On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Podcast, travel journalist Terri Guthrie takes us inside The National Hotel, a luxurious Marriott Autograph Collection property housed within Oklahoma City’s historic First National Center.
Originally opened in 1931 as First National Bank, this Art Deco and Neoclassical landmark has been transformed into a sophisticated hotel while preserving its soaring Great Hall, historic murals, marble columns, original architectural details, and massive bank vault — now home to The Vault cocktail bar.
In Part 1 of our three-part Oklahoma City series, this episode was recorded on-site at The National, and features Terri’s conversations with Amanda Clark, Director of Sales & Catering, who shares the building’s history and restoration, and Chef Jason Jonilonis, Director of Culinary, who talks about the hotel’s restaurants, dining experiences, Stock & Bond Steakhouse, and the impressive beverage program.
Listen to the Podcast Episode and Enjoy the Highlights Below:
A City Within a City: Originally opened in 1931 as the First National Bank, this 32-story Art Deco and Neoclassical masterpiece was painstakingly restored for $290 million. It stands today as one of the largest and most magnificent historical hotel transformations in American history.
The Great Hall at The National Hotel. Photo: Terri Guthrie
Oklahoma City's Living Room: Entering the second-floor Great Hall reveals a breathtaking visual showstopper featuring soaring 30-foot ceilings, original 1931 chandeliers, massive marble columns, and historic murals that illustrate Oklahoma's frontier past.
Poster for The Vault Bar at The National Hotel. Photo: Terri Guthrie
The Vault Bar: A sophisticated subterranean speakeasy cocktail bar built directly inside the bank's original 3,000-square-foot vault. Guests can sip high-end cocktails surrounded by 36 inches of steel-reinforced concrete and the original safety deposit boxes that once protected the wealth of the 1930s oil boom.
Lunch at The Guilded Acorn. Photo: Terri Guthrie
Premier Culinary & Beverage Programs: The hotel features a standout collection of dining venues overseen by Culinary Director Chef Jason Jonilonis. These include Tellers, an Italian woodfire grill crafted around the original bank teller windows; Stock & Bond, a premium high-plains steakhouse boasting a collection of over 300 American whiskies; and The Gilded Acorn, a charming corner patisserie.
Guest suite at The National Hotel. Photo: Terri Guthrie
Luxury Accommodations: The property features 146 residential-style rooms and 16 suites designed with a striking navy blue and white aesthetic. The crown jewel is the 900-square-foot Presidential Suite, situated in the former bank president's office, complete with a private balcony overlooking the grandeur of the Great Hall.
The Ultimate Staycation Destination: Located in a clean, safe, and highly walkable downtown district, the hotel is just steps away from the Myriad Botanical Gardens, museums, and entertainment. It serves as an effortless three-hour road trip or train getaway for travelers from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Plan your visit: https://www.thenationalokc.com/
Links & Resources
Learn more about Terri's travels:
- Travel with Terri: https://www.travelwithterri.com/
- Travel with Terri Podcast: https://www.travelwithterri.com/podcast
- The Luxe Explorer Magazine: https://www.travelwithterri.com/magazine