The Historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington, opened in 1914 as a showcase of Edwardian luxury—complete with innovations like in-room air conditioning and a central vacuum system that were decades ahead of their time. After a long closure and a carefully researched $38 million restoration, it re‑opened in 2002 and has since regained its place as the city’s “living room.” This review draws on the hotel’s official history pages, archival reports from HistoryLink, current booking listings from Marriott, and local business journalism to separate verified facts from promotional lore. Source: HistoryLink
Last checked: 2026-09-12
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Property name: The Davenport Hotel · Location: Georgian Dublin, near Merrion Square, Dublin 2 · Star rating: 4-star luxury · Manager / collection: Part of the O’Callaghan Collection · Key features: Thermal spa, premium dining, elegant rooms · Notable guests: Celebrity stays linked to Taylor Swift, Kardashians (reported)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-12.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Davenport Hotel Collection), Marriott booking page, HistoryLink archives, Spokane Journal of Business article, Clio entry, travel press (Going Places Far & Near), The Meeting Magazines trade piece, and Hospitality Net announcement.
What we did not do: no on‑site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification beyond published rates.
At a glance: The Historic Davenport Hotel
- Designed by architect Kirtland Cutter; opened September 1, 1914 (HistoryLink)
- Lobby described as Spanish Renaissance style with original chandeliers and sconces (Davenport Hotel Collection)
- Closed in 1985; purchased in 2000 by Walt and Karen Worthy for $6.5 million (HistoryLink)
- $38 million renovation; hotel welcomed first guests on July 15, 2002 (Davenport Hotel Collection)
- Acquired by KSL Capital Partners in 2021; managed by Davidson Hospitality Group (Spokane Journal of Business, 2025)
- Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection (Marriott)
- 284 guest rooms; three restaurants, two bars/lounges; full‑service spa; indoor pool; 18 meeting rooms (Going Places Far & Near)
- 6.7 miles from Spokane International Airport (Marriott)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Property name | The Historic Davenport Hotel |
| Location | 10 South Post Street, Spokane, Washington 99201 |
| Star rating | 4‑star (Marriott Premier 4‑Star classification) |
| Collection / brand | Davenport Hotel Collection / Marriott Autograph Collection |
| Year opened | 1914 |
| Year restored & reopened | 2002 |
| Number of rooms | 284 |
| Key amenities | Three restaurants, two bars, full‑service spa, indoor pool, fitness center, steam room, hot tub |
| Distance from airport | 6.7 miles (Spokane International Airport) |
| Notable historical claim | First US hotel with air conditioning, central vacuum system, pipe organ, housekeeping carts, accordion ballroom doors (promotional claim, medium confidence) |
| Current ownership (since 2021) | KSL Capital Partners; managed by Davidson Hospitality Group |
Why is The Historic Davenport Hotel famous?
The hotel earned its reputation by combining a dramatic 1914 opening with a string of technological firsts that were widely publicised at the time. The property’s own history page states it was “the most modern hostelry in the United States when it opened” and claims the Davenport was the first US hotel to install air conditioning, a central vacuum system, a pipe organ, housekeeping carts, and accordion ballroom doors (Davenport Hotel Collection). Though these claims are promotional rather than independently audited, the Hall of the Doges ballroom—said to be the first air‑conditioned ballroom in the country—is frequently cited in both official and secondary sources (Clio).
After a decades‑long decline and a complete closure in 1985, the hotel’s $38 million restoration in 2002 brought it back as an architectural anchor of downtown Spokane. The grand reopening celebration (September 13‑15, 2002) cemented its return as a civic landmark.
The bottom line: The hotel’s fame rests on a well‑documented history of early‑20th‑century innovation and a high‑profile restoration that preserved its Spanish Renaissance lobby and original fixtures.
What is the history of The Historic Davenport Hotel?
Louis M. Davenport opened the hotel on September 1, 1914, after commissioning architect Kirtland Cutter to design a property that would rival the grandest hotels of the Pacific Northwest (HistoryLink). The hotel quickly became a social hub, hosting banquets, conventions, and a steady stream of business travellers. After Davenport retired in 1945, the hotel changed hands several times and gradually lost much of its original glamour.
By 1985, the property had closed entirely (HistoryLink). It sat vacant for fifteen years until Walt and Karen Worthy purchased it in 2000 for $6.5 million and began a comprehensive renovation. The restored hotel reopened its doors on July 15, 2002, with a grand celebration that September. In 2021, KSL Capital Partners acquired the Davenport Hotels portfolio, and Davidson Hospitality Group became the operator (Spokane Journal of Business).
“Spokane’s Living Room” — Davenport Hotel Collection, describing the restored lobby.
Source: Davenport Hotel Collection blog
The takeaway: The Davenport’s story is one of ambitious beginnings, mid‑century decline, a $38 million rescue, and an ongoing evolution under new ownership.
What features can guests expect today?
Today the hotel contains 284 guest rooms, three restaurants, two bars or lounges, 18 meeting rooms, a full‑service spa, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, a steam room, and a hot tub (Going Places Far & Near). The lobby retains its Spanish Renaissance styling, original chandeliers and sconces, hand‑painted frescoes, European‑inspired marble, and gold leaf around the hearth (Davenport Hotel Collection).
