 1990's; Old Russell's Lounge


But very few updates were made over the next decades and as the property grew stale, a surge in hotel construction throughout Central Oklahoma caused a large decline in occupancy and ultimately Marriott removed its name.

Champion then bought the property and planned a $13 million renovation, but once work started, that number soon climbed to more than $20 million.

The entire building has been remodeled inside and out. The old Russell's was demolished last year and the land fronting NW Expressway was sold to McAlister's Deli which will open early next year.

The old indoor/outdoor pool will now just be indoor with the outdoor area reworked into a patio with gas firepits.

The step-down lobby has been remade into a one-level space with new marble flooring and all new woodwork, furniture and lighting. Embassy's own bar has been incorporated as well as a large breakfast room.

The huge amount of meeting space has also been completely redecorated but still can be partitioned for large and smaller events alike.

On the upper floors, 354 rooms have become 215 suites of varying sizes, all with great views of Northwest OKC and downtown beyond or Lake Hefer to the north. The rooms feature marble shower surrounds and modern features that carry through to the bedrooms and seating areas.

Outside, the old beige facade has been freshly painted with a white and gray scheme and the huge parking area to the north has been completely repaved and the entire property has received new landscaping. New signage will be going up this week.

Champion Hotels is owned by Champ Patel and operates dozens of hotels in Oklahoma as well as surrounding states. The company recently opened the first TRU hotel in the U.S. On S. Meridian Avenue. TRU is a new brand by Hilton Hotels.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919b.jpg
Meeting area entrance on the northeast corner of the hotel


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919c.jpg
Lobby area


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919d.jpg
New bar


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919e.jpg
Lobby area looking towards entrance


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919f.jpg
Indoor pool


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919g.jpg
Courtyard


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919i.jpg
Meeting rooms circulation area


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919j.jpg
Meeting space


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919k.jpg
Typical bathroom


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919m.jpg
Typical bedroom


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy120919l.jpg
View from 16th floor

Would be nice if there were kore landscaping features but the interior is very nice. They exterior of the building needs signage and a couple lighting elements as well.

Signage is going up this week.

They don't open for 10 more days.

I would love to see the 7-11 on the corner go away to un-clutter the space. But I don’t see that happening because the store is insanely busy. Which is good for them I guess.

“Un-clutter”

What do you mean by that?

From yesterday (Sunday); note how fast McAlister's Deli is moving:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/embassy121519a.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vrrzJwG.jpg

They should move the 7-11 entrances/exits into the one with McAlister's.

They should move the 7-11 entrances/exits into the one with McAlister's.i agree that it would be better to have fewer curb cuts, but given the retaining wall i suspect that there is a bit of an elevation change between the two lots.

i agree that it would be better to have fewer curb cuts, but given the retaining wall i suspect that there is a bit of an elevation change between the two lots.
Yep, noticed that myself when I looked again. Still, one can dream, ha.

I'm surprised they didn't go with any type of backlit or illuminated signage for this building. Looks a bit odd at night. . .

i agree that it would be better to have fewer curb cuts, but given the retaining wall i suspect that there is a bit of an elevation change between the two lots.
I suspect it could have worked. More than likely it is a result of planning or lack thereof. OKC has way too many curb cuts.