Travel

The Mayo Hotel story began with two brothers – Cass A. Mayo and John D. Mayo. Following initial success, the brothers decided to try their hand at creating a first-class lodging experience in the oil capital of the world. When The Mayo Hotel opened in 1925, it was the tallest building in Tulsa and instantly became the social hub of high society. Notable guests included President John F. Kennedy, Bob Hope, Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, Lucille Ball, Charlie Chaplin and Elvis Presley as well as revered oilmen J. Paul Getty and Waite Phillips. Famous deals were often brokered among oil barons in the opulent lobby, meeting spaces, or the Crystal Ballroom. Although the hotel earned a listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, it closed its doors just one year later. Over the next 30 years, the property fell into disrepair. After a $42 million dollar historic renovation, The Mayo Hotel reopened its doors in late 2009, jumpstarting the revitalization of Downtown Tulsa.