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National Exchange Hotel Review: Historic Stay in Downtown Nevada City
- Elijah
- 8 minutes ago
- 8 min read
The National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City, California, is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels west of the Rockies and remains the most atmospheric place to stay in Gold Country. Fully restored in recent years, the property blends Victorian-era architecture with modern touches, offering a boutique stay right in the center of downtown.
We booked a stay here during the Nevada City Victorian Christmas Market, which made the experience even more immersive. The hotel’s ornate woodwork, patterned wallpaper, and period furniture feel true to its 19th-century roots, though, like many historic boutique hotels, some of that charm also comes with small quirks you’ll want to know before booking.
Staying in the Heart of Nevada City
The National Exchange Hotel sits right in the center of downtown Nevada City, making it one of the most convenient places to stay if you’re visiting for the Victorian Christmas Market or exploring the area’s Gold Rush history. The property anchors a corner of Broad and Pine Streets, surrounded by boutique shops, galleries, and cafés that come alive during the holidays. From the hotel, you can walk to most of the town’s top attractions, including the Nevada Theatre, Firehouse No. 1 Museum, and the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, all within five minutes. It’s also an easy drive to several outdoor destinations like the Empire Mine State Historic Park and South Yuba River State Park, both about 15–20 minutes away.
For travelers looking to experience small-town charm without giving up comfort or walkability, the National Exchange’s location is one of its biggest advantages.
Cost and Room Types
Room rates at the National Exchange Hotel vary by season and room category, but most standard rooms typically range from $230–$350 per night, with larger suites priced higher. Rates fluctuate during major events like the Victorian Christmas Market, when availability becomes limited and prices can rise toward the higher end of that range.
Guests can choose from several room styles, from cozy queen rooms to elegant corner suites, all decorated with Victorian furnishings and modern touches such as updated bathrooms and luxury bedding. The hotel’s design maintains the original 19th-century aesthetic, with high ceilings, ornate lighting, and curated antiques that reflect the building’s history without feeling outdated. A $25 nightly amenity fee is occasionally listed during booking and covers Wi-Fi and parking, though these inclusions may vary depending on the rate and season.
How to Get There
Nevada City is tucked into the Sierra Nevada foothills, about an hour northeast of Sacramento and a little under three hours from the Bay Area. The hotel is easiest to reach by car, and driving gives you the most flexibility for exploring surrounding small towns and state parks.
Driving Distances
Sacramento: ~60 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Reno, NV: ~85 miles (1.5 hours)
San Francisco: ~150 miles (2 hours 45 minutes)
Oakland: ~140 miles (2.5 hours)
San Jose: ~165 miles (3 hours)
Closest Airports
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – The most convenient option for most travelers, with major domestic routes and rental car access.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – A solid alternative for East Coast visitors or those coming from Northern Nevada.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Best for international flights but requires a longer drive or multi-leg train and bus connection.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) – Slightly closer than SFO with fewer crowds.
San Jose International Airport (SJC) – Suitable for Central California or Silicon Valley travelers.
Transportation Options
If you’re not driving, limited public transit options exist:
From Sacramento International Airport, take the Yolobus Route 42A to the Sacramento Valley Station, then the Amtrak Thruway Bus to Colfax, followed by a 25-minute taxi or Uber to Nevada City. The total trip takes about 3 hours and costs roughly $50 per person.
From Reno, you can take RTC Bus 19 to the Meadowood Mall Transfer Station, then the Greyhound or Amtrak Thruway Bus to Colfax, followed by a taxi or Uber. Total time is around 3.5 hours and costs $60 per person.
Our Opinion: Driving remains the most practical and affordable choice for most visitors.
Check-In, Check-out and First Impressions
Check-in at the National Exchange Hotel begins at 4:00 PM, though we arrived later in the evening after the drive to Nevada City. The front desk staff was friendly and professional, and the historic lobby immediately set the tone, ornate wood trim, velvet furniture, and gold accents that reflect the property’s long history as a Gold Rush–era landmark. The process itself was smooth, but we did run into a small issue when our room keys didn’t work. After a quick trip back to the front desk, the staff reissued working keys and apologized for the inconvenience. It wasn’t a major setback, but it did reinforce that the hotel operates more like a small boutique property, personable service, but occasionally slower than a chain hotel.
Check-out is at 11:00 AM, and while receipts are available at the desk, there’s no digital checkout option for first-time guests. When we left, the lobby was quite busy with everyone checking out at the same time, and only one staff member was available. It took a little longer than expected, but the staff handled each guest courteously. Overall, the arrival and departure process matched the feel of the property itself, charming and welcoming, with the small quirks you’d expect from a restored historic hotel.
The Room Experience
Our stay at the National Exchange Hotel offered exactly what you’d expect from a beautifully restored Victorian property, character, comfort, and a few quirks that come with the age of the building. When we first checked in, our room had a maintenance issue with the toilet, but the staff handled it quickly and professionally. They immediately arranged a room change, which was done with genuine courtesy and efficiency. With a building this old, small issues like that can happen, but the team’s quick response left a positive impression.
