Truth be told, I didn't know the place was haunted until I spotted the ghost hunter's guide in Maria's boutique, a small gift shop located in the Inn.
The Georgetown American River Inn was built in 1853, enjoying many uses throughout the century including miner's lodging, stage coach stop, brothel, sanitarium, private residence and B&B.
Georgetown, first known as "Growlersburg" because of the gold growling in miner's pans and pockets, was a thriving mining camp with approximately 5,000 residents. By 1853, the town had produced approximately $2 million in gold.
One of the most productive lodes was the Woodside Mine, which produced a nugget weighing in at 126 ounces. Sadly the mine, which runs beneath the American River Inn, caved in, trapping the bodies of several miners who still lie beneath the hotel.
Back during its early days, the American River Inn was known as the American Hotel. It hosted many grand galas and events, including "A Grand Ball" on Dec. 22, 1899. M Millans Orchestra, of Placerville, provided the music. Tickets, including a hot chicken supper, were $2 per person.
I could almost imagine the guests mingling and dancing in the hotel as we enjoyed afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres in the hotel lobby. Our host, Betty, was welcoming and kind, sharing her love of the hotel with guests, who included some German tourists and a former NFL football star.
Dolly, a black cocker spaniel, kept us company in the sitting room as we nibbled on fresh vegetables, dips, hot cheese puffs and Swedish meatballs. And Betty outdid herself for the morning breakfast, which included plenty of hot coffee, fresh orange juice, toasted bagels, muffins, sauteed ham, and peaches and cream. I absolutely loved her delicate little quiches, made in individual muffin tins.
Georgetown, which sits on about two city blocks, is home to only a handful of restaurants, including Starvin' Dog Pizza, Worton Market, Georgetown Coffee Co., and Camp Virner, which is known for Italian and German specialties.
Take our advice and avoid Marco's Café in Coloma. Though the setting on the outdoor patio was lovely, with plenty of trees and twinkling lights, the service was horrendous. In fact, we waited more than 2 hours for an order of cold Nepalese noodles and a slice of Roman pizza. The place was busy, but not that busy. Apparently we missed the disclaimer that stated: "Slow Food Made With Love." I think it's just to cover up the fact that they have a couple of cooks who have zero experience running a kitchen.
Georgetown nightlife consists mainly of the Miner's Club, which was once home to the morgue during Civil War days. Today you can enjoy a bit of karaoke while learning more about the town's history over a cold brew.
Each of the American River Inn's 13 guest rooms and suites are decorated in Victorian style, in keeping with the turn-of-the-century motif. Furnishings include English antiques and beautiful wooden armoires. You can choose between both private and shared bathrooms.
The Canopy and antique brass beds include feather beds and down comforters, and some rooms boast fireplaces, ball & claw bathtubs and balconies. There are no TVs, but you can listen to old-time radio in your room, or a bit of piano in the lobby.
We stayed in Room 1, which came with a private claw-foot bathtub and shower. As I opened the door with my skeleton key, I definitely felt an eerie presence at the top of the stairs. Turns out that's exactly where The American Inn's resident ghost, Oscar, likes to hang out.
Word has it that he enjoys teasing couples in Room 5, the Honeymoon Suite, by tearing off the sheets, shaking the bed, or switching on the lights. Sometimes he actually appears to guests, smiling and making himself at home. He is said to enter through Room 5's balcony and leave through the upper door outside Room 1 and 5.
According to local lore, Room 5 once belonged to a prostitute who had captured Oscar's heart. During the 1800s, Oscar worked as a carpenter at the American Hotel. He was said to have been killed on the hotel's steps during a brawl with his girlfriend's "client."
Later, in a drunken moment of despair, the prostitute jumped off the balcony to her death. Guests say you can sometimes hear her voice in the halls of the hotel.
American River Inn rates range from $95 per night (for a shared bath) to $110 per night for a private bath. The Haunted Honeymoon Suite, Room 5, goes for $130 per night.
The Historic American River Inn is located at 6600 Orleans Street, Georgetown, CA 95634. For reservations, call (530) 333-4499 or visit them at www.americanriverinn.com
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The American River Inn in Georgetown, established in 1852, is a B&B with a fascinating history. Photos by Veronica Hill / CaliforniaTravelExpert.com
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