Holbrooke Hotel, The oldest hotel in continuous operation
The Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley is a lodging built in 1862 from stone and brick that has operated continuously for over 160 years. The building contains 28 guest rooms with original details such as copper walls, marble sinks, and globe chandeliers.
The original building opened in 1852 as the Golden Gate Saloon but burned in 1855 and was rebuilt with stronger stone walls. After another fire in 1862, the current hotel was constructed with reinforced design and renamed by new owners Ellen and Daniel Holbrooke in 1879.
The hotel served as a gathering place for both travelers and locals throughout its history. Its rooms and bar reflect the era of the Gold Rush through furnishings and the stories of notable guests who passed through.
The hotel is located in downtown Grass Valley and is easily accessible on foot. Following a comprehensive restoration in 2020, it offers modern updated guest rooms while preserving historic features throughout the building.
A secret tunnel runs beneath the building and once connected the basement bar to the local gold exchange. Miners coming down from the hills could deposit their gold discreetly through this underground passage without using the front entrance.
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