Spokane’s Hotel Ruby provides an inexpensive alternative to the Davenport Hotel, Spokane’s premier hotel property. My stay recently coincided with a convention held at the Davenport. Fortunately for me, when I tried to book a room at the Davenport they were full, which forced me to find other, accommodations. Luckily, with the help of some savvy locales, they suggested Hotel Ruby, a remodeled motor inn.

Upon entering the colorful little lobby an employee with a wide smile quickly checked me into my room. Minutes later the electric key opened the lock to reveal a small, but well-appointed room with all of the comforts a tired traveler could need. The room featured 50s style art on the walls, a flat screen TV, small refrigerator, fully tiled bathroom, small closet, spacious queen bed and laptop sized desk and chair. At just $74 dollars this artsy hotel provided a perfect, comfortable and clean room within a five minute walk to the Davenport. Additionally, they offered free high speed Wi-Fi for those of us that can’t travel without “connecting” to the rest of the world via the Internet.

Visitors to the Hotel Ruby can also use complimentary ruby beach cruiser style bikes. By day hotel guests can bike downtown Spokane in style. During night hours guests can use their 2 for 1 drink voucher they received at check in at the hotel’s on site Sapphire Lounge. The hotel also owns the historic Bing Crosby Theater. The cross promotion between the hotel and theater is obvious, from the art on the hotel’s outside walls to the art and feel of the rooms decor.

My Travel Tastes rates this hotel a solid 9 out of 10 for value, cleanliness, friendly staff and amenities. The one point deduction comes from the small room size, which most travelers will overcome because of price and the hotel’s prime locale.