I work with a guy that lived there for 14 years. He told me to stay away from the tourist places. He said that he would sit down with the wife and I and show us all of the "hidden to tourist" places that the locals try to keep local. He said that the tourist places will just wear you out. I would talk to some people from there are let them tell you where to go. It may be cheaper then the tourist areas too.
Hotwire and priceline can be your friend as well.
If the hotels aren't booked, they will sell rooms at a lower price.
We use hotwire and pay $49 a night at the Warren Place hotel in Tulsa. 5 star facility.
