Commemorating 97 Wonderful Years
Celebrating History and Hospitality at Mayflower Park Hotel
History has always set Mayflower Park Hotel apart. We’re thrilled to announce that our beloved hotel is celebrating its 97th anniversary this month. Dust off those party hats and raise a glass to nearly a century of history, elegance, and unforgettable experiences in downtown Seattle!
A Roaring Start
It all began in the dazzling era of the Roaring Twenties, an age defined by flappers, jazz, and the Art Deco movement. The hotel opened its doors as the Bergonian on July 16, 1927, and has been in continuous operation ever since. The name “Bergonian” came from the owner Stephen Berg and his love of the newspaper “The Oregonian” out of Portland, Oregon.
Opening festivities included a concert orchestra as well as a swaying throng of dancers who glided over the checked mosaic ballroom floor until midnight. The lobby was decorated with deeply napped Oriental carpets, palm trees, mirrors, brass, iron fixtures, and a fountain filled with goldfish in the center. The hotel had a barber shop and a beauty parlor. A Cigar Shop, with handsome walnut cabinets, was located opposite the elevators.
The Carousel Room
The late 1940s saw the opening of the Carousel Room, Seattle’s first hotel bar. This carnival-themed bar featured clowns on the walls and carousel horses hanging from the ceiling. Guests could let loose and enjoy a drink or two, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
A Tale of Transformation
By the 1970s, the Mayflower, having passed through many owners, had seen better days and desperately needed renovations. With an average room rate of $11.50 and only 25 percent occupancy, something had to change. Marie and Birney Dempcy, the hotel’s current owners, purchased the building in 1974 and renamed it the Mayflower Park Hotel. Marie Dempcy made history as Seattle’s first female hotel general manager and, together with her husband, transformed the hotel into the gem it is today.
Oliver’s Lounge
In 1976, shortly after Washington repealed a long-standing rule prohibiting hard alcohol from being served in view of the public, Oliver’s Lounge opened as Seattle’s first “daylight” bar. Before this, bars and pubs were typically dark and dingy, with little natural light regardless of the time of day. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, Oliver’s allowed customers to enjoy an evening cocktail while looking out on the street. What had been the site of a Bartell Drug Store during prohibition became a popular cocktail lounge. Today, Oliver’s Lounge is known for its expertly crafted cocktails and classic atmosphere, continuing the tradition of hospitality and enjoyment.
Fighting for a Future
In the early 1980s, the city wanted to take over the hotel for the development of Westlake Center. The Mayflower Park Hotel and other property owners took the city to the state Supreme Court—and won! This victory ensured the hotel’s preservation and gave it a direct passage from its upstairs lobby to the newly redesigned Westlake Center.
Preserving the Past
Our renovations over the years have included the addition of the 4th Avenue entrance and many other improvements that have helped the Mayflower Park Hotel maintain its status as one of Seattle’s most revered hotels. Today, you can still appreciate details like the original terra-cotta exterior, the five-tier crystal chandelier salvaged from the Grand Ballroom at the Olympic Hotel, and our 250-year-old grandfather clock.
A Haven in the Heart of Seattle
While many of Seattle’s pre-Depression hotels have vanished—replaced by modern buildings and skyscrapers—Mayflower Park Hotel is a testament to the city’s rich history. Our charming rooms, timeless decor, and welcoming staff will help you feel at home while enjoying your visit to Seattle.
Join Us in Celebrating
We invite you to join us this month as we celebrate 97 years of history, elegance, and exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re a longtime guest or visiting for the first time, we promise a stay filled with charm, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia.
Here's to many more years of making memories at the Mayflower Park Hotel!
Cheers!
97th Anniversary Sale
We’re celebrating 97 years in Seattle, and inviting you to celebrate with us! Save 15% off our Flexible Rate when you stay at least 2 nights now through the end of September, OR save 20% for any stay October 2024 through January 2025! Plus receive $30 valet parking (regularly $50).
Promotion includes:
- 15% off our Flexible rate for stays through September, 2024 (2-night minimum required)
- 20% off our Flexible rate for any stay October 2024 through January 2025
- $30 Valet parking (normally $50 per night) – subject to change
*Sale ends August 30. Some blackout date apply. Standard 24-hour cancellation policy.
We are grateful to our owners, Marie and Birney Dempcy, for their steadfast dedication as caretakers of the Mayflower Park Hotel; to our wonderful staff who exemplify genuine and authentic hospitality; and to our loyal guests who have returned to us time and time again. Together, our story is “Quite Simply, One of a Kind.” ™
Fascinating Facts About Mayflower Park Hotel
Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
