Step into the storied past of the Mayflower Park Hotel, a Seattle landmark since 1927. Originally built as the Bergonian Hotel, our beloved property has stood the test of time, preserving its historic charm while welcoming generations of travelers. As the city around us has grown and evolved, Mayflower Park Hotel remains a testament to classic elegance and enduring hospitality.
Celebrating the History and Hospitality of a Seattle Icon
Since opening in 1927, Mayflower Park Hotel has stood as a cherished landmark in downtown Seattle. Over the years, the hotel has been a part of countless personal milestones, mostly joyful, occasionally bittersweet, but always meaningful to the guests who have passed through its doors. Many visitors have returned time and again, making the hotel a place of lasting memories and deep connections.
With its timeless architecture, elegant interiors, and warm hospitality, Mayflower Park Hotel continues to offer a unique experience in the heart of the city. Generations of travelers have found comfort, charm, and a front-row seat to Seattle’s evolving history, making the hotel “Quite Simply, One of a Kind.”
Throughout its history, Mayflower Park Hotel has witnessed the growth and transformation of Seattle itself. From the bustling streets of the early 20th century to the vibrant, modern city it is today, the hotel has remained a constant, offering guests a front-row seat to the city’s evolving character and charm. Its enduring presence in downtown Seattle reflects both the city’s rich past and the timeless appeal of a place where every stay feels personal and memorable.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
While many of Seattle’s pre-Depression hotels have vanished, replaced by modern buildings and skyscrapers, Mayflower Park 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 while you enjoy your visit to Seattle.
