Holbrooke - Grass Valley

Unfortunately, I believe our recent stay at The Holbrooke this past Saturday night will be our last. We unknowingly booked our rooms during the same time as a w... read more Unfortunately, I believe our recent stay at The Holbrooke this past Saturday night will be our last. We unknowingly booked our rooms during the same time as a wedding. While the wedding was beautiful and we wish the couple much happiness, it would have been helpful to be informed about this large event before booking. The warning should have included: be prepared for a sleepless night; expect your room’s walls, floor, and even the toilet seat to vibrate due to loud music, yelling, and singing from the floor below; know that not all hotel amenities will be available; and be aware that wedding guests will eventually overflow into the second-floor hallways to continue their party, with little consideration from either them or the hotel staff. The Holbrooke will apologize the following morning, acknowledging the issue and saying they are working on it, noting that they are a 150-year-old establishment with only 28 rooms. Their website mentions there are no TVs in the rooms to avoid disturbing guests with noise, but after experiencing the evening, you may find yourself asking, “Did I really just pay $300 for this room plus hundreds more dining here?” If The Holbrooke had given a clear warning about the large event, we might have chosen another weekend, or perhaps they could have offered a discounted rate for what turned out to be a sleepless night. That would have been a very different experience, and we would have gladly returned for another stay.

Wow, what an incredible hotel, bar, and breakfast experience. Truly some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted, an excellent selection of beers, and flawless f... read more Wow, what an incredible hotel, bar, and breakfast experience. Truly some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted, an excellent selection of beers, and flawless food. I visited during a concert held in the dining hall, and the rooms have a luxurious feel to them.

The beautifully designed bathrooms, complete with period-accurate clawfoot tubs, are truly impressive. However, I would suggest opting for a room with a modern... read more The beautifully designed bathrooms, complete with period-accurate clawfoot tubs, are truly impressive. However, I would suggest opting for a room with a modern shower, as those have better and more reliable water pressure. It’s worth noting that the temperature is controlled for each floor rather than for individual rooms; we found it to be comfortable, though some guests may find it a bit chilly at night. The bar and restaurant offer a fantastic atmosphere. Overall, the food was exceptional, but I would highly recommend steering clear of the steel-cut oatmeal for breakfast. The "pickled blueberries" had an unappetizing flavor reminiscent of nail polish remover, a taste I would prefer to forget. Instead, I recommend trying the huevos rancheros with brisket or the breakfast potatoes; both options were delicious.

We spent a week at the Holbrooke and had an amazing and relaxing experience. The hotel staff were warm and accommodating, always going the extra mile to help us... read more We spent a week at the Holbrooke and had an amazing and relaxing experience. The hotel staff were warm and accommodating, always going the extra mile to help us. Our room was extremely comfortable, and we found the hotel restaurant to be outstanding. We ate there multiple times, enjoying fresh, flavorful dishes that were expertly prepared. The relaxed atmosphere made it a great place to unwind. Although we typically wouldn't stay somewhere for such a long time, we were in town visiting a friend in the hospital. Unfortunately, I broke my leg (not at the hotel), but the staff were incredibly supportive and helpful during that difficult time. If I ever find myself back in Grass Valley, I will definitely choose to stay at the Holbrooke again.

The restaurant has been beautifully remodeled and looks amazing. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I highly recommend it if you... read more The restaurant has been beautifully remodeled and looks amazing. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. I highly recommend it if you enjoy historic hotels and stylish bars.