Hotels & Accommodation in Spokane

Spokane's accommodation scene is shaped by its dual identity as a regional hub for eastern Washington and a college town anchored by Gonzaga University. The downtown core carries the heaviest concentration of full-service hotels, several of them occupying historic early-20th-century buildings that survived Spokane's silver-boom era. The city lacks the resort infrastructure of western Washington but compensates with genuine walkability in its compact downtown, where the Spokane River runs through Riverfront Park and many hotels are within walking distance of the convention center, performing arts venues, and the revitalized Kendall Yards neighborhood.

Beyond hotels, travelers will find a modest but real spread of alternatives: short-term vacation rentals (apartments and houses) spread across residential neighborhoods like the South Hill and Browne's Addition; a handful of B&B-style guesthouses; and easy access to campgrounds and glamping operations in the surrounding Inland Northwest landscape — within 30–60 minutes of the city. True hostels are limited; the market skews toward budget motels along major corridors (Division Street, North Division, Sprague Avenue) and chain properties near Spokane Valley and the airport.

What distinguishes Spokane from larger Pacific Northwest cities is relative affordability and a less saturated short-term rental market, meaning mid-range travelers can often secure a well-located room without extreme advance planning — except during Bloomsday (early May), Hoopfest (late June), and major Gonzaga home-game weekends, when rooms tighten considerably and prices spike. The city's arts and food scene, concentrated in Browne's Addition and along the north bank, has drawn a small crop of boutique and independently operated lodging options over the past decade.

Summer (June–August) is the busiest leisure season and rooms in the downtown core book up weeks in advance for popular weekends. Bloomsday (the annual 12k road race, typically first Sunday of May) draws tens of thousands of participants and fills downtown hotels months ahead — book 3–4 months out minimum. Hoopfest (late June, one of the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournaments) has a similar effect. Gonzaga men's basketball home games (November through March, and especially NCAA Tournament runs) create sharp mid-week and weekend spikes that catch visitors off guard — check the Zags schedule before assuming winter is slow. Spokane Chiefs hockey (WHL) and major conventions at the Spokane Convention Center are secondary demand drivers. Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) generally offer better availability and pricing. Winter (November–February) is the softest period for leisure travel, though the city does see some ski traffic from people using Spokane as a base for Mt. Spokane or Silver Mountain in Idaho.

• Taxes and fees not included: Washington lodging taxes plus Spokane city/county hotel-motel tax typically add 12–15% to quoted room rates; verify the final total before booking.
• Resort/facility fees: Some full-service downtown hotels charge daily facility or amenity fees on top of room rates — read the fine print carefully.
• Parking fees: Downtown hotels almost universally charge for parking (garage or valet); budget an additional USD 15–25 per night if driving.
• Vacation rental minimum stays: Many Airbnb and Vrbo hosts in Spokane require 2–3 night minimums, especially on weekends; single-night availability is limited.
• Air conditioning: Most hotels have in-room AC, but some older guesthouses, B&Bs, and vacation rentals in historic homes may rely on window units or fans — relevant during Spokane's hot, dry summers where temperatures can exceed 90°F (32°C).
• Pet policies: Chain hotels along Division Street and Spokane Valley corridors are more likely to be pet-friendly than boutique or historic properties; always confirm and note any pet fees.
• Cancellation policies: These vary widely between OTAs, direct hotel bookings, and independent rentals. Non-refundable rates are common on OTAs for the best prices.
• Seasonal event blackout periods: Some properties apply non-cancellable minimum-stay requirements during Bloomsday and Hoopfest weekends.
• Elevator access: Several historic downtown hotels are in multi-story buildings; if mobility is a concern, confirm elevator availability and accessible room locations directly with the property.

Book through established platforms (hotel direct, major OTAs, Airbnb, Vrbo) and be cautious of listings that redirect you to pay by wire transfer, Zelle, or cryptocurrency outside the platform. For vacation rentals, verify the listing address on a map before booking and cross-check reviews for consistency. If a price looks dramatically lower than comparable listings during a high-demand event weekend, treat it as a red flag. When booking historic or independently operated properties, a brief confirmation call or email to the property before arrival is good practice to confirm your reservation is in the system.

Downtown Spokane is walkable for attractions, dining, and the Riverwalk, and the city's STA (Spokane Transit Authority) bus network connects major corridors — but frequency and hours are limited compared to larger Pacific Northwest cities. A car is strongly advisable if you plan to explore beyond the downtown core, visit South Hill, Gonzaga, or take day trips into the Inland Northwest. Spokane International Airport (GEG) is approximately 6–8 miles west of downtown; rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and rental cars are the primary options — there is no direct rail or dedicated airport express bus, though STA provides some service. Amtrak's Empire Builder serves Spokane's historic train station (on the south side of downtown), making it a reasonable arrival point for those coming from Seattle or Chicago; several downtown hotels are within a short rideshare of the station. Hotels in Spokane Valley require a car for nearly all activities.

Families traveling to Spokane will find the best options in two broad categories: mid-range to upscale chain hotels downtown (suite configurations available at several properties, with pools being a common feature worth confirming) and entire-home vacation rentals via Airbnb or Vrbo in residential neighborhoods like South Hill or Browne's Addition, which provide more space and kitchen access. Properties near Riverfront Park are convenient for families given the park's playground, carousel, and IMAX theater. Spokane Valley chain hotels frequently have indoor pools and are family-oriented in character. Always confirm pool hours, crib/rollaway availability, and age-related fees before booking.

Spokane has a modest but growing supply of extended-stay options. Several nationally branded extended-stay hotels (with kitchenettes and weekly rates) operate along the Division Street corridor and in Spokane Valley, catering to contractors and traveling healthcare workers. Furnished apartment rentals through Airbnb or specialized furnished-rental platforms are available citywide and often more economical for stays of 2–4 weeks or longer. A small number of downtown apartment buildings offer corporate or month-to-month furnished units — these are best found through local property management companies rather than standard OTAs. Monthly rates on vacation rentals typically represent a meaningful discount from nightly rates; negotiate directly with hosts where possible.