In the charming, historic gold mining town of Jackson, CA, in Amador County, at the end of Main Street, sits the National Hotel. What a beauty this building is – built in the 1850s it has had many lives and what stories those walls can tell! In the last few years, a new owner, with fantastic vision and the love of art and antique period pieces, took over the tired hotel and really did a beautiful, extensive renovation. Victorian era furnishings, chandeliers, vintage fixtures and so many awesome and interesting detail pieces all tell a story and anybody visiting The National will go home with appreciation and with much more than when they first arrived.

Upon entering this 34-room hotel, and through majestic beveled glass doors, a quaint sitting room parlor with impressive fireplace is just to the right. We were told that many intimate weddings or elopements have happened right there in front of the fireplace… so sweet. For larger receptions or dinners, there are options. When we visited, a sweet baby shower was being set up in the light and airy breakfast room off the main lobby, or go down the half-flight below street level and check out other spaces. Luke’s Room can be utilized for a small meeting room or an intimate dinner (seats 12), and you must check out the wine cellar created by a local master stonemason from locally excavated stone. And by the way, for your dinner reception, the National Hotel can offer selections from their vast wine collection, including fine wines from Italy, France and South America, as well as award-winning local wines of Amador county’s Shenandoah Valley and surrounding Sierra Foothill. For a “scandalous” cocktail party, check out Stan’s Room, but try not to blush or gaze too long at the fantastic nude paintings that line the walls! The largest main dining room will hold 60 and has handsome brick and stone details. The menu is varied, seasonal and they will custom create a dinner to impress your guests! But wait, there is another spot to consider for your party or gathering pleasure… the very well stocked National Hotel Bar, which is beautifully decorated with old world historic pieces and Victorian design – be sure to look up at the copper pressed tin ceiling.

The outdoor patio space is another area to hold a smaller dinner (fewer than 60), or perhaps hold your dance party outdoors. Stone walls surround the patio on three sides and give a deep sense of the history of the building. An elevated portion can be used for bands or the DJ.

The upstairs guest rooms are beautifully furnished and just begging for overnight stays (regardless of whether you’re hosting an event in the hotel!). But what we appreciated best about The National Hotel, is the fact, that everything is under one roof – fantastic food (we had a delicious lunch during our site visit), the party action can be held in different downstairs rooms, dinner in the main dining room, possibly dancing outside, and the best part is the ability to take the elevator up to your sleeping room and drift away in this unique Historic Luxury Hotel.

We always enjoy the company of our “vixen” photographer, Mischa Photography – thank you for the great photos! (the bedroom photos were provided by the hotel).

~ Vixen Lora