- Location - in the middle of a Gold Rush town
- Nicely decorated with antiques and period decor
- Price is a little high compared to similarly-rated hotels in the area
- Few modern amenities (which you may consider a plus)
- 22768 Main Street
Columbia, CA
800-532-1479
Website - 10 rooms
- Breakfast vouchers given for the Jenny Lind Restaurant down the street
- Rooms have half baths, but shared showers are down the hall and there are no bathtubs
- Queen or double beds, no kings
- Pets are not allowed
- 100% non-smoking
We stayed in Room 1 on the front of the City Hotel, with a balcony overlooking the street. It was the perfect place to survey the action and imagine the way the town looked in its heyday. The room was clean and prettily decorated in mid-19th Century style.
One of the historic signs in front of the hotel boasts "Beds with Springs" - clearly a item worth bragging about in the 19th century - but we're glad the bedding has been upgraded to modern standards with nice sheets and comfy mattresses. Our antique bed sported a headboard as tall as the bed was long, but unfortunately it was plagued with the creaky noises an old piece of furniture often falls prey to.
True West magazine voted the hotel's What Cheer bar one of the best in the west in 2008. Its original, cherry-wood back bar, created in Boston was shipped around Cape Horn.
On the practical side, this is a historic property with no televisions or other modern amenities, and you'll have to trek down the hall to shower (robe and toiletries provided).
As is common in the travel industry, the writer received complimentary accommodation. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more info, see our ethics policy.
