My Recommended Areas & Places

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Spokane | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

I’m a Washington local who’s visited Spokane on several occasions — and no matter your preferences, I can help you decide where to stay. 

If it’s your first time in the city, I suggest staying in downtown Spokane. Along with fantastic attractions and dining options, this is where you’ll find many of the area’s nicest hotels. I recommend the Hotel Indigo for its central location, classy atmosphere, and affordable price. 

There’s much more to see in “The Spoke,” though. Whether you’re traveling as a family, want to experience the local nightlife, or explore the outdoors, this guide has you covered. Keep reading for the pros and cons of various neighborhoods, plus a list of my favorite hotels. 

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Best Places to Stay in Spokane

If you’re short on time, here are my top picks: 

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Spokane: 

7 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Spokane

Downtown Spokane sits on the southern banks of the Spokane River. Cliff-Cannon is on the hillside south of downtown. The Spokane International Airport lies on the western edge of the city. 

Spokane’s University District forms the eastern end of the downtown area. Spokane Valley lies further east from there. Northern Spokane is made up of several smaller neighborhoods. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is Spokane’s sister city and just a stone’s throw over the Washington border.

Downtown Spokane

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Downtown Spokane Hotels: Hotel Indigo • The Historic Davenport • La Quinta Inn & Suites-Downtown

Downtown Spokane is my number one choice for anyone visiting the city for the first time. Here, you will find many of its most popular attractions, including awesome shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Another awesome thing about downtown Spokane is that many of its accommodations are historic boutique hotels. Most have some affiliation with major chains, but their interiors break from the cookie-cutter mold.

My top recommended stay is Hotel Indigo. Its elegant lobby hearkens back to the early 1900s, and its rooms and on-site restaurant are equally as stylish. Plus, its downtown location can’t be beat. 

If you really want to indulge, though, you can’t top The Historic Davenport. Its opulent interiors will have you feeling like an old-time tycoon from the moment you walk in. However, note that there are several Davenport hotels downtown. All of them are fantastic, but The Historic Davenport is, by far, the best for unrivaled luxury. 

Pros of Staying in Downtown Spokane:

• Wide selection of hotels
• Most hotels have more character than typical chain hotels
• Tons of great restaurants, bars, and event venues

Cons of Staying in Downtown Spokane:

• Homelessness is an issue in some parts of downtown
• Most properties don’t have free parking

Cliff-Cannon

👉 Best Area For Quiet Stays | ✨ Best Cliff-Cannon Hotels: The Madison Inn • Hampton Inn & Suites • The Colette at Manito Park

The Cliff-Cannon neighborhood occupies the hill rising to the south of downtown Spokane. This is one of the greener parts of town, with trees lining most of the streets. There are several beautiful parks here which are perfect for a little shade on a hot day. Manito Park is the most popular, featuring a variety of floral gardens across its 78 acres.

Here, you’ll also find St. John’s Cathedral, one of the most prominent Spokane landmarks. The lofty Gothic architecture of the church feels like a little piece of Europe. 

I suggest booking a stay at The Madison Inn. It has some of the best prices and offers clean, simple rooms — without compromising on quality! It’s also just down the street from the cathedral.

Pros of Staying in Cliff-Cannon:

• Quiet neighborhoods with lots of greenery
• Easy access to downtown
• Good selection of vacation rentals for a more home-like stay

Cons of Staying in Cliff-Cannon:

• Fewer restaurants
• Few hotels for those who prefer them

Spokane International Airport

👉 Best Area For Early/Late Flights | ✨ Best Spokane Airport Hotels: SpringHill Suites • Sleep Inn • MainStay Suites

Spokane’s airport has direct flights to and from 20 destinations across the country. As such, this is a great place to stay if you booked an early or late flight. 

A city bus route connects the airport with downtown. My suggestion, though, is to rent a car. This will give you easier access to places around town and the surrounding area.

SpringHill Suites can’t be beaten for convenience, being right across the street from the terminal. As a veteran traveler, I can say that few things are so nice as being able to literally just walk across the street to the airport from your hotel — even if the flight isn’t super early.

Pros of Staying near Spokane Airport:

• Hotels are on airport property or a short drive away
• Easy access to the airport for early morning flights

Cons of Staying in Spokane Airport:

• Not many places to eat, drink, or buy things
• Fewer attractions
• Need a rental car to get around

University District-Logan

👉 Best Area For Hip Vibes and Nightlife | ✨ Best University District Hotels: Ruby River Hotel • Marianna Stoltz House • Centennial Hotel Spokane

Spokane is home to several well-known universities, most of which lie just east of the downtown area. With so many students present, you know there are a ton of great places to eat, drink, and socialize. One of the most popular for all three is the No-Li Brewhouse, a leading microbrewery in Washington.

The Ruby River Hotel is a fantastic place to stay for a little tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the University District. It’s located right on the banks of the Spokane River and offers immediate access to riverside walking paths. The property also provides free bicycle rentals, free parking, and a restaurant with a patio overlooking the river.

Pros of Staying in the University District:

• Tons of cool places to eat, drink, and hang out
• Right next to downtown
• Good variety of hotels

Cons of Staying in the University District:

• Can be crowded and noisy at times
• Can be a bit dodgy after dark, especially on weekends and around bars and clubs

Spokane Valley

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Spokane Valley Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites-Spokane Valley • Mirabeau Park Hotel • Comfort Inn & Suites

Spokane Valley lies east of the city center and is my pick for families traveling to Spokane. There are lots of hotels to choose from, many offering family rooms and loyalty programs. 

