Where to Stay When Shopping at Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City

Penn Square Mall sits in northwest Oklahoma City, anchored by major retailers and surrounded by a specific cluster of hotels suited to different trip types and budgets. This guide covers lodging options within 2 miles of the mall, explains the trade-offs between proximity and price, and identifies which properties serve different traveler profiles.

Penn Square occupies the intersection of Northwest Expressway (I-44) and Penn Avenue. Hotels near it fall into two zones: those directly on Penn Avenue and Northwest Expressway (closer but noisier), and those slightly south, near Nichols Hills (quieter, 10 to 15 minutes by car). Understanding this geography matters because "near Penn Square" can mean a 5-minute walk or a 10-minute drive depending on which property you choose.

Hotels on the Penn Avenue Corridor

The hotels immediately surrounding Penn Square tend to be mid-range chains that prioritize accessibility over tranquility. These properties are popular with visitors who want to step out of their room and reach retail within minutes, or who plan to use the location as a base for broader city exploration.

The Best Western Plus Penn Square sits directly adjacent to mall entrances. Its main selling point is walking distance to retailers; most guests can exit the hotel and reach mall doors in under 10 minutes. The trade-off is exposure to traffic noise from Northwest Expressway. Rates typically fall between $80 and $120 per night depending on season, though this figure should be confirmed directly as pricing shifts with demand. The property includes complimentary breakfast and a small fitness center. Guests who prioritize convenience over peace tend to report satisfaction, though those seeking a quiet evening often mention highway noise.

La Quinta by Wyndham Oklahoma City Penn Square operates a similar location with a comparable rate range. Its pet-friendly policy distinguishes it if you're traveling with animals; La Quinta charges no pet fees at most locations. The property includes a pool and complimentary breakfast. Like the Best Western, it faces the same traffic noise reality.

Days Inn by Wyndham Oklahoma City Penn Square offers the lowest price point on the immediate corridor, typically $60 to $85 per night. This property is functional rather than upscale. Guests arriving solely to shop and rest often find it adequate; those expecting amenities or quiet should look elsewhere.

Hotels South of the Mall (Nichols Hills Area)

Moving south toward the residential district of Nichols Hills adds 10 to 15 minutes of driving to reach Penn Square, but removes you from highway corridor noise and places you near restaurants and other retailers on Nichols Hills Parkway.

Hilton Oklahoma City offers a more upscale stay in this zone, roughly 2 miles south of the mall. Rates range from $120 to $180 per night. The property includes a restaurant, fitness center, and business amenities. Its appeal lies less in mall proximity and more in being a full-service hotel for visitors spending multiple days in Oklahoma City who plan mall visits as one activity among others. The location makes sense if you're combining shopping with meetings downtown or exploring Bricktown in the evening.

Residence Inn by Marriott Oklahoma City provides extended-stay layouts with kitchenettes, positioned at $110 to $150 per night. This property works well for visitors staying five days or longer who want to manage meals themselves and prefer apartment-style space. It sits in the same Nichols Hills zone as the Hilton.

Practical Navigation and Route Time

From the Hilton location, Northwest Expressway to Penn Square is a 15-minute drive under normal traffic. Rush hour (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays) can extend that to 20 to 25 minutes. If you're planning extensive shopping days, the savings in hourly parking costs at the mall (free, but limited to 3 to 4 hours in most zones without a validation) may offset the convenience of corridor hotels. Parking near the mall is straightforward during non-peak hours but becomes competitive on weekends and evenings.

Decision Criteria for Your Trip Type

If you're visiting Oklahoma City primarily to shop and plan to spend one to two days at or near the mall, corridor hotels (Best Western Plus, La Quinta, Days Inn) make practical sense. The cost savings and walking access outweigh highway noise for a short stay.

If you're in Oklahoma City for three or more days and shopping at Penn Square is one component of your trip, consider Nichols Hills properties. You gain quiet evenings, better restaurants nearby, and a less transactional feel. The drive to the mall is manageable and you're closer to downtown attractions if your itinerary includes them.

If you're traveling on a tight budget and can tolerate limited amenities, Days Inn delivers the lowest nightly rate. If you're bringing a pet, La Quinta removes one cost variable.

Book directly with hotels rather than through third-party sites if you need to confirm pet policies, parking, or breakfast inclusion, as these terms sometimes differ by platform. Call the property to ask whether current rates match online displays, particularly during holiday weekends when prices shift rapidly.

Your choice ultimately hinges on whether proximity to the mall justifies accepting highway noise and a limited neighborhood, or whether a short drive to quieter accommodations serves your schedule better.