A multimillion-dollar renovation of the DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center is underway, with a July finish date in sight as the downtown hotel undergoes a top-to-bottom overhaul aimed at modernizing guest rooms, public spaces, and amenities.

The project, which began in September last year, is part of broader property improvement plans tied to the $35 million acquisition of the hotel in December 2024 by Spokane Hotel LLC, an affiliate of San Francisco-based investment and development firm JMA Ventures LLC. The work is also required under Hilton brand standards, says Matt Jensen, director of sales and marketing for the hotel.

Jensen declines to disclose the exact cost of the renovation, noting that costs have risen above earlier estimates. 

“We’re excited for what the future holds here,” Jensen says. “It’s pretty bright with this renovation. It’s going to add a lot to downtown and certainly make us more sellable as a destination.”

In a prepared statement, August Richardson, the hotel’s general manager, describes the renovation as a “transformational” investment into the property and for downtown Spokane.

“When complete, the hotel will reflect the vibrancy and forward momentum of Spokane itself,” Richardson says.

Renovations of the 14-story downtown property, located at 322 N. Spokane Falls Court, will impact hotel guests, convention attendees, downtown professionals, and visitors to Riverfront Park and the Centennial Trail corridor. The DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center is connected to the Spokane Convention Center via a skybridge and plays a key role in supporting conventions, Jensen says.

“We partner a lot with the Davenport Grand,” Jensen says. “Having an updated room and lobby, I think, will pair nicely with their product … and I think convention goers will have two really nice options now in Spokane.” 

The design theme for the renovation focuses on contemporary finishes with a natural aesthetic, Jensen explains. Inspired by Riverfront Park and the Spokane River, the hotel’s 375 guest rooms are being redone with a palette of blues, greens, and natural colors. In addition, all guest rooms will be updated with new beds, headboards, granite-marble countertops, cabinetry, and blackout curtains. About 80 guest rooms have had bathtubs replaced with walk-in showers.

“The whole idea behind the design is to play into our natural surroundings,” Jensen says. “They were really thoughtful in how they played with the color palette here to tie in with what’s surrounding us.”

The lobby is also being transformed with the same natural aesthetic, plus will have more seating, and updated amenities. Currently, the lobby has scattered seating throughout, Jensen explains. Renovations are designed to make the space more inviting for travelers and visitors to gather and will include comfortable sofas, charging stations for laptops and other electronics, new furniture, lighting, a carpet resembling the flow of a river, and an updated front desk with river-inspired artwork, he says.

A 24-hour grab-and-go marketplace will replace the hotel’s business center and will include snacks, drinks, and other items travelers might need.

“It was just a space we didn’t end up using much,” says Jensen of the business center. “It’s the sign of the times. Everybody does everything on their phones now.”

The fitness center, located on the third floor, will receive all new equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and up to three Peloton bikes, Jensen says.

The hotel’s restaurant, Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops, will also be refreshed, Jensen says. The menu will remain largely unchanged; however, the floor layout will be reconfigured, removing some of the eatery’s booths and replacing them with tables and chairs that can be easily rearranged. The space will also have new wall coverings, lighting, and decor. Spencer’s will accommodate about 20 guests in its private dining room and has about 30 bar seats.

“We have a huge local following,” Jensen says of the restaurant. “We have a lot of locals that love coming in for happy hour and a great steak. With our location right next to the performing arts center, anytime there’s a show — like when The Lion King was here for three weeks — we were just nonstop busy at Spencer’s.”

The project also includes 22,000 square feet of meeting and conference room space across 16 rooms that will be fully modernized. While the majority of the hotel’s renovations will be completed by July, a second phase of renovations is expected later in the year to update the conference and meeting spaces, he says.

The design, procurement, and construction work is being completed by hospitality design and procurement company Innspace Projects LLC, of Kalispell, Montana. Boise-based Resolute Road Hospitality, which manages the property, is overseeing operations throughout the renovation.

The property investment reinforces the belief in Spokane and the hotel as a regional hub for meetings, tourism, and commerce, says JMA Ventures partner Jan Smidek, in a prepared statement.

“By reinvesting at this scale, we are positioning the hotel to better serve guests, group customers, and the downtown community for years to come,” Smidek says. “Upon completion in July 2026, the fully renovated DoubleTree by Hilton Spokane City Center is expected to further strengthen downtown Spokane’s appeal as a regional meetings, events, and leisure destination.”