My wife and had planned a 4-day mini vacation over the Thanksgiving Day holiday. We checked in on Thanksgiving Day, once in our room we discovered a few problems: Overhead switched lights were burnt out, cold water at the sink (near bed) leaked and had to be shut off at the wall, hot water in claw foot tub poured from faucet. Tried to call desk 5 times in the first hour no response went downstairs and looked for desk clerk to no avail. As we had dinner reservation we left the hotel, with the hope of dealing with it when we returned. Talked to the desk clerk and was assured all issues would be dealt with in the morning, by daytime staff. I asked if we could move rooms and was told the day manager would be advised of our wishes.

Talked with the daytime manager in person and his first statement “Oh you are in room 10, yea we had problems with the water leaks, didn’t know about the lights.” He said he would go up and fix the issues when we left for the day. We advised him we would not be back for a few hours and he said he would deal with it 9:00AM. We returned at about 4:00 PM and found the room had not been made up, nor had any of the issues been fixed. Talked with the day manager again and he stated I tried to fix all the problems but could not.

Saturday morning had continental breakfast for the second day, cottage cheese was spoiled, and fruit was left over in the same bowl from the morning before, waffle batter was so thick it would not come off the ladle. Again talked with the day manager about the issues in our room, this time I was told he would advise the owner of the issues but could not bring a plumber in on Saturday.

We were never offered any remedies for the problems we experienced nor asked if we would like to change rooms. We paid $550.00 for what should have been an outstanding boutique hotel experience what we got was a run down seedy hotel with uncaring lip service staff.

One bright spot was the toilet it was cool looking and was the only thing that used water that worked.

I love the Holbrooke Hotel! It is the best hotel I have ever stayed in. I hope anyone who reads this review will take my advice and stay there and eat there asap! <3 :D

Although we didn't stay at this hotel we did enjoy a late lunch in the seating area near the bar on the main floor. It looked to be the original hotel lobby complete with fireplace and couches for lounging. It was also set with tables, chairs and white linens.
Being late in the day we were served by the delightful and funny bartender. The service was not speedy but we were not in a hurry either. Seemed like a great combination.
The food was fantastic. (After all we had the chef all to ourselves.)
There is a nice patio in which you can be served.
If you are enjoying a weekend in Grass Valley and not in a hurry for food give this historic hotel a try.

The Holbrooke Hotel which is land-marked downtown Grass Valley is the place to play-play-play! This isn't the place to come to if you are inclined towards spa minded restfulness - its just not that kind of place. With that being said ,the ideal beauty and historic charm that this wonderful hotel does give freely is well worth the stop and lack of shut eye. Because this is a historic site the building is just that - historic. Three presidents have stayed here - ask the Front Desk to show you the old sign in book for signatures. Small rooms and thin walls can be expected - but that is the only downside. The rooms are appointed historically with everything you can imagine if you were actually staying in the miner-49er era. The hotel itself is gorgeous, from the bar-back which I believe is from San Francisco circa 1849 to the first elevator in the area, the checking in counter, beautiful dining room and sweeping staircase. There have been several ghost sitings over the years within these walls which many of the local patrons would love to tell - as many have had unusual experiences- nothing scary - just unusual. I too have seen the lady outside Lotta Crabtree room waiting for the elevator. We have stayed many times over the years - our favorite rooms; Lotta Crabtree, Lola Montez and of course the Mark Twain which has its own wrought iron balcony . The evenings entertainment is always lively and jovial- if you get the lucky chance to take in entertainer George Souza who usually plays Saturdays - consider yourself amongst a legend. This would be the most ideal place to have a bachelorette party, wedding party - all girls retreat any thing along those lines. This isn't a rowdy place, (Ok sometimes on the weekends), but a place that will forever entertain your guests and preserve any special moment you wish to share. This is a very special Hotel and the folks there are very keenly aware of how special this hotel is. If you want a very special stay which will entertain you on all levels - you must stay at the Holbrooke Hotel!