Tulsa’s Crowne Plaza Offers Outdoor Enjoyment
By K.J. WEBB
Contributing Writer
LESLIE GREGORY for GTR Newspapers
The Crowne Plaza in downtown Tulsa is taking the power of space and moving it outside. The gradual advent of spring weather brings more opportunities for relaxation outdoors, and the Crowne Plaza offers its patrons several appealing choices. Crowne Plaza Director of Marketing Connie Otis says, “We have wonderful outdoor patios available for our patrons with a variety of alfresco dining options.”
Otis mentions the Starbucks Patio, “It offers both a pleasant atmosphere and view and we’ve just completed updating the landscaping in the area. It’s a comfortable place to sit and enjoy time with friends, or simply to be on your own to re-charge during a hectic day, or wind down once the day is over.” The Starbucks Patio brings to mind the cafe patios and alfresco culture of Italy and France. It’s one of the European cultural customs that many Americans have come to appreciate. After all, who doesn’t like relaxing outside on a beautiful day with a cappuccino, coffee or tea, a delectable pastry and one’s friends?
For those who are in need of a full meal, and perhaps would also want a cocktail and glass of fine wine, they need look no further than next door. The Daily Grill Patio offers a full and pleasingly diverse alfresco menu. Kenneth Scudder, the Daily Grill’s general manager, says, “Our patio customers can order anything that we offer on our full menu. Some restaurants offer a limited alfresco menu but as far as we’re concerned, if it’s on our menu it doesn’t matter if you are sitting inside or outside, we’ll prepare it for you. Our focus is giving our customers superior service.” Scudder says that as the weather has been improving, the number of patio customers, both during lunch and dinner, is increasing. Otis adds, “People realize that spending time outside relaxing after being cooped up in an office reduces the stress that accumulates during the day. Either in the middle of the day as a nice break, or at the end of the day, it makes a positive difference.”
The Crowne Plaza’s patio options are not limited to lunch and dinner. People can utilize the patios anytime, which overlook the Williams Green and provide a nice view of not only the green area, but also a picturesque portion of downtown Tulsa. The patio is an excellent place to watch Tulsa’s festivals, such as the upcoming Mayfest.
The Pool Patio offers several choices for relaxation and entertainment as well as enough space for a band to provide music. The pool patio is a perfect place to enjoy a barbeque party, a swim, a kid’s party, or an evening of sushi and cocktail party. Otis says, “There is a huge variety of entertainment options, and our total event management services can take care of every detail, from start to finish, including creative input.”
Crowne Plaza General Manager Marlin Keranen says, “I think that when people stop by and enjoy a lunch break, afternoon or evening at one of our patios, they’ll return. The alfresco culture is not a one-time thing; it’s a nice way of life during the early Fall, and especially in the Spring and Summer.” He adds, “In Europe it includes pets, and it does at the Crowne Plaza as well. Pets are a part of our families and the whole family is welcome here.”
The Crowne Plaza is a luxury, high-rise hotel in the heart of Tulsa’s vibrant downtown. The Crowne Plaza delivers a rejuvenating mix of urban hospitality and Southwestern personality. The stylish, contemporary hotel offers refreshing features and services that create an unforgettable lodging, dining or local getaway experience in beautiful Tulsa.
The Crowne Plaza has recently completed a $24 million renovation, which includes the full service Starbuck’s Café, downtown Tulsa’s newest dining experience, Daily Grill, and Enterprise Rent a Car, as well as an expanded Gift Shop, Spa, and Business Center.
Updated 04-29-2009
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