Llewellyn "Louis" Davenport arrived in Spokane in the spring of 1889. He was a young man of 20 years without hotel skills, but helped his uncle in the restaurant business. When the great Spokane fire of 1889 burned most of the downtown to ashes, Davenport's innate entrepreneurial sense was born. He purchased a tent and set up a waffle foundry serving generous portions. Years later, Davenport grew the business into a restaurant and eventually into creating one of the most fascinating and beautiful hotels of its time, the Davenport.

Davenport was perfectionist and innovator. His attention to detail, quality and his customers set the standard for many other hotels at the time. The housekeeping carts that are used in hotels today are originally his invention and so is Crab Louis. He installed the first central vacuum and air-conditioning systems. He even had the hotel=s money washed in a special machine located in the basement before giving it out as change. These were just a few of the many hotel 'firsts' that Davenport would implement.

Davenport had respect for his employees and customers as well. While walking around the mezzanine one day, he happened to glance down on the main lobby area of the hotel. An older couple had brought in their sack lunches and proceeded to eat their lunch, while enjoying the luxury and comfort of the grand lobby and large, plush chairs. Davenport called to one of his staff and told them to bring a table with plates, glasses, silverware and napkins to the older couple so that they could enjoy their lunch in style and feel welcome. That was the kind of man he was and that same graciousness extended to the atmosphere of the hotel and his staff.

From the Davenport's beginning, historical events, famous people, royalty and guests would play an important role in adding to the character of the grand hotel. Indeed, odd occurrences would also add an unexpected bent to the hotel's history. For decades, a ghost was reputed to haunt the hotel. Guests would account the story of seeing a woman clothed in the '20s style fashion, ambling around the second floor mezzanine. She was reported to stare down upon the lobby as if looking for someone. Several years ago, a search through the city's newspaper archive ensued to see if there could be some historical link to this reoccurring odd incidence. It was discovered that the ghost might be that of Mrs. Ellen McNamara. The unfortunate woman had fallen to her death through the lobby skylights on August 17, 1920. Her last words to a physician who happened to be in the hotel that night were, "Where did I go?" Apparently, she still searches for this answer.

In 2000, Walt and Karen Worthy purchased the Davenport. Their entrepreneurial spirit, unyielding work and determination have returned the Davenport to its glorious splendor, succeeding beyond imagination.

The Davenport Hotel's design is of intricate classic European grandeur. A majestic lobby of complimenting-hued marbles, fresh floral bouquets, plush furniture, a classic fountain, gilded accenting and regal décor emanates an elegant, yet warm and welcoming ambiance. The majesty carries throughout the hotel with the exquisite ballrooms, such as the two-tiered Marie Antoinette Ballroom, a romantic creation of delicate French beauty accented with crystal chandeliers, murals and floating dance floor; and, the Hall of Doges Foyer, an awe-inspiring design of the height of Florentine art and cachet.

The hotel's 611 rooms and suites offer a sumptuous accompaniment of period-styled hand-carved furniture in warm tones, the Davenport Bed (custom pillow-top mattresses) with divine Frette linens and a personal level of comfort that is emblematic of the hotel. In addition, the bathrooms feature large walk-in travertine marble showers with marble enclosed tubs, gold fixtures, Lady Primrose bath products and a vanity most women would swoon to own.

The Davenport offers guests an unparalleled level in accommodations, as well as service. It has so many treasures to discover that guests are encouraged to take their time to explore, such as the hallways. They're covered with large, framed photographs of guests and events in the hotel spanning the years. These old portraits are like the Davenport; they offer a fascinating glimpse of history and reveal intimate stories within their depths. In these halls, and in the mysterious symbols found within the structure=s ornamentation, lays the key to the soul of this magnificent hotel and the key to the man who began it all.

Read more about visiting Spokane:
Spokane, Washington Offers Visitors An Exciting Palette Of Activities
Spokane: Skiing and Martinis in Beautiful Eastern Washington

Patrice Raplee is an experienced travel photojournalist and editor of Travel Excursion and Seattle Spotlight for Positively Entertainment magazine. She is a member of North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) and the Recording Academy. Her photographs and articles have appeared in numerous international publications, as well as NW newspapers such as the Seattle Times, the Stranger, Seattle Weekly and the Oregonian. As a freelance photojournalist, she has also worked with acclaimed musical entertainers, such as Santana, Billy Joel and Steven Tyler. Patrice has written several children’s short stories and is currently working on an adult fiction novel for publication.

Photo courtesy of Peter Hassel Photography.

© 2008

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