Nevada City, CaliforniaDowntown Nevada City
The National Exchange Hotel nevada city ca
Cinematic Victorian inn
Downtown Nevada City Nevada City, California
Renovated
2021
Price
$$
Rated for
Heritage Design ClassicOutside the door
Cinematic Victorian inn
This 1856 Gold Rush inn channels theatrical period drama, where guests drift between moody Victorian parlors and an energetic tavern.
“Each of the 38 guest rooms features one-of-a-kind antiques and original art.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Operating since 1856, this Gold Rush landmark hosted Mark Twain and Lola Montez.
Notable
Thirteen wallpaper patterns and Sierra foothill botanicals accent restored Victorian antiques.
Listed
Continuous lodging along Broad Street stretches back to California Gold Rush arrivals.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
it’s been thoroughly renovated, but it’s remained true to its historical inspiration; safe to say life here has never been quite so easy.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Historic brick storefronts line Broad Street outside, and swimming spots along the Yuba River are a short drive away.
The rooms
Each room has Victorian antiques and botanical wallpaper. Front-facing rooms open onto wrought-iron verandas overlooking Broad Street.
The National Bar
Craft cocktails are poured over a bar fashioned from vintage radiators, set against scalloped wallpaper and dark wainscoting.
in 1856, the National Exchange Hotel opened—it has been a central gathering spot in Nevada City ever since.
At the table
Lola serves European-accented California cooking among teal tufted banquettes, or across candlelit tables along the open-air balcony.
How it began
The 1856 building was raised with 18-inch-thick brick walls to withstand fires, and once housed the town's first telegraph office.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.