National Exchange Hotel Review: Historic Luxury in Nevada City, California
The National Exchange Hotel has been welcoming travelers to Nevada City, California, since 1856, making it one of the Golden State’s oldest continuously operating hotels.
But don’t expect a dusty relic. A major restoration brought fresh life to the historic property while keeping the Victorian details, colorful interiors, and old-timey charm that make it memorable.
I checked in to see how this classic hotel holds up nearly 170 years later.
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🌟National Exchange Hotel🌟
🛏️ Number of rooms & suites: 38
💰 Price: If your travel schedule is flexible (outside of weekends/holidays), you could secure a deal here, with prices varying by room type. It’s best to check ahead, however, you can expect a range from around $150 to more than $350 per night
📚 Why book: Stepping into the National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City, California, feels like crossing a gilded portal into the 1850s, when gold dust glittered on miners’ boots and legends were minted in whiskey and sweat. I couldn’t get enough of the old photos and bold wallpaper blooming with vintage florals, each different from the next.
The creaking staircases are crooked from a century of footfalls, and each guest room feels historic while welcoming today’s travelers with large beds, luxury linens, and all the touches you want from a modern hotel room, such as strong WiFi, minibars, and bathrobes to lounge around in, and a decent-sized shower.
The 2nd Floor Grand Lounge is impressive, featuring a massive gold (of course) sofa perfect for quiet drinks with friends or a private party.
🧀 Dining: . Lola, the hotel’s restaurant, serves seasonal dishes that blend rustic California fare with an elegant touch.
This was my favorite meal in the area, and the menu is filled with grilled meats (I had the pork tenderloin, which was melt-in-your-mouth good), starters like French onion soup, and side dishes including Brussels sprouts, which were delicious.
The servings are generous, and my husband and I could easily have split a meal. Although you can eat in Lola’s main dining room, I liked the bar. They have some cozy booths and window tables that feel a little moodier and more romantic.
And speaking of bars, this hotel’s is called The National, or the Nash. I loved the brass fixtures gleaming beneath warm light, and craft cocktails poured with precision and expertise. I was lucky enough to be there on a Monday night, too, with live music and a fun crowd of locals and guests.
🗺️ Neighborhood: In the heart of downtown Nevada City, one of California’s best-preserved Gold Rush towns, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wander Broad Street with its retro shops, the Mine Shaft Saloon, and other hip cafes and restaurants. Before I left Nevada City, I had breakfast and coffee at Heartwood, a block away, which was fantastic.
👀 Nearby attractions: The Nevada Theatre, California’s oldest continuously operating theatre, built 1865, Empire Mine Historic Park, South Yuba River State Park, especially in Spring when the wildflowers bloom, Nevada City Winery and Lucchessi Mill Street Tasting Room for a taste of Gold Country wines.
You could also take this self-guided ghost tour around town ($10) and get to know local lore. Nevada City is about a 2.5-hour drive from San Francisco, so you could make it a long day trip.
About a 15-minute drive from Nevada City, Empire Mine State Historic Park preserves one of California’s oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines. Explore historic mine buildings and the old shaft entrance, then tour Bourn Cottage, the mine owner’s English-manor-style home, surrounded by formal gardens, fountains, and a reflecting pool.
💫 Highlights: Superb bar and restaurant, parking for guests, location in the heart of historic Nevada City, and walking distance to shops, restaurants, theaters and driving distance to historic sites.
❤️ My heartthrobs: Monday night music in the bar with a fantastic local band; the 2nd floor lounge and balcony.
💔 My heartbreaks: With no elevator in the building, staying overnight could be difficult for travelers with mobility challenges, and there are a lot of crooked stairs.
However, the bar and restaurant are on the ground floor, so you can still enjoy those even if you decide not to stay overnight.
Book your historic stay today!
