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When business takes you to the heart of Tornado Alley, finding the right accommodation becomes more than a matter of comfort—it's about security, connectivity, and understanding the rhythm of a resilient community. Moore, Oklahoma might not be on everyone's radar, but this suburb of Oklahoma City has rebuilt itself with remarkable determination after devastating tornadoes in 1999 and 2013. As someone who's spent considerable time studying how communities anchor themselves around central gathering spaces, I've developed a particular appreciation for Moore's phoenix-like quality and the hospitality infrastructure that supports its ongoing renaissance.
Business-Friendly Accommodations Along I-35
The I-35 corridor in Moore offers the highest concentration of business-appropriate accommodations, strategically positioned between Oklahoma City and Norman. During my recent spring visit, I found this area particularly convenient for meetings across the metro area.
The Hampton Inn Moore stands out with its dedicated business center and meeting spaces that can accommodate groups of 15-20 people comfortably. What impressed me most was their storm safety protocols—something I've never seen highlighted so prominently in hotel literature before. The staff conducts regular tornado drills, and each room contains a detailed evacuation plan with the location of the hotel's reinforced storm shelter.
For extended stays, I recommend the Homewood Suites where the full kitchens and separate living areas provide much-needed space to spread out when you're balancing reports and presentations. Their complimentary grocery shopping service saved me precious time during a particularly packed schedule of client meetings.
💡 Pro Tips
- Request a room on the first floor for quicker access to storm shelters during severe weather
- Sign up for the hotel's weather alert system upon check-in
- The best business-friendly rooms face away from I-35 for quieter conference calls
Storm Safety Features: What to Look For
Having grown up with New Orleans hurricanes, I thought I understood severe weather preparedness. Moore's approach to tornado safety taught me otherwise. The 2013 EF5 tornado that devastated this community has fundamentally changed how hotels approach guest safety here.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moore impressed me with their purpose-built concrete storm shelter that can accommodate all guests and staff. During my stay, I appreciated their weather radio system that broadcasts directly to room televisions during severe weather alerts. For business travelers unfamiliar with tornado protocols, this kind of communication infrastructure is invaluable.
I always pack my emergency weather radio when traveling through Tornado Alley. This compact device has saved me from anxiety more than once with its NOAA weather alerts and multiple power options. When the hotel lost power briefly during a thunderstorm, having my own information source was reassuring.
The Comfort Inn & Suites Moore has taken storm safety to another level with reinforced hallways and stairwells designated as shelter areas, clearly marked with reflective signage visible even if power fails. Their staff training for emergency situations was evident when they efficiently directed guests during a tornado watch (thankfully, just a precaution).
💡 Pro Tips
- Ask about the hotel's specific tornado procedures during check-in
- Choose accommodations with dedicated storm shelters rather than just designated interior rooms
- Identify the quickest route from your room to the shelter area immediately after check-in
Local Dining Options Within Walking Distance
One aspect of business travel that often gets overlooked is the convenience of quality dining options near your accommodation. After long meetings, the last thing you want is a complicated commute for dinner.
The cluster of hotels near 19th Street and I-35 offers the best selection of walkable dining options. During my stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, I discovered I could reach over a dozen restaurants without moving my car—a rarity in this part of Oklahoma.
For business dinners that impress clients, I recommend Hollie's Flatiron Steakhouse, just a short walk from several major hotels. Their private dining room has excellent acoustics for conversation—something I always appreciate when discussing projects over meals. I found myself returning to their patio with my noise-canceling headphones to review presentation materials while enjoying their excellent old fashioned.
For more casual team meals, Ted's Cafe Escondido offers private dining areas that can accommodate groups of 8-15 people with minimal notice. Their complimentary sopapillas make a memorable impression on out-of-town colleagues.
If you're staying at the Hampton Inn, don't overlook The Garage Burgers & Beer directly across the parking lot—their meeting room in the back can be reserved for informal team gatherings, and their selection of Oklahoma craft beers offers a taste of local culture for visitors.
💡 Pro Tips
- Most hotel front desks keep menus for nearby restaurants that deliver directly to your room
- Ask about corporate rates or private dining spaces when making reservations for business dinners
- The restaurants along 19th Street often have extended happy hours (4-7pm) perfect for informal client meetings
Connectivity and Workspaces: Getting Business Done
In my experience, hotel marketing often overpromises and underdelivers when it comes to business amenities. Moore's accommodations surprised me with their genuinely useful workspaces and reliable connectivity.
