Colorfully decorated bears were on every street corner waiting to be auctioned off during the fall for a children’s charity.

Just steps from Riverside Park we found ourselves downtown. We had read that Spokane was named by Sunset Magazine as having one of the best downtowns in the West ...  this accolade is well deserved. There is a dazzling array of ornate 19th century buildings that have been renovated to house upscale shops and a mind numbing array of restaurants.

Without a doubt, Spokane's crown jewel is the Davenport Hotel. This elegant hostelry was designed by Kirtland Cutter and has recently undergone a $38 million renovation. It was hard to believe that shag carpet was once installed in the lobby, and in the 80’s it was almost demolished.

The lobby is opulent with its pink marble floor, decorative pillars, ornate 6-foot vases, gilded ceiling and goldfish pond complete with fountain. The Peacock Room where drinks are "stirred not shaken" has, as the name implies, a peacock theme. But we must admit that the stuffed peacocks behind the bar were somewhat disturbing.

The lobby and lounge, however, were only the prelude to the surprises we found on the mezzanine level. The Hall of the Doges is simply stunning. It replicates features found in the palaces of Italian doges (chief magistrates) of medieval times. The Marie Antoinette Ballroom is dazzling. What really captivated our attention however, were the amazing historic photographs that lined the walls.

Members of the Mel Butler Orchestra in the Marie Antoinette Room — 1924

Ladies Luncheon in the Circus Room — 1937

A wedding banquet in the Hall of Doges — 1909

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