Skirvin Hotel

The Skirvin Hotel is a historic hotel in downtown Oklahoma City, opened in 1911 by oilman and developer William Balser Skirvin. Built as one of the city's premier hotels and later expanded, it became a social and political hub for much of the 20th century, known for its refined public spaces and its prominent place in the growing capital. After decades of use it fell into decline and stood closed for years, before a major restoration returned it to service in 2007 as the Skirvin Hilton, preserving its early 20th-century character.

The hotel is well known in local lore for the story of "Effie," said to be a former maid, and for reports from guests and even visiting sports teams of unexplained sounds and experiences. These tales are anecdotal and subjective, and the "Effie" story in particular is folklore rather than documented history.

The Skirvin's genuine importance is architectural and civic: a carefully restored historic hotel that anchors downtown Oklahoma City and reflects the ambitions of the early oil-boom era. Its revival is a notable preservation success in its own right.

The Skirvin, now operating as the Skirvin Hilton, is a full-service hotel open to the public, offering guest rooms, dining, and event and meeting facilities in downtown Oklahoma City. Reservations can be made directly or through Hilton's booking channels.

As an active hotel, visitors should behave as they would at any working hospitality venue, respecting the privacy of other guests and staff.