The standout for remote work capabilities is the Residence Inn Moore. Their in-room workstations feature ergonomic chairs (not the typical uncomfortable hotel desk setup), multiple power outlets, and dedicated ethernet connections for those times when Wi-Fi isn't cutting it. Their business center includes two private phone booth spaces—perfect for those confidential calls that can't happen in your room or the lobby.
During my stay, I relied heavily on my portable monitor to extend my workspace. Having dual screens makes spreadsheet work infinitely more manageable, and the hotel staff was accommodating in helping me find the optimal desk setup.
For those needing more formal meeting space, the Hampton Inn offers a small conference room that can be reserved in two-hour blocks at no charge for guests. I hosted an impromptu team meeting there when our client's office space fell through, and their AV setup handled our presentation needs flawlessly.
One unexpected gem I discovered was the Moore Public Library, just a short drive from most hotels. Their business center and reservable meeting rooms provide a professional alternative when you need to escape the hotel environment. Their high-speed internet consistently outperformed my hotel's connection for video conferences.
💡 Pro Tips
- Request rooms away from ice machines and elevators for quieter video calls
- Most Moore hotels now offer upgraded Wi-Fi packages specifically for business travelers—worth the extra $5-10 per day
- The Starbucks on 19th Street has reliable Wi-Fi and semi-private seating areas for informal meetings
Unwinding After Hours: Business Traveler Relaxation
All work and no play makes for poor business performance. After discovering this the hard way early in my career, I now prioritize finding accommodations with decent relaxation options.
The Embassy Suites in south Oklahoma City (just north of Moore) offers the most comprehensive relaxation package with their indoor pool, hot tub, and evening manager's reception. The complimentary drinks and substantial appetizers create a natural networking environment—I've made valuable connections with other business travelers in this space.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Holiday Inn Express maintains the most comprehensive hotel gym I found in the area, with free weights and newer cardio equipment. After long days of meetings, I appreciated having access to actual fitness options rather than the typical sad hotel treadmill in a converted guest room.
When weather permits, Warren Theatre's IMAX screen provided a perfect mental reset between intense business days. Located within walking distance of several hotels, it's an amenity I didn't expect to find in a suburb this size.
During my extended stay, my travel foam roller became essential for recovering from long days of sitting in meetings. The compact size fits easily in my suitcase, and the difference it makes for my back after hours at conference tables is remarkable.
For business travelers who appreciate a nightcap, I recommend the lobby bar at Hampton Inn. Unlike many hotel bars that feel like afterthoughts, their space is designed for comfortable conversation, and the bartenders are knowledgeable about local spirits—ask about the Prairie Wolf vodka distilled just north in Guthrie.
💡 Pro Tips
- Most hotels in Moore have extended pool hours (until 11pm) specifically for business travelers
- Request a room away from the pool area if you're a light sleeper
- Several hotels offer complimentary yoga mats upon request—perfect for in-room stretching after long meetings
Final Thoughts
Moore, Oklahoma might not top most business travelers' destination wish lists, but its hotel infrastructure reflects a community that understands resilience and hospitality in equal measure. The accommodations here have evolved beyond the standard interstate exit offerings into spaces that genuinely support productive business travel.
What struck me most during my time in Moore was how the hotels have incorporated the community's hard-won lessons about safety and security without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The storm safety features alone set these properties apart from comparable accommodations in other regions.
For business travelers visiting the Oklahoma City metro area, especially those with meetings across the region, Moore's central location and thoughtful business amenities make it worth considering as your home base. The direct access to I-35 means you can reach downtown OKC in 15 minutes or the University of Oklahoma in Norman in just 10 minutes.
Whether you're in town for a quick meeting or an extended project, Moore's hotels offer that rare combination of practical functionality and genuine hospitality that makes business travel just a little more humane. And in my experience, that can make all the difference in your professional performance.
✨ Key Takeaways
- Moore's hotels offer exceptional storm safety features not found in most business accommodations
- The I-35 corridor provides the best balance of business amenities and dining options within walking distance
- Request rooms away from highways and ice machines for the quietest work environment
- The central location provides easy access to both Oklahoma City and Norman business districts
📋 Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November)
Budget Estimate
$120-180 per night for business-class accommodations
Recommended Duration
2-5 days
Difficulty Level
Beginner
Comments
starmood
Never thought about tornado safety features in hotels before! Eye-opening article.
travelone
Same! Makes you think twice about where to stay in certain regions.
