Luxury, history, and whispers from the past — The Davenport Hotel in Spokane, Washington, offers a rare combination of elegance and eerie intrigue. This architectural gem has stood tall for over a century, bearing tales of opulence, celebrity guests, and spectral sightings. Whether you’re a lover of grand old hotels or a dedicated ghost hunter, The Davenport is a must-visit. With its lush interiors, vintage glamor, and mysterious energy, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another era — and maybe, just maybe, into the path of lingering spirits.
Let’s take a closer look at the rich story behind The Davenport Hotel’s opulent façade, its curious hauntings, and why it should have a firm spot on your paranormal travel itinerary.
The History
The Birth of a Grand Idea (Early 20th Century)
The story of The Davenport Hotel began with a visionary restaurateur named Louis Davenport. In 1914, Louis opened the doors to what would become one of the most resplendent hotels in the Pacific Northwest. Designed by famed architect Kirtland Cutter, the hotel combined Renaissance Revival style with cutting-edge technology, a rare marriage of elegance and innovation at the time.
When it was first built, The Davenport was the first hotel in the United States with air conditioning, a central vacuum system, and a pipe organ in the lobby. These futuristic features, combined with its ornate ballrooms and European-inspired grandeur, drew immediate national attention. The hotel quickly became a symbol of Spokane’s rise and prosperity.
The Gilded Age of Spokane (1910s–1940s)
The early decades of The Davenport Hotel were a golden era. It hosted countless dignitaries, Hollywood celebrities, and even presidents. Bing Crosby, Amelia Earhart, and Clark Gable graced its marble corridors. Not just a stopover, the hotel became a social nucleus for Spokane’s elite and an architectural marvel for travelers seeking upscale accommodations in the Wild West.
During this time, The Davenport also became famous for its luxurious events — elegant balls, roaring 1920s soirees, and wartime galas. It wasn’t just a hotel; it was the heart of the city’s cultural life. But alongside its glamor came its fair share of secrets, scandals, and stories that would eventually turn into legends. Some believe the spirits of these storied past guests still roam the halls.
Decline and Rescue (1950s–2000s)
Despite its luxurious past, The Davenport Hotel wasn’t immune to the economic hardships that hit America after the Second World War. By the 1960s and 70s, the hotel began a long period of decline. The once-bustling lobby grew quieter; the chandeliers dimmed. In 1985, The Davenport closed its doors, seemingly forever. It sat vacant, neglected, and at risk of demolition — a sad fate for such a glorious icon.
But Spokane wasn’t ready to lose its crown jewel. In 2000, local entrepreneurs Walt and Karen Worthy purchased the building and invested $38 million into its painstaking restoration. With respect to the original architecture and the addition of 21st-century luxury, The Davenport reopened in 2002, reclaiming its place as a premier destination — and once again stirring paranormal interest in its long-dormant corridors.
The Haunt
As with any property steeped in history, The Davenport Hotel has its share of ghost stories — and they are no small matter. With over a century of guests, drama, and at least a few mysteries, it’s no surprise that the place has developed a reputation among paranormal enthusiasts as one of the most haunted sites in Washington State.
The Lady in White
Arguably the most famous spirit at The Davenport is the enigmatic “Lady in White.” She is most often seen drifting through the mezzanine level or appearing near one of the grand staircases. Dressed in an early 20th-century white ball gown, she is said to glide silently, her expression distant but sad. Lore suggests she may have been a bride jilted at the altar or a socialite who met a tragic end during one of the hotel’s glamorous events. Her presence is described as peaceful but unmistakably chilling.
The Elevator Spirit
Guests and staff alike have reported strange activity surrounding the hotel’s vintage elevators. Visitors tell tales of doors opening and closing on their own and the elevator traveling to floors that no one selected — always at odd hours of the night. Some paranormal investigators believe a former hotel employee may still be faithfully operating the lifts from beyond, while others insist it’s the ghost of a flapper-era guest who just never checked out.
Room 1105: The Troubled Suite
Room 1105 is whispered about amongst hotel staff for its inexplicable disturbances. Guests have reported flickering lights, items moving on their own, soft knocks on the walls, and even cold spots that defy logical explanation. One traveler who stayed in 1105 described seeing a translucent figure standing near the foot of the bed — only to vanish when the lights were turned on. Though the hotel maintains a refined demeanor, they don’t deny that some rooms harbor unusual energy.
The Basement Echoes
The hotel’s sub-level, once used for storage and maintenance purposes, is another hotspot for ghostly occurrences. Workers have reported hearing footsteps, muffled laughter, and the distinct sound of vintage music playing from nowhere. Often described as a “residual haunting,” these sounds seem to be echoes of The Davenport’s roaring twenties heyday, when jazz and champagne flowed nightly through the building.
Paranormal Investigations
Over the years, paranormal investigators have brought thermal imaging cameras, EVP recorders, and dowsing rods through the hotel’s storied halls. Many have captured unexplained anomalies — such as orbs floating through ballrooms or disembodied voices on audio playback. While none offer concrete proof, the consistent wave of reports makes The Davenport a prime candidate for exploring the question: Can history truly leave a spiritual footprint?
Conclusion: A Must for Paranormal Travelers
The Davenport Hotel isn’t just a place to lay your head — it’s a journey back in time, enhanced by a touch of the supernatural. Whether you’re an amateur ghost hunter or a seasoned paranormal investigator, this luxurious haunt offers the perfect balance of comfort and mystery. Feel the chill of a ghostly breeze along the hallways, catch a glimpse of the Lady in White, or simply enjoy the ambiance of a hotel that has endured both time and spirits.
If you’re planning your next paranormal road trip, make sure Spokane is on your map. And don’t forget your EMF reader — especially if you’re brave enough to book Room 1105.
History lives on at The Davenport, but so, perhaps, do its guests from another time. Happy haunting!