About the Davenport

The Davenport Hotel opened in 1914 as a destination in its own right. It was to be a place where guests could experience a singular combination of world-class service, palatial splendor, and inviting warmth. Yet just beyond its doors was all the entertainment, commerce, and natural beauty that downtown Spokane had to offer.

That tradition has continued throughout the Davenport's long and impressive history — right up to the present day. The facilities and the guest rooms have since been modernized with 21st-century amenities like wireless Internet access, of course, but they retain all the character and elegance of the days when Louis Davenport oversaw the hotel.

This surprisingly affordable blend of historic luxury and contemporary comfort is why the Davenport Hotel is a AAA four-diamond establishment and is rated 4½ stars on both Expedia and TripAdvisor.

Inspiring Architecture

The Davenport Hotel is a regional landmark and masterpiece of the acclaimed architect Kirtland Cutter. Its public spaces inspire visitors. Grand rooms like the Spanish Renaissance lobby or the Hall of Doges, Spokane's oldest and most exquisite ballroom, draw tourists and architectural aficionados alike. Such extraordinary features have helped the Davenport Hotel earn a prized spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

During the hotel's renovation in 2000, owners Walt and Karen Worthy spared no expense in having the hand-painted frescoes, ornate woodwork, and European-inspired marble meticulously restored. Yes, that is real gold leaf around the lobby hearth, and the fireplace remains lit year-round — a hallmark of Davenport hospitality since the hotel opened its doors almost a century ago.

A History of Modernity

The Davenport Hotel was the first hotel in America with air conditioning, a central vacuum system, housekeeping carts, and accordion ballroom doors.

That cutting-edge approach to hospitality hasn't faded over the years. In fact, the Davenport Hotel and Tower can be counted among the world’s greenest, most energy-efficient buildings. In 2011, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) awarded LEED® Certification to the Davenport Hotel and Tower, making it the only hotel in the state of Washington to obtain Gold status of this prestigious rating system.

Famous Guests

When you walk through the Davenport Hotel, you walk in the footsteps of film stars, explorers, writers, politicians, and other luminaries. Famous guests include:

• Charles Lindbergh
• Amelia Earhart
• Mary Pickford
• Clark Gable
• John Philip Sousa
• Lawrence Welk
• Bob Hope
• Bing Crosby
• Benny Goodman
• Vachel Lindsay
• John F. Kennedy
• Babe Ruth

And the Davenport Hotel has never just relied on the name recognition of its guests for its reputation — it has generated fame of its own. Its restaurant was the birthplace of the now-renowned Crab Louis (named for founder Louis Davenport).