Holbrooke Hotel, Grass Valley Grass Valley, California

Sleep and Sanctuary

Each of the 28 newly-renovated pet-friendly rooms and suites at Holbrooke are distinct in character and charm. Choose from Queen, King, Balcony King and King Suites in the Holbrooke Hotel, or the cozy, family style rooms of the Purcell Carriage House. Holbrooke basically re-writes the book on modernizing  guest rooms while preserving historic elements.

Peer through your antique windows to the historic town or Holbrooke grounds and take in the space complete with vintage fixtures, reclaimed wood beams, local artisan-made amenities in your en suite bathroom, claw foot tub and just all-around elegance. 

Eat. Pray. Eat.

Your dining adventure at the Holbrooke is a trip back through time, when horses were hitched outside and inside the conversation was no doubt centered on gold, six shooters and barroom ribaldry. Times have certainly changed, but today The Golden Gate Saloon is still one of the oldest operating watering holes west of the Mississippi River, boasting both bar and restaurant.

At The Bar, you’ll find classic and seasonal cocktails, regional and international wines and a selection of beers from near and far, with live music nights and plenty of local character. Mosey on over to The Restaurant to find the perfect mix of food and drink. Now helmed by Chef Zachary Ahrenholtz, Golden Gate dining features a menu inspired by the early days of California, with an emphasis on smoked meats and Mexican-style accompaniments that are locally and seasonally-sourced.  Adding more adventure to the menu? Head downstairs to The Iron Door, reputed to have been both brothel and speakeasy in past lives, now a bespoke setting for hand-crafted custom libations. 

The Golden Gate Saloon Restaurant - Enjoy this seasonally updated menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. We recommend diving head first into the fried brussel sprouts with mole rojo aioli. The menu tends to lean on the meaty side, but a roasted winter squash salad and some hominy with coconut milk, crispy corn tortilla and oyster mushrooms should do you fine. 

The Art of De-stressing

Grass Valley is truly a haven for adventurers and explorers, we’re not sure if you sift out any gold these days, but the SouthYuba River still provides beautiful scenery for reflection, clear blue waters for swimming and challenging rapids for the experienced kayaker. The surrounding Sierra Foothills are also chock full of hiking and biking trails, just be sure to use your Bear Yuba Land Trust map to better help you find and enjoy the trails responsibly. Wind down with a peaceful picnic or meditation at Empire Mine State Historic Park, or other historic parks in the area. 

Forage the Nevada City Farmers Market, a community meeting place that supports sustainable growers and fosters education. For some retail therapy, step outside the Holbrooke Hotel onto charming Main Street or into the historic streets of downtown Nevada City for a bevy of locally-owned antique shops, boutiques and record stores.