The Historic River Lodge - Your Private Riverfront Suite
The only private riverfront getaway in Spokane! The River Lodge — Your Historic Retreat Just Minutes from Downtown
Step into a serene escape at The River Lodge, a private one-bedroom suite nestled on the banks of the Spokane River, just two miles west of downtown. Built in 1902 by Spokane Police Chief William McKernan who called it "The River Lodge", this historic home offers guests the rare combination of a peaceful country estate with every great Spokane adventure at your fingertips.
Your suite features a private entrance, patio, and hot tub—perfect for unwinding beneath the trees after a day of exploration. Inside, enjoy the elegance of a clawfoot bathtub and shower, along with a functionally simple kitchenette, a cozy living area, and a workspace with a river view that inspires creativity and calm.
Whether you're here to fly fish, kayak, or simply soak in the beauty of the Spokane River Gorge, this location offers unmatched access to the best of Spokane. Walk directly to your private beach or hop onto the Centennial Trail for scenic cycling, running, or a leisurely stroll along the breathtaking gorge to the famous dining and shopping in Kendall Yards.
Ideal for couples, solo travelers, or professionals seeking a peaceful retreat, The River Lodge invites you to relax, reconnect, and experience Spokane at its most tranquil and timeless.
The space offers a boutique hotel experience in a protected serene neighborhood with private access and all the comforts you need. The bedroom and sitting area are in the same room, next to the adjoining private bath and private mini kitchenette and workspace.
Outdoors, you can enjoy the hot tub, patio and fire pit, and 1/4 acre backyard on your way to the river's edge. Bring your fly rod, SUP, canoe, or raft and launch from there, or launch upstream from Peaceful Valley and exit on your private beach.
Whether you're up for adventure or peaceful restoration listening to the flowing waters, The River Lodge is made to be a respite for the soul.
About cleaning: We've always thought it was annoying when VRBO owners ask guests to do a bunch of chores when they're on vacation. We only ask for your respect for the property and your neighbors, but leave the chores to us!
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Non-aggressive, small-medium size dogs only please
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No bodily fluids or spills in the hot tub please! This requires full drain, clean, filter replacement, and refill. Will charge a $500 cleaning fee.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Spokane
Located on a river, this apartment is in West Central, a neighbourhood in Spokane. Mobius Children's Museum and Barrister Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Riverfront Park and Riverside State Park. Spokane Symphony and Riverfront Park Carousel are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and rock climbing.
Spokane Falls Community College - 3 min drive - 1.3 km
Riverside State Park - 5 min drive - 3.3 km
Riverfront Park - 8 min drive - 3.1 km
Spokane Arena - 9 min drive - 3.4 km
The Podium - 9 min drive - 3.4 km
Getting around
Spokane Intermodal Center - 13 min drive
Spokane International Airport (GEG) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
Jewel Of The North - 6 min drive
Maxwell House Restaurant - 4 min drive
White Dog Coffee - 5 min drive
Sando’s - 4 min drive
Hold Your Grounds Espresso - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Historic River Lodge - Your Private Riverfront Suite pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at The Historic River Lodge - Your Private Riverfront Suite?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Historic River Lodge - Your Private Riverfront Suite on 20 May, 2026 start from S$237, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Historic River Lodge - Your Private Riverfront Suite?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Historic River Lodge - Your Private Riverfront Suite?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Historic River Lodge - Your Private Riverfront Suite?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is The Historic River Lodge - Your Private Riverfront Suite located?
Located in West Central, this apartment building is within 3 miles (5 km) of SpokAnimal Dog Park at High Bridge, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Riverside State Park. Spokane Arena and Cheney Cowles Museum are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautifully detailed room right by the most beautiful sounding river. A great relaxing escape from city life. I definitely recommend the hot tub and the fire pit! So much fun. I love the journal
The property was clean and adequately equipped. The view of the river from the large window in the main room and at the desk area in the kitchen is outstanding. This is a very quiet, peaceful and relaxing place to stay.
carla h.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Mar, 2026
Thank you, Carla! It was a pleasure to host you. Happy trails on your journey! Thank you for choosing our place 😊
This was absolutely a wonderful place to stay! It's beautiful, peaceful and very relaxing! Rocky was an excellent host and everything was just perfect! I would highly recommend!