The new room was comfortable, cozy, and true to the hotel’s vintage aesthetic. The décor featured ornate wallpaper, tall ceilings, and antique-style furnishings that gave the space personality without feeling outdated (Yes chat wrote this past sentence, I could not think how to describe it LOL).
The bed was soft and inviting, and while the bathroom was small, it was nicely modernized with clean tile, quality fixtures, and strong water pressure. Even though the heater worked well, the room could get a bit chilly at night, especially during winter months when temperatures in Nevada City drop quickly after sunset. Closing the windows and bathroom door helped retain warmth, so that’s something to keep in mind if you visit during colder weather.
One detail that stood out is that there’s no television or in-room entertainment system, which aligns with the hotel’s focus on maintaining its period authenticity. However, the Wi-Fi was strong enough to stream or watch shows comfortably from a phone or tablet, so you can still unwind with your own entertainment if you’d like.
Overall, the room felt like a step back in time, quiet, well-kept, and full of charm, yet supported by enough modern comforts to make the stay relaxing. It’s not the place for guests seeking full-service luxury or high-tech amenities, but it’s ideal for those who appreciate historic character and boutique hospitality.
Amenities and Dining
The National Exchange Hotel focuses on atmosphere and charm rather than a long list of modern amenities. You won’t find a gym or spa here, instead, the appeal lies in the restaurants, lounges, and historic design that make the stay feel timeless. Each space fits the hotel’s restored Victorian aesthetic and helps create a slower, more personal experience than a traditional chain hotel.
Lola Dining
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Lola, serves American Western cuisine with a touch of European influence. Even if you don’t plan to dine here, the interior alone is worth seeing, dark woods, elegant place settings, and warm lighting that perfectly complement the hotel’s vintage style.
Hours:
Brunch: Friday through Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday until 10:00 PM
Average prices:
Brunch plates: ~$15–$16
Small plates: ~$13.50
Entrées: ~$35–$40
While we didn’t eat at Lola during our stay, it’s regarded as one of the best spots in Nevada City for a special-occasion meal or weekend brunch, particularly for guests staying at the hotel during the holiday season.
The National Bar
Downstairs by the lobby, the National Bar serves classic cocktails in a richly decorated space that feels like stepping back in time. The bar is open daily, with hours that extend slightly later on weekends. Cocktails are around $13, and the warm, candlelit setting makes it ideal for pre-dinner drinks or a quiet nightcap after exploring town.
The Grand Lounge
Upstairs, the Grand Lounge is one of the property’s highlights. It features velvet chairs, vintage lighting, and large windows that open to a balcony overlooking Broad Street, the perfect view of downtown Nevada City. We especially liked that the lounge itself stayed open all night, offering guests a cozy spot to relax after the Christmas Market. However, the bar inside the lounge wasn’t always open or clearly scheduled, which led to some confusion among guests (ourselves included). When staffed, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a quiet drink in an intimate setting.
High Tea Experience
The High Tea Experience is one of the hotel’s most unique features and a great concept for adding a festive touch during the holidays. It’s held in the Grand Lounge and priced at $75 per person, featuring four tea selections, a mix of sweet and savory bites, and live harp music for ambiance.
While the idea is excellent and fits perfectly with the Victorian Christmas atmosphere, the execution didn’t match the price point. Guests are seated at shared tables rather than privately, and there were several inconsistencies in service, including missed dietary requests and uneven presentation between tables. The setting and music created a wonderful holiday vibe, but for the experience to feel worth the cost, the hotel would need to either raise the quality of the food and service or slightly reduce the price. Still, it’s a charming addition for guests who
value the atmosphere as much as the meal itself.
Final Verdict: Is the National Exchange Hotel Worth It?
The National Exchange Hotel captures exactly what makes Nevada City such a memorable destination, rich history, beautiful restoration, and unbeatable proximity to everything downtown. Its location couldn’t be more convenient, especially if you’re visiting for the Nevada City Victorian Christmas Market, where parking and crowds can make staying elsewhere much less practical.
During the holidays, the National Exchange feels like part of the celebration itself. The Victorian décor, seasonal decorations, and walkable setting create an atmosphere that perfectly complements the town’s old-fashioned Christmas charm. Being able to step right outside into the market lights at night and return to a cozy, historic room afterward is what makes this property stand out.
Outside of December, however, the value depends more on what you’re looking for. The hotel leans toward boutique pricing, and those rates may feel steep if you’re simply passing through or exploring the area without attending a major event. Still, for travelers who appreciate history, design, and a quiet, character-filled stay, the National Exchange delivers a unique and worthwhile experience.
Related Post
If you’re planning to visit Nevada City during the holidays, don’t miss our full guide to the Nevada City Victorian Christmas Market, including dates, shuttle information, food options, and what to expect from this festive small-town event. Staying at the National Exchange Hotel makes it easy to walk right into the market and experience it at your own pace.
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