The Stylish Spokane Hotel Choice: Davenport Grand

The name Davenport is a major one in the city of Spokane, Washington, with five properties around the city. If your tastes gravitate to stylish designer hotels where aesthetics are a high priority, however, head straight to the modern Davenport Grand Hotel near Riverfront Park. 

The Davenport Grand is part of the Marriott Autograph Collection and as I have found through multiple stays with hotels bearing that brand name, these are individualistic, unique properties that are the opposite of your traditional cookie-cutter Marriott business hotel. No cheap catalog furniture that looks the same in Boston or Boise.

That difference will be evident as soon as you walk into the stunning lobby of this Spokane luxury hotel, which is a visual delight. With a gas fireplace casting a warm glow when I visited in winter and dramatic lighting in a cutout behind it, I stopped a few times just to sit on the leather sofas and take it all in. 

The reception desk is like nothing you’ve seen before, so from the start you know that this is not going to be a typical chain hotel. That aesthetic continues through all the public areas, even where the meeting rooms are on the main level and up above. 

The main level is a free-flowing space too that feels inviting. The lobby bar is huge, there’s a coffee shop and two restaurants nearby, and glass walls separate all this from the entrance, so there’s lots of natural light all around. 

Dining and Drinking at Davenport Grand

There are three restaurants on the main level of this hotel, then another option when you go up a floor. More on that in a minute. 

The signature dining option here is Table 13 Restaurant and Whiskey Bar. It specializes in small plates, a deep wine list, and a whiskey bar tucked away in a hidden back corner. It hosts local movers and shakers for dinner only, along with guests who want to try a variety of inventive dishes. 

The lobby bar is inviting and has both tables and a semi-circular bar to belly up to. There are several local craft beers on tap, some Washington wines to try, and a good cocktail menu. 

The lobby bar flows into Grand Restaurant, which hosts power breakfasts and lunch for locals as well as being an easy option for guests. There’s a buffet breakfast and dinners are served until 11 p.m. 

The prettiest Starbucks around is also in the lobby area, with dramatic overhead lights and a mural depicting the local gondola ride going over the river and past a city bridge. It’s a good grab-and-go option for breakfast, with muffins, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches. 

How about having drinks in an igloo? Okay not really, but you can get the effect of being in one and this idea that probably sprung up during Covid times seems like a great one for having your own private room that isn’t shut off by doors or hallways. You can have a confidential conversation that won’t be overheard or a romantic snuggle in a unique environment while looking out at the city. 

Davenport Grand Rooms and Suites

Sometimes a city hotel looks beautiful upon arrival, then is cramped and cheap-feeling as soon as you get into your room. That’s certainly not the case at Davenport Grand, where the spacious rooms are well-designed and comfortable. 

There’s plenty of room to walk around without bumping into your luggage, there’s space to work, and two red leather chairs to lounge in. The platform beds with Frette Italian linens seem to be suspended on their own when the room is dark and you’re looking out at the Spokane view. 

Patterned carpet squares and good blackout curtains keep the noise and light at bay and there are plenty of outlets around to keep your gadgets charged up. There’s a desk with two chairs to spread out at and the complimentary Wi-Fi works well. A coffee maker will get you going early if you don’t want to go downstairs. 

Plush baths feature L’Occitane French toiletries, make-up mirrors, lighted main mirrors, and robes. 

Suite upgrades offer more space and a more black-and-white decor with steel bed frames. Some have their own gas fireplace and a whirlpool tub. 

Other Hotel Offerings 

The gym at the Davenport Grand is well-equipped and attractive, with lots of natural light and a good array of equipment. You can work all your muscles with what’s on offer. 

There’s also a spa on site if you need a rubdown after skiing in north Idaho or you’ve got some laptop work kinks to get rid of. Rental bikes are available for exploring the area or setting out on one of the area bike trails. 

Location and Exploring Downtown Spokane

You can also get plenty of exercise by walking out the door and exploring downtown Spokane. Riverfront Park is right across the street, with playgrounds, walkways, an entertainment stage, and gardens. There’s a lot more to explore nearby, including shops, a movie theater, and Spokane Falls. 

In the other direction is the oldest part of Spokane, with plenty of interesting architecture and a wide variety of restaurants and pubs. This is one of the best-located hotels in Spokane for exploring on foot, or if it’s freezing out, it won’t cost you much to venture out by taxi. 

Rates at the Davenport Grand generally run $180 to $500 including taxes, placing this property at the level you might expect to find in Portland and Seattle, but this hotel is a big step above most other Spokane options. They do reach into your pocket again with a $10 “resort fee,” which basically covers the services already included in the rates at most other hotels. Book direct at the Davenport site, at Marriott, or check rates online at Hotels.com. 

Review and photos by hotel reviewer Tim Leffel, who was hosted for one night by Visit Spokane. As always, all opinions are his own. 

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