Spokane hotels

The Historic Davenport is easily one of the best hotels in Spokane – and in the entire country. When it was built in 1914, it was the most opulent hotel in the nation, complete with air conditioning and in-room ice water. It narrowly escaped demolition in the early 2000s and has now been restored to all its gilded, Art Deco glory.

The Spanish Renaissance lobby is exquisite, as is the Hall of Doges, a ballroom-like space inspired by the Doge's Palace in Venice. My favourite thing to do here is grab a hot drink at the coffee bar and sit by the fireplace, taking it all in.

Beyond that, be sure to try the hotel’s signature soft peanut brittle from the boutique shop, or sip on a peanut brittle martini at the Peacock Lounge, underneath the spectacular stained-glass ceiling.

If you’re less into Art Deco and more into contemporary modern, you can’t go wrong with the Davenport Grand – it’s in the same family as The Historic, listed above. Supremely chic and centrally located, this spot could double as a movie set. Think flat-screen fireplaces, suites with baby grand pianos and eclectic, colourful art in every nook and cranny.

The Grand is also steps from Spokane’s main attraction: Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls, the longest urban waterfall in the US. A purple gondola floats over the waterfall – definitely take it for a spin – and the park is full of things to do, from trails and vintage carousels to outdoor festivals and concerts.

You could spend your whole trip within five blocks of The Grand and be happy as a clam. (Read: no need to hire a rental car, if you don’t want to.)

The oldest boutique hotel in the city, the Montvale Hotel is another Spokane spot that comes loaded with history, panache and character. Built in the Romanesque Revival style in 1899, this beauty is still swimming with bold colour, ornate woodworking and fascinating architectural details, like a first-floor atrium.

With just 36 guestrooms across two floors, it’s also got that intimate, cozy boutique vibe. All the guestrooms have large windows and high ceilings, giving you that time-travelling feel when you stay here – minus the in-room fridges and microwaves.

When the weather’s nice and warm, don’t skip out on the complimentary bicycle rentals so you can explore beyond the Montvale, along the nearby Centennial Trail and beyond.

If you’re looking at the best hotels in Spokane through the eras, you can’t skip Mirabeau Park. This spot, further east in Spokane Valley, is all about those 1950s and 1960s mid-century modern vibes.

It’s retro on both the outside and the inside, from the courtyard swimming pool to the plush orange chairs lined up by the Frank Lloyd Wright–esque bar. If you dream of sipping on a dirty martini and listening to some soft jazz, let this be your vintage spot.

The guestrooms tend to be more spacious than your standard hotel. If you’re staying in town for a while, nab a room with a kitchenette, which includes everything from a dishwasher to a full-sized fridge. The hotel also offers complimentary breakfast, free parking and a free shuttle, making your stay in Spokane easy-breezy.

If you love charm and character but want a smaller, more intimate feel than some of the other properties on this list, try the Marianna Stoltz House. One of the best boutique hotels in Spokane (and the inland northwest US as a whole), this 1908 gem has just four bedrooms, each with a vintage yet eclectic vibe.

It’s a one-of-a-kind spot that’s gorgeous at every turn, from the veranda and the dining room to the ancient trees that dot the grounds and surround the scenic property.

The cozy B&B is close to Gonzaga University, which in turn connects to all the trails and beautiful green spaces along the Spokane River and to the city centre. If you’re looking for a romantic stay for two, this is one of the best places to stay.

Talk about Instagram-worthy. Very few hotels are both this historic and this gloriously up-to-date, giving this Spokane spot a corner on the market. Built in 1911, the former Willard Hotel has been completely redone and renamed, though the main touches – like the black-and-white mosaic floor, wood moulding and high ceilings – remain.

This place is all class and style, more than earning its spot on my list of the best hotels in Spokane. Heck, there are even multiple elevator lobbies.

With a stay here, you’ll be just a block or so from the equally beautiful and historic Fox Theatre, and it’s another minute or two to Barrister Winery, one of my favourite spots for a glass of local red. Though, honestly, if you had all your nightcaps at the hotel, that’d be totally understandable. The on-site bar feels like a 40s mystery novel ready to unravel.

Ah, another Davenport. If you’ve made it this far down the list, you know the Davenport name is nearly synonymous with the best hotels in Spokane, and The Tower is no exception. But get this: Instead of Art Deco and historic, or chic and luxurious, this one is safari-themed.

One of the truly unique hotels in Spokane, The Tower somehow marries classic and traditional touches – think neutral tones, white linens and heavy drapes – with notes of zebra and leopard print.

If stained-glass giraffes and murals of Africa are your aesthetic, and if you want personality and pizzazz in spades, you’ll be in heaven at The Tower. (Technically, you’ll also be in the city centre, steps from the wonderful eats at Wooden City, People’s Waffle and House of Brunch.)

This gem is yet another Spokane hotel in the Davenport Collection. The Centennial stands apart from its siblings for its windows and wrap-around river views, as well as easy access to Spokane’s impressive sports scene.

Overlooking the north side of the Spokane River and Spokane Falls, the guestrooms here are ultra-modern, with riverfront balconies that provide fantastic water views. This spot also has complimentary bicycle rentals, with trails that run for kilometres right outside the back door.

Here, you’re also mere steps from the Spokane Arena and The Podium, which host sporting events of all sorts. This is one of the best hotels in Spokane for those looking to get out on the town – if you love fast-paced adventure, from sports to exploring the great outdoors, look no further.

For those who’d rather stay in the Spokane Valley, halfway between the rocky Dishman Hills and Antoine Peak, look to this Tru by Hilton. While it may be 16 km from the city centre, bike trails wind just beyond the hotel, connecting you to all of Spokane’s city buzz. Technically, you could ride in the other direction too, all the way to Idaho.

This newish spot pops with colour and fun – think outdoor glass fire pits, pool tables, vibrant working spaces and a playful lounge with board games, giving you and the crew plenty to do.

This is one of the best hotels in Spokane for families and those travelling with small children. If you’re looking for a fun, laidback vibe with all the trusted amenities of a Hilton, this is the place to book.

Halfway between the city centre and the airport, this spot offers the best of both worlds. It’s a little bit away from the action but still centrally located, near Spokane’s Finch Arboretum and other excellent green spaces, like Indian Canyon Mystic Falls. If you’re here to do a little day-tripping, put this spot on your shortlist of the best hotels in Spokane.

The hotel is clean, colourful and has its priorities straight. There are fresh-baked cookies and coffee every evening in the lobby, plus complimentary grab-and-go breakfasts in the morning.

I love the suites with fireplaces, but you probably won’t spend much time here relaxing fireside as there’s so much to do in Spokane. And if you stay here, you’re well-positioned to see it all.