The Historic Davenport Hotel Lobby in Washington Lets Visitors Admire Its Gilded 1914 Interior

A stained-glass ceiling glows above one hotel lounge in eastern Washington. You don’t need a room key to look up at it.

The building around it opened in 1914. More than a century later, it still hosts candlelight concerts, holiday trees, and grand ballroom events.

The lobby has carved details, warm light, and a shop that sells house-made peanut brittle.

I like how a place this fancy still lets regular folks wander in and gawk. I believe the best free outings are the ones that feel like borrowing a little luxury for an afternoon.

So why would a Washington family or retiree plan a whole afternoon around a lobby? Once you see the craftsmanship and hear the story behind it, I think the answer gets pretty obvious.

A Downtown Landmark That Welcomes Curious Visitors

Downtown Spokane has plenty of brick and history, but one address stops people mid-stride. The Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection is a working luxury hotel inside a grand building that first opened in 1914.

Here’s the fun part for budget-minded day-trippers. The public spaces, especially the lobby, give anyone a front-row look at the hotel’s old-world style.

The property sits in the heart of downtown Spokane, Washington. It’s about an 8-minute walk from Riverfront Park, so a visit pairs easily with a stroll along the river.

Today the hotel belongs to Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a group of independent, character-rich properties. That brand tie means modern comforts sit right alongside the historic bones.

Overnight guests get a spa, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center. Visitors who just pop in can still enjoy the architecture, the shops, and the dining rooms on the main level.

Think of it as a museum where the exhibits are ceilings, ballrooms, and polished details. Nobody hands you a ticket, and nobody minds if you slow down to stare a little.

The 1914 Dream Behind All That Gilding

Back in 1914, Spokane was a booming city with big ambitions. Restaurateur Louis Davenport wanted a hotel that could match anything in the larger cities on either coast.

He hired Spokane architect Kirtland Cutter to design it. The result opened that year and quickly became the city’s go-to spot for celebrations, travelers, and dressed-up evenings.

Like many grand old hotels, it had quieter decades. The doors eventually closed, and the building sat waiting for someone willing to take on a massive restoration.

Local developers Walt and Karen Worthy stepped in around 2000. Their team restored the property, and it reopened in 2002 with much of its original splendor brought back to life.

That comeback story is a big reason people feel so attached to the place. Plenty of Spokane families tie weddings, anniversaries, and holiday outings to these halls.

Knowing the backstory changes how the lobby feels. Every carved surface and gleaming fixture stops being decoration and starts looking like a small act of stubborn civic pride.

Look Up, Because the Lobby Ceiling Steals the Show

Most hotel lobbies are built for checking in and hurrying off. This one practically asks you to cancel your next plans and find a comfortable chair.

The Davenport Hotel lobby is packed with architectural details. Carved surfaces, rich colors, and gilded accents pull your eyes upward almost the moment you arrive.

Architecture comes up again and again as the feature people remember most. It’s easy to see why, since the room feels like a painting you can stand inside.

The design leans into early twentieth-century grandeur rather than sleek modern minimalism. Lighting is warm, ceilings are high, and nothing about the space feels rushed or ordinary.

Bring a phone, but maybe resist taking photos for the first few minutes. Your eyes will catch little details that a camera screen tends to flatten.

Families with kids can turn it into a game of spotting shapes, animals, and patterns. Grandparents may enjoy pointing out how hotels used to treat a lobby as a living room for the whole city.

Stained Glass Above the Peacock Lounge

Peacocks don’t usually show up in Spokane, Washington. At the Davenport, though, the Peacock Lounge borrows the bird’s flair with a dazzling stained-glass ceiling.

That ceiling is one of the hotel’s most talked-about features. Colored glass spreads light across the room and gives the whole space a jewel-box glow.

The lounge serves food too, so it isn’t only for gazing. Appetizers and evening bites make it a handy stop after a show or a downtown stroll.

Not hungry? A quick peek from the doorway still counts as a worthwhile part of your lobby tour.

I can’t imagine visiting without at least tilting my head back for a long look. Stained glass on that scale is rare, and it photographs beautifully in the right light.

Timing helps if you want a quieter view. Earlier in the day usually means a calmer room and more freedom to admire the colors without dodging dinner plans.

Ballrooms Built for Big Occasions

Ballrooms rank right behind the lobby as a crowd favorite here. That makes sense, since this hotel was built in an era when dancing and grand dinners defined a city’s social life.

The event spaces still host weddings, gatherings, and performances. Their ornate style turns even a simple event into something that feels like a page from an old photo album.

