The hype
Great views and friendly staff, but the property is showing its age and cleanliness is hit-or-miss.
Tanglewood Resort
$117-160/ night
Book this if You want a low-key lake getaway with a surprisingly great whiskey bar and don't mind some dated corners.
Why People Love It
- Panoramic Lake Texoma views from the Tower Whiskey Bar
- Three outdoor pools plus a heated indoor pool for year-round swimming
- Spacious villas with kitchens that work well for families and groups
Quick Take: A lakeside staple that feels like two different hotels: one renovated and fun, the other stuck in 1995 with maintenance gaps.
Reviewed by @Askfoodb: I desperately needed to unplug, and this place was the perfect reset. Waking up to lake views and spending all day on the boat with the girls was exactly what my soul needed. Plus, the Texas-shaped waffles at breakfast? Iconic. 10/10 would recommend for a low-key squad trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'resort' label is doing a lot of heavy lifting; expect a solid 3-star hotel experience, not a luxury retreat.
- You're here for the lake and plan to spend most of your time outdoors or at the bar
- You need a multi-room villa for a family reunion
- You appreciate a good whiskey selection (the Tower Bar is a legit highlight)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report spotless rooms, others find trash from previous guests.
- Bathroom hygiene: Needs improvement. Complaints about toilets not flushing and general wear.
- Maintenance: Showing age. Peeling paint, weeds on the golf course, and broken fixtures are common.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, but check for stains or 'burnt feather' smells.
- Odors & scents: Generally neutral, but some mustiness in older carpeted rooms.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway chatter in the main hotel tower
- AC units in older villas
- Karaoke nights if you're near the bar
Before you book
Good to know
- The Tower Whiskey Bar is on the 7th floor and offers the best sunset views in the area.
- Parking is free, which is a nice perk compared to city hotels.
- The indoor pool is heated, making it a viable option even in cooler months.
What to pack
- Bug spray for the golf course and outdoor areas
- Your own pool towels (resort ones can be small or scarce)
- Snacks and drinks, as on-site dining hours can be inconsistent
Room Genie
Best picks
- Tower Suites (Floors 4-6) for the best lake views
- Premium Villas for renovated interiors and full kitchens
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the pool if you want privacy
- Unrenovated 'Classic' Villas which feel significantly more dated
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a high-floor room in the Tower for the lake view, or a recently renovated Premium Villa. Please avoid ground-floor units near high-traffic areas.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
The indoor pool is heated and open year-round. The three outdoor pools are not heated.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, dogs up to 50 lbs are welcome for a $75 non-refundable fee per stay.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, expect to pay around $28.09 per night, which covers pool access, wifi, and parking.
How is the golf course?
It's an Arnold Palmer design but recent reviews complain about weeds and maintenance issues.
Is breakfast included?
No, and it can be pricey ($15-22). Reviews on quality are mixed, so you might want to drive to a local diner.
How far is the lake?
The resort overlooks the lake, but it's a short drive or walk to the actual marina/water access.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and drive 5 minutes to Mom's Cafe for a better, cheaper meal.
- ✨
The 7th-floor Tower Whiskey Bar has a secret cigar lounge on the floor above it (spiral staircase).
- ✨
Visit Eisenhower State Park nearby for actual hiking trails and cliffside views.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'arcade' listed on some sites is largely gone or non-functional.
💡You might find local bugs (beetles/hornets) in the room—it's nature, but housekeeping misses them.
💡The ice machine scoops have been flagged for cleanliness issues (mold) in reviews.
💡The 'lake view' from some rooms is more of a 'lake glimpse' through trees.
💡The walls are thin enough to hear your neighbor's TV schedule.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Tanglewood Resort is located and what's nearby.