We are looking for a little help here. We are planning a quick three-day trip to OKC in the very near future and need to know if there is a or some decent motel(s) within walking distance of the OKC National Memorial?

Also, and don't take any offense to this because that's not the way it is intended, but what neighborhoods or areas should people stay away from, or is everywhere in OKC OK to be in after dark? Almost every one of the bigger cities we've stayed in in the country has at least one area in which you don't want to be when the sun goes down. If everywhere is OK, that's great. But we would like to stay very close to the Memorial if possible.

Thanks for the replies in advance
I appreciate any help you can give.

P.S.-- We don't mind staying in chain motels. In fact, we seem to like them better because we don't go for the amentities. We go to see and do things and spend little time at the motel.

Hi! Do a search for Oklahoma City on the US board; there was some discussion about this area and hotels a month or so ago. A good area for hotels that isn't necessarily in the downtown area are at I-40 and Meridian/Reno, which is a few miles to the west; alot of restaurants there, too. As to your other question, the Memorial is well lit at night, but you probably wouldn't want to venture away from there on foot at night.

Because the Memorial is in downtown, finding a motel nearby is tough.

There nearest motel is the Super 8 Motel located at the OU Medical Center campus about two miles away on the west side of downtown:

http://www.point-travel.com/oklahoma...lth-center.htm

There is a bed and breakfast located in the Midtown section (just north of downtown) that is about six short blocks to the east and seven short blocks to the north. You'll have to decide on the rate yourself:

http://www.bbonline.com/ok/grandison/

Of course, there are downtown's hotels - Westin, Renaissance Marriott, and Courtyard by Marriott - that are within easy walking distance. If you come in on the weekend, the rates ought to be more affordable.

Finally, the streets in the Central Business District of downtown, where the Memorial is located are safe all parts of the day. The location of the Super 8 Motel is a bit seedier, but it's by no means unsafe.

Have a good stay in OKC; try to enjoy some of the more joyful activities downtown -- the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, where the sincere Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington is on display until until April 11 -- its Arts District neighbors, Bricktown and the Myriad Gardens.

Sorry, that bed and breakfast is the Grandison at Maney Park, and it is six blocks west of the the Memorial.

Thanks for the info designmr. I went to bbonline to check out the B&B's there and have a three-night stay at the Grandison coming up.

It's within walking distance for us, beind at 1200 N. Shatel Ave. RandMcNally.com says it's just a mile walk. But I'm wondering what was meant by mzpossum about walking being unsafe at night?

We were wanting to spend a full day and until after dark at or near the Memorial one of the days we're there, but if it wouldn't be safe to walk back to the B&B, then maybe we should rethink it.

Also, if we decide to drive to downtown, how hard will it be for us to find parking around the Memorial?

Any thoughts, ideas appreciated.

I am not that familer with OKC but recently visted the Memeorial, parking was easy, metered, the day I was there was very cold perhaps on a nicer day it will be more busy. I stayed near Bricktown at the new courtyard by Marriott and drove to the memorial. I walked to dinner and felt safe. Look at the thread Oklahoma City on business, folks gave me great advice.

You can find a parking lot dedicated to Memorial parking on the eastern side of the park. But if you come in on the weekend, you can park at the meters surrounding the block, or (snicker) at the Post Office next door on the Memorial's western side, on Fifth Street for the best close-up parking.

I know you've made reservations already, but the downtown hotels (Westin, Renaissance and the new Courtyard Marriott) would have much more to do in walking distance than the Grandison. Downtown at any of these, you would be a block away from Bricktown, a major restaurant and entertainment area(www.bricktown.com).

Also, we have many events and concerts at the Ford Center and Cox Convention Center- you might check the dates you are coming to see if there is anything of interest. Plus, you would be walking distance to the Myriad Gardens. And there is a trolley you can catch around downtown to take you to the Memorial, the Art Museum and other points of interest- go to www.okc.gov and click on "Trolley Routes".

I lived in an aparment downtown last year and we walked all over downtown at all times of day and night without any problems. Now I live a couple of blocks from the Grandison, and I probably would not walk from here to the memorial at night. The few blocks in between are just a little too deserted for walking at night.

Also, a half day is probably plenty to allow for the memorial. If you really take your time going through the museum, which I highly recommend, it takes about 3 hours. Then walking around the site could take another hour at best.

If you have other questions, please post. Enjoy your trip!

I just booked the Westin Oklahoma City through Priceline for $48 a night. You may be able to get an even better rate depending on when you are going. It's a lot nicer than staying a motel and not any more expensive. Check www.biddingfortravel.com before bidding on Priceline, so that you can see what folks have paid on Priceline.