Just two hours from San Francisco sits one of the oldest hotels in California. Nestled in the Nevada City, it has over a century of history filling its halls, beginning with the California Gold Rush.
The National Exchange Hotel is one of the oldest hotels west of the Rockies. Nevada City was initially a small settlement that sprung from the discovery of gold in Deer Creek in 1849. The budding town grew; by 1851, it was the largest mining town in California. Eventually, as the town drew in more people, sturdier, less-fire-prone buildings became a necessity. One of the first few brick structures built was turned into what we now know as the National Exchange Hotel, opening its doors in 1856 under the name Bricknell Block.
The hotel was seen as a welcome addition to the town, providing upscale accommodations for the developing city. The hotel has been a central part of the city for decades, hosting the city’s first telegraph office and even the post office.
The National Exchange Hotel today
After over 150 years, the hotel was in need of some major renovations and was even at risk of condemnation. Thankfully, in 2018, the hotel was able to enter a second life after undergoing numerous renovations. While to hotel underwent extensive renovations, the architects and designers restored and preserved much of the historic features that make the hotel special. The exterior of the hotel is almost unchanged from when it first opened over 150 years ago.
Today, you can stay in one of the hotel’s 38 rooms, decorated with a nod to Victorian style. An upscale restaurant called Lola and a chic bar are available to guests and visitors alike. Lola’s menu features sharable bites and hardy mains like fried chicken, Ribeye, shrimp, and grits. The hotel lives up to its lively past, holding various events such as Drag Brunch, special dinners, Drag Queen Bingo, and plenty of local musicians.
The National Exchange Hotel is located at 211 Broad Street, Nevada City, California. The city is in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, making it a popular destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts.