Artesian Hotel: Tranquil Getaway

Rob McClendon: Well, a historic hotel is finding. new life thanks to Oklahoma's Chickasaw Nation. Alisa Hines takes us to the new Artesian Hotel. Nick Starns: Welcome to the historic Artesian. Hotel. Alisa Hines: Opened in 1906, the Artesian Hotel in Sulphur, Okla., has a unique history. Nick Starns is the general manager. Starns: Truly a very important part of south central Oklahoma with many dignitaries coming to this area for the natural healing remedies, of the waters in the springs in this area, which really kept the Artesian in its heyday. up until the time that it did burn down in 1962. Alisa: Rebuilt as a motor lodge, it was purchased by the Chickasaw Nation as its first business and later torn down and rebuilt to bring back. the grandeur of the original Artesian. Starns: We've been very privileged to have. just a groundswell of support for this property, seen over 55,000 visitors in the first year. of operation, 85 percent occupancy and just limitless potential in this particular area. Alisa: And it's helping bring back to life the city of Sulphur. Keith Mann is the city manager and says Sulphur, is fortunate to be part of the Chickasaw Nation. Keith Mann: The Chickasaw Nation has made an investment here in Sulphur that's not ever gonna be equaled again. And it gives Sulphur the opportunity to recreate itself like it was in the '50s and '60s when it was a resort area. The original Artesian was where the governors came in the summer because it was cooler in the park and things. And they have recreated that. It's been just a truly amazing thing for this community. Alisa: A quick tour of the hotel reflects, the hotel's heritage. From the lights up above to hieroglyphs on,

the rugs down below, every turn shows the new Artesian is designed with the old in mind. Starns: The dark woods, the beautiful tile floors and then also the pillars, again that's a throwback to the original Artesian that had wonderful tile work, fantastic pillars throughout the property and just really an upscale elegant feel in every part of the property. Alisa: Elegance right down to the executive, king rooms. And everywhere you look are fresh flowers, that lend a certain ambiance when you walk in. Starns: It's intoxicating - truly is intoxicating, the beautiful arrangements when you first walk in the door. And then obviously, the different orchids, throughout the property. And in this case, all of our spring arrangements as far as beautiful pink flowers and just -- it's very vibrant, very upbeat. People love it. Alisa: And what do people like to do when they are on vacation? Shop of course. Starns: We have our shops at the Artesian. So again on any good getaway you, you have to have shopping involved with that. So we have a lodging accommodations, obviously for folks that, that like to try their hand at gaming as well, and then obviously the, shops here at the Artesian that are truly a unique variety of Oklahoma. So Made in Oklahoma products with our Okie, Twister facility. We also have Bedre' Cafe that is associated with the Bedre' Chocolate Factory located in Davis, so true chocolate made here in the, state of Oklahoma in association with the Chickasaw Nation. And also a variety of boutique facilities. - your Woodland Emporium, your, your Luxe that offers a variety of different products that are truly unique to this specific area that people, they absolutely love coming to,

see us. Alisa: According to Keith, the Artesian is. a win-win for the area. Mann: Well, it brings many, many people to. Sulphur, and a lot of their guests go down into the town and go shopping, walking around. Seeing what the city has to offer for them. We have several clothing stores that are downtown. We have the Rusty Nail Winery that a lot of people attend. There's numerous things down through the town, and around the town that, you know, just like yourself when you're out in a different city than what you live in, you go see what's to eat or what's to do there. Alisa: A staycation spot that's not that far, from home. Starns: It's just an absolutely beautiful. property that, you know, it's one of those things we see so many people that come in. from the Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Edmond areas even all the way over to Shawnee. People want to come out. It's a great place to get away on a tank of gas to come down and still yet have some of those wonderful amenities that you might find in downtown Oklahoma City or even downtown DFW but really it's a little more laid-back. It's nice to come in, be greeted with a smile and true downhome folks that want to see you have a good time. And we are truly proud of that. Alisa: From old to new, it's a grand hotel. that shows its Chickasaw influence throughout. Rob: Now, if staying at the Artesian Hotel,. you don't want to miss the nearby Chickasaw Cultural Center. It's a world-class museum complex devoted. to the celebration of Chickasaw history and culture. Now, if you'd like to learn more about the, culture of the Chickasaw Nation, I have a link to a video on our website that gives, a true glimpse into their past and their future.