Candlelight concerts are one popular way to see these rooms. The series, ticketed through Fever, has featured shows like a Beatles tribute performed by live musicians.

One heads-up keeps expectations realistic. The concerts use flameless candles and row seating, so it’s more concert hall than candlelit banquet.

Even so, hearing music echo in a century-old room can feel pretty special. It’s an easy date night or a fun outing with grown kids who love a good soundtrack.

Check the event calendar before you go, since ballroom access depends on what’s booked. If something’s happening, the hallways outside often give you a peek at the decor.

Sweet Stops and Coffee Off the Lobby

Peanut brittle might be the most delicious souvenir in downtown Spokane. The Davenport sells a soft version of it right downstairs, and it’s easy to grab a bag for the drive home.

That little treat fits nicely into a wallet-friendly visit. You get a taste of the hotel without booking a room or a fancy dinner.

Coffee lovers have a spot too. The Emporium serves coffee that has earned genuine praise, making it a smart first stop before you start exploring.

Picture yourself with a warm cup in hand while you wander the main floor. Okay, I won’t make you picture it, but it does sound like a pleasant way to spend a morning.

These smaller shops matter for families and retirees watching costs. A coffee and a sweet can turn a free look-around into a memorable outing without stretching the budget.

They also make great gifts. A bag of brittle from a 1914 landmark beats another generic keychain any day of the week.

Dinner Plans at the Palm Court Grill

Hungry after all that ceiling-gazing? The Palm Court Grill is the hotel’s upscale restaurant, and it keeps the elegant mood going straight through dinner.

The setting matches the rest of the building. You get refined surroundings that make an ordinary weeknight meal feel like an occasion.

Breakfast is available too, and a Sunday brunch restaurant rounds out the dining options. That gives weekend visitors a relaxed way to enjoy the hotel at a slower pace.

Several returning diners treat the Davenport as a regular dinner spot, not just a once-a-year splurge. That says something about how comfortable the place feels despite all the grandeur.

Meals here make a natural pairing with a show or concert. Eating close by means less driving around downtown and more time enjoying the evening.

For a lighter option, the Peacock Lounge has appetizers that work as a snack-sized dinner. Either way, you get to linger in a historic room while someone else handles the dishes.

Rooms, Pool, and a Spa for Staying the Night

Comfortable beds come up more than almost anything else about the guest rooms. Italian linens and plush furnishings probably have a lot to do with that.

Standard rooms include flat-screen TVs and desks. Suites can add living areas, marble wet bars, whirlpool tubs, or fireplaces, and a presidential suite comes with a full kitchen and terrace.

Downtime has options as well. There’s an indoor pool, a hot tub, a spa, and a fitness center, though the gym is on the smaller side.

Keep in mind that this is a historic building. Rooms are well kept, yet a few signs of age come with the century-old charm.

Families should know the hotel is kid-friendly and pet-friendly. Accessible rooms are available, which helps travelers who need extra space or mobility features.

Requests like a tub or a particular view aren’t always guaranteed. Asking early and confirming details before arrival may help you get the room you’re hoping for.

Getting There and Parking Without the Runaround

You’ll find the hotel at 10 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201. It sits about 7 miles from Spokane International Airport, and an airport shuttle is available.

Driving in from elsewhere in Washington is simple enough. The trickier part is figuring out where to leave the car once you arrive.

Valet parking is offered for a fee. Self-parking options nearby exist, but the directions can feel confusing, so plan a little extra time.

Concert-goers sometimes go for street parking to keep costs down. If you’re just stopping in for the lobby, a nearby lot or street spot may be the easiest move.

Downtown can get noisy at night, which is normal for a city center. Daytime visits tend to be the most relaxed choice for families and older travelers.

Walking is one of the best perks of this location. Riverfront Park, coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping are all close, so you can make a full day of it.

Why a Free Look Around Is Worth the Trip

Few places in Washington let you soak up this much craftsmanship for the price of a cup of coffee. That’s the real charm of the Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection.

Visit during the holidays and the experience gets even better. The hotel’s Christmas tree display is famously elegant and adds sparkle to an already glamorous lobby.

Retirees can enjoy a slow afternoon of history and people-watching. Families can turn it into a mini field trip with treats waiting at the end.

The atmosphere leans dressy but never feels off-limits. It’s the rare fancy place that seems happy to share its good looks with everyone.

Is it perfect? No historic hotel is, and service can vary on busy days, but the building itself delivers every time.

So next time you’re near downtown Spokane, carve out an hour. Look up at the ceilings, grab some brittle, and let 1914 show off a little.