Historic Seattle Hotel

A cozy seating area in a historic Seattle hotel featuring a central fireplace, plush armchairs, a grand piano, and warm ambient lighting.

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Welcoming Guests Since 1927

Step into the rich history of the Mayflower Park Hotel, a cherished Seattle landmark since its debut as the Bergonian Hotel in 1927. For nearly a century, this historic Seattle hotel has preserved its timeless charm, welcoming generations of travelers and serving as the backdrop for countless personal milestones. With its storied past and distinctive character, the Mayflower Park Hotel continues to create lasting memories for guests who return time and again.

Defined by classic architecture, elegant interiors, and a dedication to warm hospitality, Mayflower Park Hotel offers an experience that is truly “Quite Simply, One of a Kind.” This historic Seattle hotel provides a refined sanctuary where timeless sophistication meets the vibrant energy of the city outside. Its enduring presence stands as a testament to hospitality and elegance that have withstood the test of time.

As Seattle has grown from a bustling port city to a global hub of innovation, Mayflower Park Hotel has remained a constant beacon of tradition and charm. More than just a place to stay, it invites you to experience the Emerald City’s evolving story from a hotel steeped in history. Here, every visit feels personal, and every moment adds to the legacy of this iconic Seattle treasure.

Building the Bergonian

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.

A Roaring Start

Opening festivities at this historic Seattle hotel included a concert orchestra and a swaying throng of dancers who glided across the checked mosaic ballroom floor until midnight. The lobby was decorated with deeply napped Oriental carpets, palm trees, mirrors, brass and iron fixtures, and a fountain in the center filled with goldfish. 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 marked a vibrant chapter for this historic Seattle hotel with the opening of the Carousel Room, the city’s first hotel bar. This carnival-themed bar, adorned with clowns on the walls and carousel horses hanging from the ceiling, offered guests a lively space to unwind. Guests of the hotel could let loose, enjoy a drink or two, and create memories that would last a lifetime.

A Tale of Transformation

By the 1970s, this hotel had fallen on hard times, with an average room rate of $11.50 and only 25 percent occupancy. In 1974, Marie and Birney Dempcy purchased the property, renaming it the Mayflower Park Hotel. Marie made history as Seattle’s first female hotel general manager, and together, they revitalized the historic Seattle hotel, transforming it into the cherished gem it is today.

Oliver’s Lounge

In 1976, the hotel made history once again with the opening of Oliver’s Lounge, Seattle’s first “daylight” bar. Shortly after Washington repealed a long-standing rule prohibiting the serving of hard alcohol in public view, Oliver’s debuted with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to enjoy an evening cocktail while gazing out onto the bustling street. Once the site of a Bartell Drug Store during prohibition, this space transformed into a popular cocktail lounge. Today, Oliver’s Lounge remains a cornerstone of our historic Seattle hotel, celebrated for its expertly crafted cocktails and timeless atmosphere, continuing a proud tradition of hospitality.

Fighting for a Future

In the early 1980s, the city wanted to take over the hotel to develop Westlake Center. Mayflower Park Hotel and other property owners took the city to the state Supreme Court—and won! This victory ensured the preservation of our historic hotel and provided a direct connection from its upstairs lobby to the newly redesigned Westlake Center.

Preserving the Past

Renovations over the years have helped Mayflower Park Hotel maintain its status as a revered historic Seattle hotel, including the addition of the 4th Avenue entrance and numerous enhancements. Guests can still admire timeless details like the original terra-cotta exterior, the five-tier crystal chandelier salvaged from the Grand Ballroom at the Olympic Hotel, and a 250-year-old grandfather clock, all of which reflect the enduring charm of the hotel.

A Haven in the Heart of Seattle

While many of Seattle’s pre-Depression hotels have vanished, replaced by modern buildings and skyscrapers, our historic Seattle Hotel remains a proud testament to the city’s rich history. Our charming rooms, timeless decor, and welcoming staff create a warm atmosphere that helps you feel at home during your visit to Seattle.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

The original lobby of the historic Bergonian Hotel, now the Mayflower Park Hotel, in downtown Seattle.

A vintage black-and-white photo of a baker with a multi-layered cake celebrating one of the hotel's many historic milestones.

A vintage black-and-white scene of people gathered around a table, sharing food and conversation, with playful, candid poses.

A black-and-white street scene with an elderly man sitting by a doorway, a bicycle, and shopfronts framed by a narrow alley.

A black-and-white photo shows three men at a table with papers; one in the middle points, another writes, and a third leans in, all smiling.

A crowded 1960s-style bar scene with black-and-white patrons, glassware, and a jukebox vibe—people chatting, standing, and smiling.

A weathered sign reads “OLIVIUS” on a wooden fence, with bare trees and a cloudy sky creating a moody, desolate scene.

A black-and-white office or classroom scene with people seated around desks, papers scattered, a wall clock, and framed art in the background.

A horse tied to a post beside a building, standing with a rope leash, stone walls in the background.

A large group of people sits in a long hall or church, facing forward, with many windows and arches along the sides.

The note appears to be a handwritten dedication or letter, with a short poem or verse and a signature at the bottom, cut in a decorative script line.

Our traditional Christmas tree on the hotel's mezzanine level with wrapped gifts, and festive garlands.

A black-and-white photo of a historic seattle hotel with a large display window and pedestrians passing by.

A crowd of people, many children, gathered outdoors as if for a ceremony or event, with a few adults watching in the background.

Santa enjoying the winter season in Seattle at a historic downtown hotel.

Two young girls in white dresses sit on a grand stairway lined with festive florals and a decorated railing, chatting beneath a tall, ornate Christmas tree.