Walk through the front doors of The Davenport Historic Hotel Spokane and you’ll immediately notice the air changes. It’s thicker. Wealthier. It smells of expensive woodwork and a century of high-society secrets. Most modern hotels feel like they were popped out of a 3D printer in a factory somewhere, but The Davenport is different. It’s heavy. It’s real.
You’ve probably heard people call it the "Grand Old Lady of Spokane." Honestly, that sounds a bit dusty, doesn't it? But once you’re standing in the lobby—officially known as the Spanish Renaissance Lobby—under those hand-painted rafters, you get it. This isn't just a place to sleep. It’s basically the heartbeat of downtown Spokane, and it’s a miracle it even exists today.
The Man Who Dreamed Too Big
Louis Davenport wasn't interested in "good enough." When he opened the hotel in 1914, he wanted to create a palace in the middle of a rough-and-tumble rail town. He spent a fortune. We’re talking about a guy who pioneered air conditioning in hotels and made sure his guests had "circulating ice water" in every room.
It was the first of its kind. Seriously.
The architecture is a wild, beautiful mess of styles. You’ve got Spanish Renaissance in the lobby, but then you wander into the Hall of Doges, and suddenly you’re in Venice. It shouldn't work. By all accounts of modern design theory, it should be a cluttered nightmare. Instead, it’s breathtaking.
Why the lobby fire never goes out
There is a legend—well, a rule, really—that the fire in the lobby fireplace must never go out. It’s a symbol of hospitality. Even in the blistering heat of an Inland Northwest summer, that fire is flickering. It’s a bit dramatic, sure, but that’s the Davenport way.
Back in the day, this was where everyone who was anyone stayed. We’re talking Babe Ruth, John Phillips Sousa, and even Charles Lindbergh. If you were passing through the Pacific Northwest and had a few nickels to your name, you stayed here.
The Dark Years and the 2002 Resurrection
History isn't always kind. By the late 1960s, the hotel was starting to look its age. By 1985, it was closed. Dead. People in Spokane thought it was over. For fifteen years, the building sat like a ghost, windows boarded up, dust settling on those hand-carved details. It was almost demolished.
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Then came Walt and Karen Worthy.
They bought the place in 2000 for $6.5 million. People thought they were crazy. They spent over $30 million of their own money to fix it. They didn't just paint the walls; they brought in artisans to restore the gold leaf and the woodwork. When The Davenport Historic Hotel Spokane finally reopened in 2002, the city literally threw a party.
It’s rare to see a private restoration project of this scale actually succeed without stripping the soul out of the building. Somehow, they kept the ghosts but got rid of the grime.
The Rooms: What You’re Actually Paying For
Let’s be real for a second. You can stay at a generic Marriott down the street for less. So why stay here?
- The Davenport Lusso Bed: This thing has a cult following. It’s a custom-made pillow-top mattress that feels like sleeping on a cloud that’s had a very successful therapy session. People actually buy these mattresses for their homes.
- The Carved Wood: Every room feels solid. The doors are heavy. The moldings are intricate.
- The History: You might be staying in a room where a President once slept.
The bathrooms are marble. The linens are high-thread count. But more than that, it’s the quiet. The walls are thick in a way that modern hotels just can't replicate. You don't hear your neighbor’s TV. You just hear the soft hum of a building that’s seen it all.
Is it haunted?
People ask this constantly. Staff usually give a polite, "Maybe." Guests have reported seeing a lady in 1920s attire wandering the mezzanine. Whether you believe in ghosts or just overactive imaginations fueled by late-night cocktails at the Peacock Lounge, the atmosphere definitely lends itself to a good story.
Eating and Drinking at the Davenport
If you don't go to the Peacock Room Lounge, did you even visit Spokane? The stained-glass ceiling there is an absolute masterpiece. It was originally made in 1914, and sitting under it with a "Coup de Ville" or a classic martini feels like you’ve stepped into a noir film.
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Then there’s the Crab Louis.
Louis Davenport supposedly invented this salad, or at least perfected it for his wealthy guests. It’s a massive pile of Dungeness crab, hard-boiled eggs, and a specific dressing that hasn't changed much in a century. It’s expensive. It’s decadent. It’s exactly what you should order if you want the full experience.
The Davenport Peanut Brittle
You can't leave without the brittle. It’s not the tooth-breaking stuff you find at the grocery store. It’s light, airy, and buttery. They’ve been making it using the same recipe since the beginning. It’s one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" situations that actually works.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Historic" Label
There’s a misconception that "historic" means "outdated." People expect the Wi-Fi to be spotty or the elevators to be terrifying cages.
Actually, the tech is solid.
The Davenport Collection (which now includes several other hotels like the Davenport Tower and the Davenport Grand) has made sure the Historic wing stays competitive. You get the 1914 vibes with 2026 connectivity. It’s a weird bridge between eras.
How to Do the Davenport Right
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book the cheapest room and hide in it.
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- Take the tour: They often have self-guided tour pamphlets. Look at the Hall of Doges. It was actually cut out of the building and stored during the renovation, then put back in.
- Visit the Roof: The view of downtown Spokane is great, and it gives you a sense of how the hotel sits as the "anchor" of the city.
- Check the Ballrooms: If there isn't a wedding or a gala happening, peek into the Marie Antoinette Ballroom. The chandeliers alone are worth the walk.
The Reality of the "New" Ownership
In recent years, the Davenport hotels were sold to Davidson Hospitality Group. This caused a bit of a stir locally. People worried the "corporate" touch would ruin the magic the Worthys restored.
So far? The soul seems intact. The staff still wears the classic uniforms. The peanut brittle is still there. The fire is still burning.
The challenge for any historic property is staying relevant without becoming a museum. The Davenport manages this by being a functional part of the city. It’s where locals go for prom, for anniversaries, and for business deals. It’s not just for tourists.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you want to experience The Davenport Historic Hotel Spokane without spending $400 a night, you can still participate in the history.
- The Afternoon Tea: Book a traditional tea service. It’s fancy, it’s slow, and it’s a great way to soak in the lobby atmosphere for the price of a few scones and a pot of Earl Grey.
- The Walk-Through: The lobby is public. You can literally just walk in, sit in one of the velvet chairs, and people-watch. It’s the best free show in town.
- Parking Hack: Downtown Spokane parking can be a nightmare. If you’re just visiting the lounge, use the valet or look for the surface lots a block south.
Staying here is about embracing a slower pace. Don't rush through the lobby. Don't ignore the details in the elevator. Look up at the ceilings. The Davenport is a reminder that sometimes, the old way of doing things—with heavy wood, real marble, and a fire that never goes out—was the right way all along.
To get the most out of your stay, book directly through their site to ensure you get a room in the "Historic" wing rather than the "Tower" if you want the authentic 1914 experience. Make a reservation for the Peacock Room at least 24 hours in advance on weekends, as it fills up with locals. Finally, take five minutes to read the historical plaques near the elevators; the story of how the hotel was saved is just as interesting as the day it opened.