Seattle’s Historic Gem | Nearly 100 Years of Mayflower Park Hotel

A cozy hotel lobby with a central fireplace, comfortable armchairs, a piano on the right, potted plants, framed art, and warm ambient lighting.

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Welcoming Guests Since 1927

Celebrating Our History

Step into the storied past of the Mayflower Park Hotel, a Seattle staple since its grand opening as the Bergonian Hotel in 1927. For nearly a century, our cherished property has stood as a downtown landmark, preserving its historic charm while welcoming generations of travelers. The hotel's walls have served as the backdrop for countless personal milestones, creating a legacy of deep connections and lasting memories for guests who return time and again to experience our distinctive character.

Defined by timeless architecture, elegant interiors, and an unwavering commitment to warm hospitality, the Mayflower Park Hotel offers an experience that is “Quite Simply, One of a Kind.” Here, guests discover a refined sanctuary where classic sophistication provides a comforting counterpoint to the vibrant energy of the modern streets outside. Our enduring presence is a testament to classic elegance and hospitality that has truly stood the test of time.

As Seattle has transformed from a bustling early 20th-century port to a global center of innovation, our hotel has remained a constant beacon. We offer more than just a stay; we invite you to witness the Emerald City’s evolving story from a place of enduring character. Every visit feels personal, and in our halls, history is always in the making.

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 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 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 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 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.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

A vintage-style living room or studio with a long table, scattered chairs, antique décor, and a patterned carpet under string lights.

A vintage black-and-white photo of a person in a formal uniform standing beside a pie-topped, multi-layered cake on a table, labeled "Birthday."

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.

A cozy vintage living room with a large Christmas tree, wrapped gifts, and festive garlands.

A black-and-white street storefront with a large display window and pedestrians passing by. Short, 140 characters, ending with a period.

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

A man sits in a jail cell, leaning on a bench behind bars, with a small table visible and a windowed wall in the background.

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.