The historic Davenport Hotel (one of five in the Davenport Collection) is the beloved grand dame of elegance in the heart of Spokane, Washington.

Offering a glimpse into a bygone era of glitz and glamor, step into its opulent lobby and be transported to a world of refined luxury and timeless charm.

Staying here is more than a hotel experience; consider it a journey through history, a taste of Spokane's elite culture, and a luxurious escape.

The Davenport's story began with a vision by Louis Davenport, a restaurateur with an eye for excellence. Teaming up with renowned architect Kirkland Cutter, they created something nothing short of magical. (Some say he never left the hotel even after his death in 1951.)

Opened in 1914, the hotel quickly became a landmark, renowned for its innovation and lavish arts and crafts style design made popular by Cutter. Examples of this are seen throughout the hotel, simply gaze skyward to behold the roof made of Tiffany glass.

It was commonly referred to as "Spokane's living room." As one of the world's most grand hotels, the Davenport featured innovative amenities such as air conditioning, a central vacuum system, and even a pipe organ, all groundbreaking for its time. Many of the rich and famous passed through its doors over the decades, including Amelia Earhart when she became grounded during a snowstorm, Clark Gable, and Bing Crosby (who grew up in Spokane). Presidents and world leaders graced the hotel, too, from Theodore Roosevelt, who in 1903 slept here while championing the National Parks, to John F. Kennedy and Mahatma Gandhi.

However, time took its toll, and the hotel closed its doors in 1985 with the threat of demolition. Thankfully, local entrepreneurs Walt and Karen Worthy recognized its historical significance and meticulously restored the Davenport to its former glory, reopening in July 2002. The Davenport held a special significance for the Worthys, for they had their first date here.

The most recent renovation, adding a touch of splendor, is the horseshoe-shaped lobby bar, where one goes to sip on an old-fashioned cocktail, as well as to see and be seen. It's easy to imagine flappers at the counter casually talking while some hot jazz number plays in the background.

Upstairs, don't miss a peek into the Hall of Dodges and the Marie Antoinette ballroom. Sit inside this ballroom from 1914, the same era as the Titanic, and imagine waiting for your Clark Gable. The French Neoclassic design makes this the perfect backdrop for a wedding or special occasion, from its sparkling chandeliers made from French-cut crystal to the oak floors perfect for a waltz or turn around the room.

While the Davenport itself is a destination, Spokane offers a wealth of attractions just waiting to be explored. Navigating the city is a breeze on foot or with the city's light rail system right outside the hotel doors.

We took a quick walk from the Davenport and soon found ourselves strolling through the greenery of Riverside Park. Here, we enjoyed scenic trails along the river, took our time in lush gardens, and captured the breathtaking views of the Spokane River.

An iconic favorite left over from the World's Fair and a must-do is a ride on the Numerica SkyRide, a gondola that offers panoramic vistas as it travels over the Spokane Falls. We clambered on for its short ride, then gazed over the spectacular sight of the cascading water against this charming cityscape.

Strolling through Riverside Park to the Looff Carrousel, we channeled our inner child with a ride on a hand-carved horse. This beautifully restored antique carousel shares a piece of Spokane history with all who visit. Built in 1909 by Charles I.D. Loof for his daughter, the carousel now resides in Riverfront Park. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Hopping on Spokane's light rail, the City Line, we headed for an afternoon of art and culture at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. The MAC, as it is known to locals, is a treasure trove of regional history, Indigenous heritage as it pertains to the Inland Northwest, and exhibits of local artists. My reason for traveling to the MAC lay in the Expo '74 exhibit. As a young girl of six, I remember coming to the World's Fair and now 50 years later, I was eager to walk down memory lane.

Sitting in the middle of the Expo exhibit is one of the original gondolas that transported fairgoers from one side of Riverside Park to the other, including my 6-year-old self. Spokane's hosting of the 1974 World's Fair left an enduring mark on the city. The event, themed "Celebrating Tomorrow's Fresh New Environment," became a pioneer in emphasizing environmental awareness. Spokane, as it turns out, championed recycling and sustainability long before it was cool, mainstream, or normalized. Fun fact - the symbol that was created for that World's Fair is now the internationally known symbol for recycling!

Returning to the Davenport via the City Line proved simple. After a day of seeing the city sights, relaxing in our hotel suite came as a welcome respite.

Then came time for dinner. Previously, we dined at Mizuna, a sweet bistro with innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine that is very close to the hotel. This evening, we ventured a little farther afield and dined at RÜT, which was highly recommended for its all-vegan menu.

The Davenport Hotel, with its seamless blend of history, refined allure, and contemporary luxury, provides the perfect base to explore all that the "Lilac City" has to offer. She truly is the grand lady of Spokane.

MaryRose Denton is a freelance contributor for Seattle Refined. While the products, services and/or accommodations in this story were provided without charge, the opinions within are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial board.