Savannah Walker
Great timing on this post! I just finished a three-week photography assignment documenting post-tornado recovery efforts in Oklahoma. Stayed at three different hotels in Moore during my trip. The Holiday Inn Express was my favorite - their tornado shelter is actually impressive, and they have a little emergency kit in every room with flashlights and basic supplies. The staff shared stories about how the hotel operated as a community hub after the 2013 tornado. It really changed my perspective on what resilience looks like in a community. For anyone heading there, I'd recommend bringing a portable weather radio - it was a lifesaver during one particularly stormy night when cell service got spotty. Also, don't miss Ted's Cafe Escondido for some amazing Mexican food after a long work day!
springlover
Does anyone know which hotels have the best workspaces? Need to be productive while I'm there next month.
escapehero
The Courtyard by Marriott has these cool little pod workspaces in their lobby plus good in-room desks. WiFi was solid too!
escapehero
Just stayed in Moore last month for a conference. The hotel had these crazy thick walls and special reinforced areas for storms. The staff told us they do regular tornado drills! Felt super safe even though we had some wild weather one night. Also, there's this amazing BBQ place called Van's Pig Stand within walking distance of most of the I-35 hotels - absolute must try if you're in the area.
luckyperson
Just got back from a business trip to Moore and used your guide to pick my hotel! Stayed at the Fairfield Inn and their storm shelter was exactly as you described. The manager even gave us a quick tornado safety briefing at check-in since it's peak season. My travel weather radio was a bit overkill since the hotel had such good systems in place, but better safe than sorry! The restaurant recommendations were spot on too - that BBQ joint near the Hampton was AMAZING.
luckyperson
OMG the brisket was life-changing! Worth braving Tornado Alley for that alone!
Dylan Bradley
So glad the guide was helpful! And yes, Ray's BBQ is a hidden gem. Did you get a chance to try their brisket?
winterexplorer
Does anyone know if the hotels in Moore typically offer extended stay rates? I might need to be in the OKC area for a 3-week project next spring and wondering if Moore would be a good base.
Savannah Walker
I stayed at the TownePlace Suites there for about 2 weeks last year and they definitely do extended rates. Full kitchen in the room too, which saved me a ton on food costs. The Residence Inn also has good extended stay options from what I've heard.
winterexplorer
Thanks Savannah! That's exactly what I needed to know. Going to check those options out.
wavephotographer3509
Been traveling to Moore for business quarterly since 2024. Holiday Inn Express on 19th Street has the most reliable internet of any hotel I've stayed at there - crucial when you're uploading large files. Their tornado procedures are solid too. They have laminated cards in each room with evacuation routes and a dedicated interior hallway that doubles as a shelter. The staff does regular drills. For food, skip the chains and try Thai Delight - small place but amazing pad thai and they deliver to most hotels. The owner remembers returning customers!
backpackmate
Just booked Holiday Inn Express based on your recommendation! Thanks!
Frank Garcia
Interesting piece on accommodations in tornado country. I had to stay in Moore last year while documenting extreme weather patterns across the Midwest. The Hampton Inn there actually has an impressive storm shelter system - something I'd never considered when booking hotels before. Their staff also seemed well-trained in emergency protocols, which provided unexpected peace of mind during storm season. Worth noting that most hotels there have surprisingly robust internet connections too - I suspect because they cater primarily to business travelers rather than tourists.
wanderlustlegend
Thanks for sharing that about the Hampton Inn! I travel for work in that area and never thought about storm safety features.
Frank Garcia
No problem! It's definitely something to consider during tornado season. Most hotels won't advertise their shelter facilities prominently, so it's worth asking specifically about their emergency protocols when booking.
luckyninja
Never thought I'd see a travel guide for Moore, Oklahoma! Pretty niche but cool.
Hunter Thompson
Brilliant post! I actually had to stay in Moore for three days last year when I was doing a cross-country road trip documenting small town America. The tornado sirens went off one night and I was properly terrified! Wish I'd had this guide then. The hotel I stayed at (can't remember the name) had this weird basement shelter that doubled as a vending machine room. Everyone was just casually buying snacks while I was having a full panic attack thinking we were about to be swept away to Oz! 😂 The locals were so chill about it all. Ended up making friends with a family who explained the whole tornado warning system to me. Definitely an experience this British lad won't forget! Your section on the warning systems and hotel safety features should be required reading for any out-of-towners.
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