There’s something undeniably charming about Spokane. It’s that blend of untamed riverside wilderness and a downtown district full of indie coffee shops, art deco theaters, and warm-hearted locals. But what surprised me even more than Spokane’s beauty was how affordable it can be—especially when it comes to lodging.
Before my trip, I wasn’t interested in overpriced hotel lobbies or luxury suites with features I wouldn’t even use. I wanted comfort, location, and value—places where I could rest my feet after long days of exploring without breaking the bank.
So, after lots of research (and a few trial stays), I’ve narrowed it down to five budget-friendly Spokane hotels that seriously impressed me. These aren’t the cheapest just for the sake of being cheap—they’re the best bang for your buck. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on a work trip, these picks deliver comfort, quality, and great locations—without gouging your wallet.
1. Ruby River Hotel Spokane
📍 Address: 700 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99202
💲 Average Nightly Rate: \$110–\$135
What Makes It Great:
Nestled right alongside the Spokane River, the Ruby River Hotel feels like a secret escape hidden in plain sight. I stayed here on my first night in Spokane and was honestly stunned by the river views from my window—especially at sunrise, when the light danced on the water. It was the kind of view that makes you pause mid-coffee sip and just watch.
What surprised me was how serene it felt despite being right near downtown. The hotel has a low-key retro vibe—think mid-century lines and vintage color palettes—but everything inside is thoughtfully updated. My room was bright and uncluttered, with soft lighting, clean lines, and a bed that made me forget how sore my legs were after a full day exploring Riverside State Park.
I appreciated the free parking (harder to come by than you’d think in Spokane), and I ended up using the bike rental service in the morning to ride a stretch of the Centennial Trail. The hotel backs right up to it, so I was on the riverfront in seconds. I also grabbed dinner at Osprey, their on-site restaurant. The patio overlooks the river, and I still dream about the grilled salmon and huckleberry vinaigrette.
Pros:
- Perfect downtown-adjacent location—walkable to Riverfront Park and the Centennial Trail
- Free bike rentals for hotel guests
- Pet-friendly (yes, even big dogs!)
- Free airport shuttle service
- Quiet, riverside ambiance even near the city core
Guest Reviews:
Most guests rave about the river views and the relaxing environment. One review I read on Booking.com said, “Felt like a riverside resort but paid under \$120. It’s my new go-to when visiting Spokane.” I couldn’t agree more. Several others mention how surprisingly peaceful it is for being so close to downtown.
Best Booking Platform:
I booked directly through Hotels.com during one of their flash sales and got a great deal—cheaper than on the hotel’s own site. The mobile app even sent me a 10% off coupon I applied at checkout.
Pro Tip:
If you can, ask for a room in the River Building (farthest from the front desk). It’s a bit quieter and has the most stunning views of the water. Early riser? Don’t skip the sunrise.
2. Hotel Ruby Spokane
📍 Address: 901 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
💲 Average Nightly Rate: \$95–\$120
What Makes It Great:
The first thing I noticed walking into Hotel Ruby was its quirky personality. Set inside a restored motor court near the historic Bing Crosby Theater, this hotel has embraced its funky side—with bold colors, modern art, and mid-century modern furniture that somehow feels stylish instead of kitschy.
What really sold me, though, was the location. It’s a two-minute walk to River Park Square, The Fox Theater, and some of my favorite spots to grab late-night bites and cocktails. The vibe is artistic, urban, and a bit boho—in a good way.
Pros:
- Unbeatable downtown location
- Secure, covered parking (\$10/night—worth it)
- Fun bar on site called The Sapphire Lounge, with live music and cocktails
- Free continental breakfast
Guest Reviews:
Reviews across Expedia and TripAdvisor highlight its style, comfort, and downtown access. One review that stuck with me said, “Cooler than a chain hotel, but not trying too hard. Great value.”
Best Booking Platform:
I snagged my reservation through Expedia and applied loyalty points for a discount. Expedia often bundles Ruby with flight packages for extra savings.
Pro Tip:
Book mid-week and avoid event weekends—prices can spike during local festivals and theater performances.
3. The Madison Inn by Riversage
📍 Address: 15 W Rockwood Blvd, Spokane, WA 99204
💲 Average Nightly Rate: \$95–\$110
What Makes It Great:
The Madison Inn was the definition of “surprisingly good.” Tucked away near the medical district and Sacred Heart Hospital, it’s not the trendiest area in town—but the quiet, residential vibe grew on me fast. This place feels more like a guesthouse than a hotel, which was perfect for the quiet night I needed.
