Walking through the heavy front doors of the Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, you aren't just checking into a Marriott property. Honestly, it feels more like stepping into a time machine that someone accidentally tuned to "1914 Opulence." The air even smells different—sort of a mix of old-world perfumes and the faint scent of woodsmoke from the lobby hearth.
Most people see the gold leaf and the marble and think "classic hotel." But that’s barely the surface. This place was basically the Silicon Valley of 1914. It had things no one else had. Air conditioning? Check. Central vacuum systems? Yep. It was the first hotel in the world to use those little housekeeping carts we see everywhere now.
But here is the kicker: by the late 80s, this "palace" was a rotting shell.
The Man Behind the Waffles and the Walls
Louis Davenport didn't start with a silver spoon. He actually showed up in Spokane in 1889 right after a massive fire leveled the city. He didn't have a hotel then. He had a tent. He called it "Davenport’s Waffle Foundry."
He was obsessive. He used to say his priorities were "Utility, Life, and Beauty," in that exact order. If you've ever wondered why the silverware is so shiny, it's because Louis used to have a dedicated worker whose only job was to wash the coins in the cash register so guests wouldn't get their white gloves dirty.
Crazy? Maybe. But that’s why the hotel became the "Living Room of Spokane."
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The lobby was designed by Kirtland Cutter, a guy who didn't really believe in "less is more." It’s a Spanish Renaissance explosion. We're talking hand-painted frescoes, a massive stone fireplace that has literally been burning (well, the pilot light has) since opening day, and enough gold leaf to make a king feel underdressed.
When the Lights Almost Went Out
It’s easy to forget that from 1985 to 2002, the Davenport was a ghost ship. It was closed. Bankrupt. There were actual plans to bring in the wrecking ball.
Spokane almost lost its soul.
Then came Walt and Karen Worthy. In 2000, they bought the place for $6.5 million, which sounds like a lot until you realize they spent another $38 million fixing it. They didn't just paint the walls. They meticulously restored the Hall of Doges, which is Spokane's oldest ballroom. They literally had to "save" the ballroom by lifting it out of the original building and moving it into the new structure.
The Guest List (and the Ones Who Never Left)
If these walls could talk, they’d probably brag.
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Amelia Earhart stayed here. So did Charles Lindbergh and Mary Pickford. John F. Kennedy walked these halls. It was the place to be if you were anyone.
But some guests stayed longer than their checkout time.
- Ellen McNamara: In 1920, a woman named Ellen fell through a skylight. Guests still report seeing a woman in 1920s clothing peering over the mezzanine railing.
- Louis Himself: People say they’ve seen Louis Davenport wandering the 11th floor—where he actually lived and died—wearing a bathrobe and slippers.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the vibe on the upper floors is... heavy. In a cool way.
What You Should Actually Do There
If you’re just visiting for the day or staying the night, don't just sit in your room.
- Eat the Crab Louis Salad. Local legend says it was invented here for Louis Davenport. Is it true? Maybe. Is it delicious? Absolutely.
- Find the Griffin. The griffin is the hotel's mascot. They are everywhere—carved into the wood, etched in glass, hidden in the plaster.
- The Fireplace. Sit by the lobby fire. It has been burning since September 1914. Kirtland Cutter lit the first one.
- Check the Ceiling. The Marie Antoinette Ballroom has three-ton crystal chandeliers. Don't think about the weight. Just look at the light.
The Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a survivor. It survived the Great Depression, several bankruptcies, and the threat of demolition.
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Making the Most of Your Visit
To really "get" the Davenport, you need to look at the details. Look at the transition between the old brick and the new tower. Notice how the elevators don't just go up and down; they feel like tiny gilded cages.
If you want to dive deeper, the hotel offers self-guided walking tour maps at the front desk. Grab one. It points out things you'd never notice on your own, like the specific medallions in the lobby that represent "honored ancestors."
Stop by the Peacock Room for a drink. The stained-glass ceiling there is original and survived the years of neglect. It’s one of the few places in the city where you can sit under a piece of history while having a modern cocktail.
Actionable Insights for Travelers:
- Booking Tip: Ask for a room in the "Historic" wing if you want the high ceilings and original architecture. The Tower is nice, but it's modern.
- Parking: Use the hotel's garage; street parking in downtown Spokane can be a headache during events.
- Off-Peak: Visit during a weekday afternoon to see the ballrooms. If they aren't in use, staff are often happy to let you peek inside the Marie Antoinette or the Hall of Doges.