If you would have said to me before I started planning my wedding that I would be having my big day at The Davenport, I would have immediately asked, ‘ did I win the lotto?’ Because there is no other way I could afford it..but it appears the recession has hit even the nicest hotels. And though I would never claim the Davenport to be ‘cheap’ or even ‘a bargain’ it is reasonable, probably more reasonable that you would think. It should be noted however, that this was a year ago and we got an excellent deal so things may have changed.
I don’t want to quote a price, but just to give context we were choosing between The Davenport and The Glover Mansion. Though the base packages were less at Glover, by the time you added a night in a hotel for the bride and groom, service charge, tax and decor (which all comes in the package at the Davenport) it was roughly the same for the lowest Davenport package. For me by the time I considered all the extras you get at the Davenport, plus the invaluable reputation and five star service that comes with the name, it was no question (also the Glover Mansion can only hold 125 for a ceremony). So we decided to have our ceremony in the Early Bird Room and the reception in the Marie Antoinette Ballroom.
Marie Antoinette Ballroom, The Davenport
Where the Davenport gets you is that you have to spend a certain amount with their menu per person. The cheapest option is the hors d’oeuvre’s menu, which is not a full meal, but would keep your guests tied over. It includes a meat station and sandwiches, etc. The other options are various buffet types and the most expensive is the table service.
Buffet Table at The Davenport
Megan Kasper was our designated coordinator. Since I was not in Spokane when I was planning my wedding it meant a lot of e-mails, phone calls and my very loyal sisters meeting with her several times. Which she didn’t seem to mind, but could not seem to remember the things we told her. I had to confirm and confirm again my wishes in the months leading up to the day, and it got a little annoying… But Megan proved her weight in gold on the day itself. She kept everything running perfectly on time, she ran around after last minute items, she made sure Mark and I were comfortable and she even made sure all our stuff got to the honeymoon suite.
One complaint I would have about the experience was that when I signed up for the package I was promised a special room rate for me and my guests, but when the hotel became more and more booked out for that weekend, they stopped giving it to the guests who asked for it. There may have been a clause in the contract that stated this was technically legal, but I found it frusterating considering how much not only I was spending, but how much business my wedding had brought the hotel. Also, we were only allowed to go in certain areas for the group photos, which made it hard to find a place where everyone could fit….It would have been nice to have a special place for us.
But other than that, the day was fabulous. I was extremely picky when it came to where I would have the wedding (even though I tried to deny it) and looking back, I know I wouldn’t have been happy with anywhere else…that probably makes me a big snob but I am going to blame it on the fact that I work in the industry…
The Davenport Hotel
The Davenport Hotel
Price Range: High (but sometimes mid!)
Location: Downtown Spokane
Capacity: Elizabethan Room holds up to 80. Isabella Ballroom holds up to 100. The Marie Antoinette Ballroom holds up to 200. The Grand Pennington Ballroom holds up to 350.
Outside Catering: No
Ceremony Location: Yes
Web: www.thedavenporthotel.com
Phone: (800) 899-1482
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