Insider tip: The hotel’s on‑site dining includes a fine‑dining restaurant and a more casual bar menu, but the real draw remains the public spaces—especially the Hall of the Doges ballroom, which was originally promoted as the first air‑conditioned ballroom in the United States (Davenport Hotel Collection).
Parking is available on site, and the hotel is within walking distance of Riverfront Park, shopping, and the Spokane Convention Center (connected by skywalk) (Marriott).
Why this matters: The combination of restored historic interiors and modern amenities makes the hotel a strong choice for travellers who want both period charm and contemporary comfort.
Where is The Historic Davenport Hotel and how to get there?
The hotel stands at 10 South Post Street in downtown Spokane, roughly a five‑minute walk from Riverfront Park and the Spokane Convention Center. Marriott’s booking page lists the distance from Spokane International Airport as 6.7 miles (approximately 15‑20 minutes by car). The hotel offers valet parking and is also accessible by city bus or rideshare.
The area around the hotel is generally considered safe, well‑lit, and busy with pedestrian traffic during the day and evening. The Davenport Collection’s other properties—The Davenport Grand, Davenport Tower, and The Centennial Hotel—are all within a few blocks, making it easy to compare options if the Historic Davenport is fully booked.
The pattern: Central location within walking distance of major attractions and a short airport transfer make this hotel convenient for both leisure and business travellers.
Pros & Cons of staying at The Historic Davenport Hotel
What guests appreciate
- Authentic early‑20th‑century architecture and restored original décor (Spanish Renaissance lobby, chandeliers, frescoes)
- Central downtown location near Riverfront Park, shops, and the convention centre
- Full‑service spa and indoor pool add leisure value
- Clear historical narrative—guests can trace the building’s 1914 roots through its 2002 restoration
What to consider
- Some historical “firsts” (air conditioning, pipe organ, etc.) are promotional claims that lack independent corroboration
- No on‑site fitness centre details beyond “fitness center” — exact equipment not specified in available sources
- Price range is not publicly disclosed by the property; guests should compare rates on third‑party booking sites
- 284 rooms means the hotel can feel busy during conventions; quieter periods may require advance booking
Best for which types of travellers?
- History and architecture enthusiasts: The Spanish Renaissance lobby, original chandeliers, and restored ballrooms offer a tangible link to early‑1900s hotel design.
- Business travellers attending conventions: The skywalk connection to the Spokane Convention Center and 18 meeting rooms make it a practical choice.
- Couples seeking a romantic weekend: The spa and historic ambiance create a distinct setting for special occasions.
- Luxury‑curious visitors on a mid‑range budget: As a 4‑star property with a storied past, it provides a taste of grandeur without 5‑star price tags (exact rates vary).
Other hotels in the Davenport Collection
The Davenport Collection operates four properties in downtown Spokane. If the Historic Davenport is unavailable, consider these nearby options (Davenport Hotel Collection):
- The Davenport Grand: A modern high‑rise connected to the convention center by skywalk, with a contemporary design.
- Davenport Tower: A themed hotel that blends historic references with a newer build.
- The Centennial Hotel: Positioned as a convention‑friendly property with direct access to the convention center.
Each offers a different aesthetic while remaining under the same ownership and management group.
Our pick: The Historic Davenport Hotel
For travellers who value a clear sense of place and a well‑documented history, the original Historic Davenport Hotel remains the collection’s standout. Its restored lobby and public areas offer a depth of architectural detail that the newer properties cannot replicate. While rates are not published in the sources reviewed, the standard 4‑star positioning suggests it occupies the middle‑upper tier of Spokane’s accommodation market.
Who should book here? First‑time visitors to Spokane, history‑focused travellers, couples celebrating a milestone, and anyone curious about early‑20th‑century hotel innovation.
Who might prefer an alternative? Guests requiring the very latest room technology or a more minimalist aesthetic may find the Davenport Grand a better fit.
en.wikipedia.org, historylink.org, davenporthotelcollection.com, spokanetalk.com, spokane.com, npgallery.nps.gov, inlander.com, goingplacesfarandnear.com, spokesman.com, reddit.com, www-eur.cvent.com, tripadvisor.com, davenporthotelcollection.com, davenporthotelcollection.com, en.wikipedia.org, cvent.com, davenporthotelcollection.com, cvent.com, davenporthotelcollection.com, marriott.com
Frequently asked questions
Why is The Historic Davenport Hotel famous?
It is famous for its 1914 opening with several technological firsts (air conditioning, central vacuum system, pipe organ among them) and for its dramatic $38 million restoration and reopening in 2002.
Who owns the Historic Davenport Hotel?
As of 2021, the property is owned by KSL Capital Partners and managed by Davidson Hospitality Group (Spokane Journal of Business).
Does the Historic Davenport Hotel have parking?
Yes, the hotel offers valet parking and self‑parking options. Details are available on the Marriott booking page.
How far is the Historic Davenport Hotel from Spokane International Airport?
The airport is 6.7 miles from the hotel, approximately a 15‑20 minute drive (Marriott).
What restaurants are at the Historic Davenport Hotel?
The hotel has three restaurants and two bars or lounges. Specific names and cuisines were not detailed in the sources reviewed, but the dining options include a fine‑dining venue and a casual bar lounge.
What is the Davenport Hotel Collection?
It is a group of four hotels in downtown Spokane (The Historic Davenport, Davenport Grand, Davenport Tower, and The Centennial) under common ownership and management.