General Managers Address Challenges Of Opening Omni Hotel During COVID-19 Pandemic

As city leaders continue to work to draw people deeper into central Oklahoma City, one of the most conspicuous projects opens Tuesday. The Omni Hotel is ready for service.

 "We're very excited about it. We're excited to work for the city," said Steve Keenan, the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel General Manager. "We have seven food and beverage outlets. Five of which will be open today, and it is a great place to get away, get out of their homes during this pandemic and enjoy a weekend here at the hotel. All of these outlets have outside access."

But opening a business during a viral pandemic and economic recession is not a dream scenario for a massive hotel.

"The pandemic has hindered our efforts in trying to bring in groups and conventions. In the first half of the year, we are going to be relying on people coming into the city for staycations," said Keenan.

There are 605 guest rooms, almost double the Skirvin and Colcord hotels combined.

Many rooms are already booked for opening night, and as locals come to visit the hotel, they hope to make you feel at home.

"You'll see a lot of inspirations and natural textiles. you'll see in Oklahoma-like wood, stone, and leather," said Keenan. "You'll see the chevron pattern throughout the hotel. And the chevron pattern, of course, is symbolic to the scissortail flycatcher bird."