Nevada City

The National Exchange Hotel

Opened in August 1856 in three brick buildings after seven fires swept Nevada City; OHP calls its exterior virtually unchanged. 38 rooms.

The National Exchange Hotel
Tadd and Debbie Ottman / CC BY 2.0
Built
1856Opened August 1856 in three brick buildings (the Bicknell Block, built 1854-57); NRHP significant years 1856 and 1890.
Style
Gold Rush brick with Classical Revival ornament
Type
Inn
Rooms
38
Credentials
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places; Local landmark

The story

After seven major fires swept Nevada City between 1851 and 1856, the hotel opened in August 1856 in three common-walled brick buildings, advertised as ‘handsomely fitted up to accommodate permanent and transient boarders.’ OHP calls its exterior virtually unchanged since construction and the hotel one of the oldest continuously operating west of the Rockies. The U.S. Post Office was housed here until 1942. Local architects, designers and craftspeople spent three years restoring it before it reopened as a boutique hotel.

Good to know

  • Parking: street
  • Address: 211 Broad St, Nevada City, CA 95959
Sources (2)

Last verified October 2026. Details change; confirm with the inn before you book.