Holbrooke Hotel is a meticulously restored Victorian-era gem
Les Découvertes (the discoveries) features hotels that will surprise and delight you in unexpected ways. Maybe it’s because of their location or their unusual setting, or maybe it’s a charming property that we came across during our travels—either way, we can’t wait to tell you about our favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations. These reviews will often focus on lesser-known and more affordable options.
You Are Here
212 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945
One of the best ways to get an incredible luxury hotel experience in California at a lower pricepoint is to venture out of the big cities and into one of the tiny towns with historic pasts hidden nearby. Just outside of Sacramento, at the edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills, a former gold rush town called Grass Valley has one of my favorite hotels in the state. The Holbrooke Hotel has quite the story, but the current iteration was restored back in 2020. Paired with a nearby sister hotel, The National Exchange Hotel a few towns over in Nevada City, the two properties are ideal for history buffs. Both were built in the 1850s during the Gold Rush and were cutting edge hotels back when they debuted.
Picture Perfect
If you love brand new, contemporary hotels with sleek towers and high-tech light panels, this is not the hotel for you. It has electricity and running water, and plenty of restored antique furniture, but the building itself is quite old. There are no TVs on property, either. To me, these elements are perks, but just wanted to note that explicitly. This means lots of natural wood with beautiful patina on it, exposed brick and rock walls, classic molding and animals hides, furs, and even some taxidermy. The whole aesthetic is decidedly countrified and old-fashioned, complete with a saloon and tucked away cellar bar.
Golden Gate Saloon and lobby, courtesy of Holbrooke Hotel
Size Matters
Even the regular sized rooms here are quite large, but I recommend booking into a suite if possible. The large living space, separate bedroom, and roomy bathroom were all elements I enjoyed when I stayed in a suite in the main building. The fireplaces aren’t working, but still a nice interior design detail. I loved the hexagonal tile in the bathrooms and the clawfoot tubs with old-fashioned style fixtures that were nevertheless equipped with full rainfall shower heads. If you’re staying with a group or just want a smaller building, the carriage house is an 11-room building next to the hotel. Dubbed the Purcell House, it’s a slightly different take on the hotel experience, though rooms share a lot of similar design elements. (If you can, I’d probably recommend the main building based on some other reviews I read.)
Wants & Needs
Like a lot of hotels in smaller, quieter towns, this room operates on the Honor Bar policy, with in-room beverages guests can consume or skip as they like. Bathroom amenities were by Lather when I went, which is a middle-of-the-road option that’s all-natural and free of synthetic fragrances. If you’re picky, bring your own.
Water Me
There’s no gym or pool at this property, but there is lovely hiking trails nearby. Ask the staff for recommendations.
Libations etc.
One of the things that pleasantly surprised me the most during my stay was the quality of the food and beverage here. It’s what really sets this property apart. There’s two venues on-site, the ground floor bar and restaurant, Golden Gate Saloon, so named after the original saloon that predated even the hotel. Then, down in the cellar, the Iron Door is drinks only. More of a speakeasy vibe, the space was allegedly once a real speakeasy during Prohibition and also formerly a brothel, so there’s plenty of lingering ghosts.
