Tulsa will add a 650-room hotel connected to its downtown convention center, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and completion planned for 2029.
The $390-million project is part of the city’s plan to expand its meetings and events infrastructure. Visit Tulsa, the tourism board, confirmed that three firms are currently in competition for the design contract. A developer is expected to be selected in June.
The hotel will link directly to the 275,000-square-foot Arvest Business Convention Center, which recently changed its name through a 10-year licensing agreement with Arvest Bank. The development is expected to increase Tulsa’s capacity for large-scale meetings and conventions.
“Tulsa has had great success attracting premier event business thanks to our incredible venues, attractions and hotel options, and the addition of this new hotel will be a true game-changer for the city,” said McKenney.
“Adding this hotel to our skyline makes our city even more attractive and competitive to large-scale businesses, meetings and conventions and will further solidify Tulsa as a true international destination for business and leisure travelers alike,” said Renee McKenney, senior vice president of tourism at the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism.
“Adding a new, anchor hotel connected to the Arvest Convention Center to our already thriving downtown continues Tulsa’s upward momentum and is the latest example of the forward-thinking spirit for which our city is known,” said Monroe Nichols, Mayor of Tulsa. “I’m excited to watch as this project continues to progress and see the impact it will make on our local economy and eagerly anticipate breaking ground on this transformative project,” said Monroe Nichols, mayor of Tulsa.
Officials say the hotel is expected to draw more overnight visitors, boosting spending in restaurants, shops and other downtown businesses. The annual economic impact of events in Tulsa currently exceeds $327 million.
“Arvest Bank could not be prouder to have our name on Tulsa’s world-class convention center, and connecting a new, state-of-the-art anchor hotel will only further elevate Tulsa’s downtown. At Arvest, we want to be a community growth engine for Tulsa and the surrounding region, and this hotel will make sure Arvest Convention Center and Tulsa remain a premier meeting destination for years to come,” said Kirk Hays, regional executive for Arvest Bank in the northwest region.
“The advancement of the convention center hotel project is a pivotal moment for Tulsa’s meetings and events landscape,” said Keller Taylor, vice president of the Arvest Convention Center.
“With this critical piece in place, we will significantly enhance our ability to attract major conventions, trade shows, and corporate events. The new hotel will elevate and expand the capabilities of the Arvest Convention Center, enabling us to host a broader range of events throughout the week and deliver an even more dynamic, first-class experience for attendees. This development solidifies Tulsa’s position as a dynamic, competitive destination for large-scale events.”
Tulsa officials say the new hotel is a key step in the city’s long-term efforts to strengthen its role as a central U.S. destination for meetings and conventions.