Savannah H.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Feb, 2026
Thank you Savannah! You were a pleasure to host and you're welcome back to the River Lodge anytime! ❤️
We had such a wonderful stay at the river lodge! We enjoyed the beautiful views, the river, and the cozy accommodations! The location was perfect; a short drive to so many great restaurants, parks and attractions.
It was a weird vacation, but the house was the best part. Only negative is there is it kitchen. Which dose not make since. Why would I book a Vrbo with no kitchen m? That’s why I rented a house nota hotel. But live and learn. The view was amazingly
Rocky was very welcoming and helpful in directing us where great dinner options would be. Everything was neat and clean, and quiet. We enjoyed our short shopping trip.
This property was actually even nicer in person. Adorable little place. Beautiful view from the bed and seating. Wonderful outdoor spaces. Hot tub was very nice. Thoughtful amenities. And lots of historical art and reading material!
Secret W.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Nov, 2025
Thank you, Secret! It was a pleasure hosting you and would love to have you back at The River Lodge anytime! Happy Trails! ❤️
The owner was a great communicator; the property was clean and nicely tucked away. Neighbors are right out the patio door, looking down into the unit, so it feels a little less private than it could. The check-in and check-out process was tremendous.
Benjamin P.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept, 2025
Hello, Benjamin thank you for your review, and great feedback. Yes, we are strategizing ways to increase privacy. Our neighbor is awesome but yep he decided to take down a lot of the foliage separating our properties (while you were staying with us no less!) so the patio area doesn't feel as private as it did. Will be building a privacy wall in the coming weeks.
Anyway, thanks again! So glad you enjoyed your stay with us! ❤️
This is the cutest riverside getaway! We stayed in August with our dogs and Rocky was a wonderful host! We even had to cut our trip short but Rocky was so understanding and made everything smooth for us. This would be a great home base for a couples floating trip or a solo fly fishing trip. The hot tub was nice and relaxing. It’s a little slice of nature with all of the amenities Spokane has to offer.
Allison S.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug, 2025
Thank you, Allison! It was a pleasure and honor to be a part of your birthday celebration! ☺️
Quiet, private, picturesque landscape. Even though the owner of the house lives above, we never saw or heard anyone during our stay. Lovely to soak while enjoying the beautiful river area. My only notes for the owner, is that the only way to heat food is a microwave (that is on the description and also noted by the owner when booking so not unprepared for that.) Perhaps an air fryer in the kitchenette or a small grill outside so meals could be made on site would be good additions. Otherwise the owners really thought to add all the comforts of home and everything you could need during your stay! And the most comfortable bed!! We did get frequent visits from a kitty who pawed at the doors several times through the night and early morning and since we are very allergic it didn’t like that we didn’t let it come in. And just a note for others considering, the steps down to the basement apartment might be difficult for people with mobility issues.
Hannah G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept, 2025
Hello Hannah, thank you so much for staying at The River Lodge and taking time to leave such thoughtful and helpful feedback!
I'm so sorry about Mittens the Cat! Our neighbor forgot to put him into his little outdoor bedroom while we were away (our usual plan when guests stay). Ugh! But thank you for your patience with him. That's a great idea to consider an air fryer or outdoor grill. Will be thinking about that! Thanks again! ❤️
Very unique and beautiful property but BE AWARE OF THE STAIRS - narrow, steep, long stairway down to the entrance. I also had an issue with the fireplace, but the host was very responsive and came to fix it immediately.
E. Dawn C.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Mar, 2026
Hi Dawn thank you for your feedback. We will include a photo of the stairs so people are more aware going forward. Very sorry that was a surprise for you and created an inconvenience for your stay. And, thank you for choosing our place.
About the host
Hosted by Rocky Hessler
I'm Rocky, owner of The River Lodge. I'm a dad and outdoor enthusiast living and working in Spokane. We're very excited to share this amazing property with you!
Why they chose this property
The River Lodge was the first home built on this quiet dead end street in 1902. It was originally a 15-acre estate built as a getaway from the city, and we have tried to recapture that rustic but elegant and peaceful intent.
What makes this property unique
Here you will have your own private access to a secluded stretch of the Spokane river where you can relax, swim, fish or float. While only 2 miles from downtown Spokane, you could see all kinds of wildlife from eagles, osprey, owls, turkeys, deer, foxes, or even the occasional moose!
It is a place full of soul and history, and simple pleasures. There is just nothing like falling asleep to the sound of a river. This place is truly unlike any other and we're very honored to share it with you!
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests