How Spokane's Hotel Market Took Shape
Spokane's lodging inventory reflects two distinct eras. The first is the railroad and mining wealth of the early twentieth century, which produced grand downtown buildings that have since been restored into character hotels. The second is the modern convention and leisure economy anchored by the Spokane Convention Center, Riverfront Park, and a steady calendar of events including Hoopfest and Bloomsday, which brought in contemporary branded properties.
The result is unusually good variety for a city of this size. Downtown is genuinely walkable, which means a well-located hotel puts Riverfront Park, the Cork District, First Avenue dining, and the convention center within a few blocks. That walkability is the single most important factor in choosing where to stay.
Ten Spokane Hotels That Consistently Deliver
1. The Historic Davenport Hotel is the city's signature property and a legitimate landmark. Opened in 1914 and painstakingly restored, its Spanish Renaissance lobby, Hall of the Doges ballroom, and detailed craftsmanship make it a destination in itself. Service standards match the setting, and it remains the default choice for special occasions.
2. The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection is the modern counterpart, connected to the convention center and built for business travelers and event attendees who want contemporary rooms, strong meeting infrastructure, and skyline views.
3. The Davenport Lusso offers a smaller, boutique-scaled experience within the same hospitality family, appealing to guests who prefer intimacy over grandeur while staying in the heart of downtown.
4. The Davenport Tower brings a more playful design sensibility and a well-regarded restaurant, giving the collection a distinct fourth personality within walking distance of the others.
5. The Centennial Hotel Spokane holds one of the best physical locations in the city, directly on the Spokane River near Riverfront Park. Its riverfront rooms and outdoor spaces are the draw, along with substantial event capacity.
6. Hotel Indigo Spokane Downtown occupies a converted historic building and leans into local storytelling through its design, appealing to travelers who want boutique character from an established brand platform.
7. The Ruby River Hotel provides riverside accommodation at a more accessible price point, making it a practical option for families and longer stays without sacrificing a water view.
8. Northern Quest Resort and Casino in nearby Airway Heights is the region's full-resort option, with a spa, multiple restaurants, a concert venue, and casino gaming. It functions as its own self-contained destination and is popular for weekend getaways.
9. Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort and comparable regional resorts extend the market beyond city limits for travelers willing to drive, offering golf, spa, and resort amenities at competitive rates.
10. Extended-stay and select-service properties including Residence Inn, Hampton Inn, Courtyard, and Holiday Inn Express locations across Spokane and the Spokane Valley serve relocating families, medical travelers visiting the University District health campuses, and business guests on multi-week assignments. Kitchens, free breakfast, and predictable quality carry real weight for these stays.
What to Prioritize When Booking
Location dominates. Downtown puts you within walking distance of dining and the convention center, riverfront properties trade a few blocks for views and trail access, and Spokane Valley or Airway Heights options offer better parking and rates for driving trips.
Event timing is the second consideration. Bloomsday in early May and Hoopfest in late June sell out downtown inventory and push rates sharply upward. Gonzaga University's basketball calendar and graduation weekends do the same. Booking several months ahead for these windows is not optional.
Parking deserves scrutiny in the downtown core, where valet or garage fees add meaningfully to a nightly rate. Properties outside the core generally include parking.
Trends in Spokane Hospitality
Adaptive reuse has been the defining local trend. Rather than building new, developers have converted historic downtown structures into hotels, preserving architectural character while adding modern systems. This has given Spokane a stock of genuinely distinctive properties that chain-heavy markets lack.
Food and beverage programs have also become competitive differentiators. Several Spokane hotels now operate restaurants and bars that attract local diners rather than just guests, which is a reliable indicator of quality.
Sustainability initiatives, including linen reuse programs, reduced single-use plastics, and energy retrofits in historic buildings, have expanded across the market. Wellness amenities have followed, with better fitness facilities and spa access appearing even in mid-tier properties.
Making the Right Choice
For a milestone trip, the historic Davenport is difficult to beat. For a convention, the Davenport Grand's connectivity is the practical answer. For families wanting river access and value, the Ruby River or Centennial work well. For a resort weekend, Northern Quest handles everything on site. For a month-long stay, an extended-stay property with a kitchen will serve you far better than a luxury room.
Whatever the category, read recent reviews rather than aggregate scores, confirm what is included, and book directly when rates match, since direct bookings typically offer better flexibility if plans change.