Some hotels are simply a place to rest your head. Others, like The Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington, are destinations in their own right.
From a cozy fireplace suite on the 14th floor to live peanut brittle-making demonstrations and ballroom ceilings that whisper century-old secrets, my stay at the Davenport was one I won’t soon forget.
It’s not just a hotel, it’s Spokane’s crown jewel and one of the most unique places to stay in the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re thinking of staying here, I highly encourage you to book. You won’t regret it. Here’s a little more about my experience.
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A Room With a Fireplace and a View
After checking in, I made my way to the 14th floor where I stayed in a room that felt more like a personal sanctuary than a hotel suite. My bathroom had a deep soaking tub, ideal for unwinding after a day of city exploring, and the in-room fireplace added a dreamy touch.
When you’re traveling solo, a little luxury goes a long way. There’s something about a fire flickering in the background that instantly makes you feel at home.
The room struck a perfect balance between historic elegance and modern comfort. Think carved wood furniture paired with excellent water pressure, reliable Wi-Fi, and plush bedding.
The Davenport’s mattresses are actually highly coveted and available for sale. Neil Diamond bought one after his concert!
Built by a Visionary: The Legacy of Louis Davenport
The story of the Davenport starts with one man — Louis Davenport, a young entrepreneur who originally ran a restaurant in Spokane after arriving in town as a teenager from Nebraska. His cafe became so successful that he was encouraged to build a hotel to match it.
Completed in 1914, The Davenport was the first hotel in the U.S. with air conditioning, a central vacuum system, and housekeeping carts. Louis Davenport set a new bar for hospitality.
The famous Crab Louis salad is believed to be named after him. It was first served at the Davenport Restaurant and quickly became a nationwide trend. You can still order it today at the hotel’s Palm Court Grill, a little bite of culinary history.
A Hotel That Feels Like a Museum
Wandering the lobby is like stepping into a time machine in the best way. The grand staircase, sparkling chandeliers, and hand-painted ceiling panels are all original, lovingly restored after decades of wear and tear.
Each room off the main floor tells a story. One of the most whimsical details is hidden in the crown molding on the second floor. If you look closely, you’ll spot the carved words “Will you marry me?”
For lovers of mystery, there’s a gigantic old safe in the hotel’s garage that’s on display for those who know to go look.
Afternoon Tea That Transports You
If you’re in town on a weekend, don’t miss Afternoon Tea at the Davenport. It’s a sophisticated and indulgent experience with three tiers of treats including delicate finger sandwiches, flaky scones with house-made lemon curd, and dainty desserts that are (almost) too pretty to eat.
The tea selection is extensive, and what stood out to me was the personalized steeping timers given with each pot. It’s that attention to detail that makes you feel cared for.
I sat beneath glowing chandeliers, sipping tea from fine china, and for a moment, I could’ve sworn I was in a period film. As a bonus, they packed some of my favorite tea blends to take home with me.
The Peacock Room Lounge: A Visual Feast
One of the Davenport’s most iconic spaces is the Peacock Room Lounge, named for its lavish stained-glass ceiling featuring a vibrant peacock motif. It is made up of over 5,000 panels.
Originally a gentleman’s smoking lounge, the Peacock Room Lounge is now a glamorous bar where you can sip a cocktail beneath jewel-toned glasswork and soft jazz.
It’s moody, elegant, and just the right amount of over-the-top.
A Taste of Spokane’s Sweet Side: Peanut Brittle & More
Another charming highlight of the Davenport is its in-house peanut brittle kitchen. On weekends, you can catch staff doing live demonstrations of how the brittle is made by hand using traditional copper kettles and marble slabs.
This isn’t just any brittle, it’s a tradition that dates back over 100 years.
Visitors often line up to take home a tin (or three), and the brittle has become such a local favorite that it’s now sold at the Spokane airport, making it the perfect last-minute souvenir for anyone flying out.
It’s a great symbol of how The Davenport honors its past in little ways every day.
The Floating Ballroom and Elizabethan Glamour
For architecture buffs or fans of historic oddities, the hotel’s Elizabethan Ballroom and so-called Floating Ballroom are must-sees.
The Elizabethan Ballroom features opulent details like gold wall accents and vaulted ceilings that make you feel like you’ve walked into a royal banquet. It’s often used for weddings.
Then there’s the Floating Ballroom, an architectural curiosity that was transported from another building, disassembling and reassembling the walls, floors, ceiling and all, to preserve its beauty.
The name “floating” comes from the fact that it seems to hover in place, structurally distinct from the surrounding hotel.
Safety, Luxury, and Timeless Glamour
As a solo traveler, I felt completely safe at the Davenport. The staff were warm and professional, the building is secure, and everything felt very well-maintained.
I appreciated that luxury didn’t come at the expense of comfort. It was welcoming and not pretentious.
The hotel’s location downtown is also ideal for walking to Riverfront Park, local shops, and restaurants. Honestly, you could spend your whole trip inside the Davenport and still feel like you don’t want to leave.
Why This Hotel Is Uniquely Spokane
Spokane is a city full of surprises, and the Davenport is one of its finest. In a world of sleek-but-soulless hotels, this place stands out for its character, charm, and craftsmanship. You don’t see this kind of detail in modern buildings anymore.
From marble staircases to a fireplace that never goes out, The Historic Davenport Hotel proves that some things really do get better with age.
Whether you’re visiting Spokane for a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a full vacation, I can’t recommend staying here enough.
Come for the history, stay for the mattresses, and leave with a box of peanut brittle and a newfound love for America’s most elegant railroad town.
Till next time, safe travels!
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