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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Totally cool! Eat, drink and be merry at the Davenport Grand’s terrace igloos

The holidays are over, but the Davenport Grand Hotel is offering a new experience that celebrates winter without the use of ice skates, skis or sleds. Six igloos located on the hotel’s second-floor terrace opened on Jan. 15 and boast an evening of luxury, fun and celebration and views of downtown and Riverfront Park.

Social media was abuzz when the igloos were announced last week, and by the end of its second business day last Thursday, more than 400 reservations had been booked, according to Evan Tewel, manager of the Davenport Grand Restaurants. Reservations for Valentine’s Day are sold out.

“People are really enjoying it and have mentioned the pleasant service. Folks are having a great time,” Tewel said. “It’s really unique to Spokane the way we’re going about it. It’s designed to make each person feel special and revel in it and treat themselves and have a wonderful experience.”

Reservations are required and being taken through March. The igloos are available in three packages, all of them with complimentary parking. They are the grand igloo package, $250, up to six guests; grand igloo premier package, $300, up to six guests; and the grand igloo celebration package, $250, up to six guests.

The first two packages include snacks and appetizers, while the grand igloo celebration package is focused on desserts but still includes snacks. Snacks and appetizers include Castelvetrano olives, Marcona almonds, antipasto (meats, cheeses and pickled vegetables), house-smoked garlic hummus and pita.

The premier package adds king salmon belly cream, yellowfin ahi tuna and jumbo prawn cocktail (it’s worth it). A number of the menu items are gluten free, and the chef and kitchen will do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions.

The dessert package includes champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, truffles and the Davenport Hotels’ signature soft peanut brittle (traditional and chocolate) along with almonds and cheese. An important note: Each igloo package includes a $100 bar credit for cocktails, wine, beer and champagne.

Igloo rental is for 90 minutes, and the transparent plastic wall igloos include seating, tables, blankets, speakers and heaters. Inside the igloos, the translucent walls make for an Insta-worthy moment. Gratuity of 18% is included, but sales tax is not. Back-to-back bookings aren’t allowed, but multiple igloos can be reserved for large parties. Children are welcome, but pets, smoking and outside food and beverages are not.

My experience on night two was nothing short of fabulous. The charcuterie, snacks, appetizers and desserts are perfect for sharing while enjoying inventive and wonderful cocktails created by Tewel, a former executive chef. “They were really fun to make, and they’re meant to be fun,” Tewel said.

Our server and butler were friendly and attentive. Dress for the cold, but, like me, you’ll likely take off your jacket, gloves and scarf once you’re settled inside the cozy igloo. One customer last Thursday in an adjacent igloo wore a muscle T-shirt and basketball shorts.

The pricing might prompt sticker shock, but divide that total by six, and it becomes more reasonable. And remember that $100 bar credit for the group. The terrace igloos are truly a cool, fun and festive experience, and I would happily return to continue celebrating winter in Spokane with a cocktail in hand.