Rooms are cozy with big windows and blackout curtains, and there’s free parking (a Spokane blessing), complimentary hot breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk staff that offered some of the friendliest service I’ve encountered in a while.
Pros:
- Very quiet and safe neighborhood
- Incredibly clean and well-maintained
- Great for solo travelers or remote workers
- Quick drive or Uber to downtown
Guest Reviews:
Travelers love the peaceful atmosphere and solid sleep quality. One user on Google Reviews wrote: “It’s no-frills, but everything is exactly how it should be—clean, quiet, safe.”
Best Booking Platform:
I found the best deal on Trip.com—they often offer unlisted discounts or last-minute promotions.
Pro Tip:
Book early if you’re visiting in fall—this spot is popular with medical travelers and can fill up fast.
4. La Quinta Inn & Suites Spokane Downtown
📍 Address: 211 S Division St, Spokane, WA 99202
💲 Average Nightly Rate: \$105–\$130
What Makes It Great:
La Quinta locations can be hit-or-miss, but this one? It’s definitely a hit. Modern, clean, and recently renovated, this hotel feels like a much more expensive stay than its price suggests.
Rooms come with a mini-fridge, microwave, blackout curtains, and excellent Wi-Fi, which made it easy for me to get some work done between museum visits and walks along the Spokane River.
The free hot breakfast included sausage, eggs, fresh fruit, and good coffee—not always a guarantee with budget-friendly places.
Pros:
- Walkable to downtown and Gonzaga University
- Great parking situation—free, secure, and well-lit
- High-speed internet for remote work
- Dog-friendly!
Guest Reviews:
A reviewer on Priceline said it best: “It’s a business traveler’s dream. No fluff, just everything you need done really well.” That was definitely my experience too.
Best Booking Platform:
Use Priceline for “Express Deals”—I landed a 20% discount this way without even choosing the hotel by name at first.
Pro Tip:
Join Wyndham Rewards if you plan to stay multiple nights or at other La Quinta properties. You’ll rack up points fast.
5. Steam Plant Hotel
📍 Address: 123 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
💲 Average Nightly Rate: \$115–\$145
What Makes It Great:
This was my final stop, and it felt like the most unique. Steam Plant Hotel is part of the historic Steam Plant complex—a 1916 building that used to power all of Spokane. Now, it’s been transformed into a hotel and restaurant hub full of industrial-chic style and warm design.
Rooms feature exposed brick, modern furniture, and big beds. It’s quiet at night but right in the heart of the city—walking distance to Riverfront Park, Steam Plant Square, and the Spokane Arena.
What made the stay even better was having Steam Plant Kitchen + Brewery next door. I had their wood-fired pizza and a flight of house-brewed beer before walking back upstairs to my room. Cozy, local, and totally memorable.
Pros:
- Unique atmosphere (not your average budget hotel!)
- Free parking and gym access
- Excellent on-site dining
- Walkable to all downtown attractions
Guest Reviews:
Reviewers on Yelp and Kayak consistently mention the cool vibe and convenient location. One said: “It feels boutique, but it’s totally affordable.” I couldn’t have said it better.
Best Booking Platform:
I used Kayak for price comparison, then booked through Booking.com for a free cancellation option.
Pro Tip:
Check for midweek brewery discounts or beer tasting events—hotel guests sometimes get free drink vouchers.
🛏 Booking Tools That Actually Work
During my trip-planning madness, these platforms proved invaluable:
- Booking.com – Best for free cancellations and boutique finds
- Hotels.com – Great for loyalty rewards (10 nights = 1 free)
- Expedia – Best for flight + hotel bundles
- Priceline – Express Deals and flash discounts
- Trip.com – Sometimes lists unique discounts other platforms miss
- Kayak – Price comparison for all above platforms
- Airbnb – For alternative stays and longer visits
From a Comfy Bed in Spokane
The beauty of Spokane isn’t just in its river trails or historic bridges—it’s also in how easy it makes travel for those of us who crave quality without luxury-level spending. Every one of these hotels gave me something special: a great location, a quiet night, a hot breakfast, a warm welcome. That’s all I really need when I’m on the road.
And when you’re resting your head after a day filled with exploring falls, biking the Centennial Trail, sipping cider at Green Bluff, or catching live jazz at The Sapphire Lounge, you’ll want a hotel that feels like a part of the journey—not just a place to sleep.
These five hit the mark. I hope they help you rest easy in Spokane—just like they did for me.
