Symons Block Hotel

Symons Block Hotel has a great location, with everything I needed within walking distance. I liked the look of the place, and both the room and bathroom were very clean. You can choose a private bathroom or a cheaper room with a shared one, which was kept clean when I stayed. Just be sure to ask about the bathroom setup before booking. I’d definitely recommend it in Spokane.

The room was uncomfortably hot, and the air conditioning didn’t seem adequate, which is a real problem in Spokane during summer. I also hadn’t realized when booking through Expedia that the rooms might not have private bathrooms. It seemed there was just one shared bathroom for several rooms, though there could have been more. Staff didn’t make that clear. I wouldn’t recommend the hotel based on the experience. It was hard to find because the outside signage was poor. When I called for parking directions, the staff member sounded unsure and suggested street parking without confidence. Both elevators were out, so getting luggage up three flights of stairs was difficult. At the third floor, I found a locked door and had to ring an electronic bell for access. It all fell short of what I expected.

For $250 a night, I expected much better. The website gave a very misleading picture of the hotel. There was no lounge or bar like the site showed, no woman serving wine, and no working elevators. There wasn’t even a drinking glass in the room. The neighborhood wasn’t good either, with lots of homeless people and active drug use right in front of the hotel. The room itself was really nice, but the toilet had a loud pump or something. We couldn’t get into the building because the code they sent didn’t work. They had emailed a new one that day, but we were traveling and hadn’t seen it. Both elevators were broken, so we went up three flights of stairs. At the top, another locked door had no clear code, and we eventually figured out we could ring a bell to be buzzed in. Then the front desk guy told me that after I’d paid in full back in February, they’d miscalculated the taxes and I owed more money. What?!! Pictures of the elevators and lounge below.

I loved the quirky decor and fun layout, and our room was clean with a really comfortable bed. The bathrooms were kept very clean and were conveniently close to all the rooms. Check-in instructions were clear, and the staff were friendly. So many things are an easy walk away too.