Inn-Escapable
American River Inn, Georgetown
It’s a rare B&B that starts its innkeeping life as the Round Tent Saloon, a drinking and gambling establishment. Of course, those days of Gold Rush canvas are long gone, but a few ghosts linger on this Georgetown corner, where a private house — the forerunner to the American House Hotel — was built in 1853 and then rebuilt after a fire in 1899.
Today, it’s the American River Inn, a three-story bed and breakfast purchased in March by Georgetown native and former assistant innkeeper Jason Dubey, a realtor and art dealer in South Lake Tahoe. Given that the newly renovated Georgetown Hotel and Saloon has opened a block away, Dubey may be planning some updates of his own. Right now, the American River Inn looks much as it did when it was restored in the 1970s, and decorated with that era’s affection for country Victoriana.
Beautiful grounds surround the inn, which is filled to the brim with ruffles, draperies, Victorian antiques and modern decorative items that fit the theme. The common rooms — including the very inviting living room, where wine and cheese are served — are air-conditioned. The bedrooms have fans. And you’ll be climbing steep stairs to reach those rooms, so pack your suitcase accordingly.
Rooms: Eight of the inn’s 13 rooms have shared baths down the hall; the other, larger rooms are en suite. Decor-wise, the photographs on the hotel website are absolutely accurate. Even the ruffles have ruffles. (Our shower was draped with scarlet, lingerielike lace, too.)
Zzzz’s: The brass beds here are so high, the little step stools tucked on each side have practical, not just decorative use. Feather beds and nice linens do their best to compensate for a mattress softened by time.
Splashes: Soap is provided in the clean, but dated bathrooms; bring your own shampoo. There is a large whirlpool spa in the garden for guests’ use.
Extras: Parking is free. Breakfast is provided.
Details: Rooms with shared baths are $105, en suite is $130-$149. 6600 Orleans St., Georgetown; www.americanriverinn.com
— Jackie Burrell, Staff