Comfort Inn & Suites is one of the best and most affordable places to stay in this neighborhood. It has a great set of amenities including a pool, hot tub, and buffet breakfast. 

Spokane Valley also has all the stores you could need, including malls and shopping centers. There are great family-friendly attractions, too, such as Splash Down Family Water Park. Several city parks here are perfect for picnics and scenic hiking trails lie just further afield in the valley. 

Pros of Staying in Spokane Valley:

• Quieter at night than central areas
• Good selection of restaurants, stores, etc.
• Easy access to the highway from most properties

Cons of Staying in Spokane Valley:

• Fewer attractions than other neighborhoods
• Chain hotels, malls, and stores create a more commercial atmosphere
• Hotels can be pricey in summer

Northern Spokane

👉 Best Area For Skiing | ✨ Best Northern Spokane Hotels: Quality Inn Oakwood • Best Western Plus-Spokane North • Anthony’s Home

Northern Spokane encompasses several neighborhoods including Town and Country and Country Homes. This area offers the easiest access to Mt. Spokane and its less-crowded ski slopes. 

There are also great year-round attractions, many of which are family-friendly. This includes the Cat Tales Wildlife Center, a zoo dedicated to big cats.

One of the best places to stay here is the Quality Inn Oakwood. It’s right along Highway 2 and close to several stores and restaurants. The prices are reasonable, the rooms and facilities are clean, and the staff is friendly and professional.

Pros of Staying in Northern Spokane:

• Easy highway access from most properties
• Good selection of stores and restaurants
• Suburban neighborhoods are more peaceful than the central areas

Cons of Staying in Northern Spokane:

• Need a car to get around
• Not as many properties to choose from

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

👉 Best Area For Outdoors Recreation | ✨ Best Coeur d’Alene Hotels: The Roosevelt Inn • Lake Village Lodge • Coeur de Lion BNB

Spokane is inseparable from its sister city. Located just over the border in Idaho, Coeur d’Alene is the best place to cool off on a hot summer day. You can rent kayaks, book a boat tour, or simply go for a swim in the lake. 

The city itself has no shortage of charming boutique shops and a wide range of restaurants for every palate. Another awesome aspect of staying here is that gas prices are cheaper than just over the border in Washington!

Lake Village Lodge provides clean, simple motel rooms with an outdoorsy theme. Some rooms also come with a balcony. The Roosevelt Inn is another awesome option for a stay in Coeur d’Alene. Built in 1905 as a schoolhouse, it now serves as a hotel, transporting you back in time to its early years with old-fashioned elegance around every corner. 

Pros of Staying in Coeur d’Alene:

• Surrounded by beautiful nature
• Easy to walk around on foot
• Great access to outdoor activities (on the lake, hikes, etc.)
• Tons of great restaurants, gift shops, etc.
• Cheaper gas than in Washington

Cons of Staying in Coeur d’Alene:

• Need a car to get to Spokane
• Can be crowded and pricey in summer months

Tips for Staying in Spokane

Research Downtown Hotels’ Amenities

Several of Spokane’s charming boutique hotels may lack a few of the modern features most travelers expect. Some may not have dedicated parking lots (but may offer a valet service to a designated spot). Others may not serve breakfast, or have a restaurant instead of the usual prepaid buffet options.

Spring and Summer Breaks

Because Spokane is such a major university town, it will be a bit quieter during spring and summer breaks. This can be a good time to visit if you enjoy a quieter evening out, but still want to see the most popular local establishments. Of the two, summer break tends to be the quietest (but also sees more tourists visiting).

Stay Hydrated in Summer

Spokane has an arid climate and summers are often hot and sunny. It’s important to stay hydrated, even if you’re not planning on doing any long hikes. In addition to water, electrolyte mixes and tablets can help take the edge off the summer heat.

Gas Prices Between States

Gas is cheaper over the border in Post Fall, Idaho (and even cheaper just outside Coeur d’Alene). If you’re spending time in Spokane, or heading elsewhere on a road trip, fuel up on the Idaho side for some extra savings.

Staying Safe

Spokane has a bit of a reputation for crime. Homelessness is also a prevalent issue in many parts of downtown. Most travelers will not be in danger of any serious trouble. But it’s still best to follow common sense safety practices, especially after dark and in the Downtown and University District areas.

FAQs

What are the best areas to stay in Spokane for first-timers?

Downtown Spokane is ideal for first-time visitors, as it has the best variety of hotels. Additionally, several great bars, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance.  

What are safe areas to stay in Spokane?

Cliff-Cannon, Spokane Valley, and North Spokane are largely safe areas to stay. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and the area around the Spokane Airport are also comparatively safer than more central areas.

What are the best parts of Spokane to stay on a budget?

Cliff-Cannon is a good place to stay on a budget. It has affordable properties such as The Madison Inn and a good variety of vacation homes. 

Spokane Valley has many affordable chain hotels, such as Comfort Inn & Suites, as well as easy access to affordable stores.

What are the best parts of Spokane for a luxury stay?

Downtown Spokane has the most luxurious hotels of any neighborhood, such as The Historic Davenport.

What are the best parts of Spokane to stay with kids?

Spokane Valley has affordable hotels, a wide variety of stores, and some of the best family-friendly attractions in the area. Northern Spokane has a more suburban feeling, easy access to stores, and lots of options for vacation homestays.

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Thanks for reading my guide! For more travel insights, see our list of the best places to visit in Washington state.