When did the Skirvin Hilton Hotel open?
The Skirvin Hotel opened on the 26th of September 1911, with 224 rooms in a ten-story two-winged tower in downtown Oklahoma City. It is the oldest hotel in Oklahoma City.
Questions about Skirvin Hilton Hotel
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who founded the Skirvin Hilton Hotel?
The hotel was founded by William Balser "Bill" Skirvin. His daughter, Perle Mesta, later became the ambassador to Luxembourg under President Harry Truman.
Why is the Skirvin Hilton Hotel considered haunted?
The haunting legend centers on room 1015, where a maid named "Effie" allegedly died after being locked in by founder W. B. Skirvin. Hotel staff have reported objects moving on their own and unexplained sounds, and reporters from The Oklahoman note there is no real-life evidence the "Effie" story is true.
Which NBA teams have reported paranormal experiences at the Skirvin Hilton?
The New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls both reported disturbances during a 2010 visit, with the Knicks blaming the haunting for their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Miami Heat were staying at the hotel during the 2012 NBA Finals, bringing further national attention to the story.
How much did the Skirvin Hilton renovation cost?
Developer John Weeman completed the renovation for about $51 million, financed through a mix of personal investment, tax increment financing, grants, Empowerment Zone credits, historic tax credits, and New Markets tax credits. The hotel re-opened in 2007 after sitting abandoned for 19 years.
Who owns the Skirvin Hilton Hotel today?
Since 2022, the Skirvin Hilton has been owned by a joint venture of Ortus Hotel Investments, LLC, a group of local investors, and the Chickasaw Nation's Sovereign Properties Holdco, LLC. The hotel is managed by Marcus Hotels and Resorts under the Hilton brand.