The National Hotel, established in 1859, stands as one of California’s oldest continuously operated hotels. Under the meticulous care of brothers Stephen and Michael Willey since 1974, this historic property in Jamestown, Tuolumne County, offers a genuine connection to the Gold Rush era. The nine-room hotel is filled with authentic antiques and period furnishings that create an atmosphere of genuine historical authenticity rather than a staged recreation. Visitors exploring Gold Country with their dogs will find the National Hotel welcomes them warmly. Dogs can stay in the rooms alongside their owners, which means no difficult decisions about kenneling while you explore the area.
The surrounding Jamestown landscape makes this location particularly convenient for dog owners. You can wander the historic streets right outside the hotel and see the architecture and local character of a real Gold Country town, not a tourist-fabricated version. The Sierra Nevada foothills nearby offer genuine hiking trails where dogs are welcome, and you’ll find plenty of options ranging from casual walks to more substantial climbs depending on your energy level and your dog’s preferences.
The hotel maintains its working character—this isn’t a museum you visit and leave. The on-site dining options let you eat without having to leave your dog alone in the room for extended periods, and the lounge serves as an actual gathering space rather than a staged recreation. What makes the National Hotel different from other historic lodgings is that the Willey brothers have kept it functioning as a real hotel for people and their dogs, rather than converting it into a highly polished but sterile historical artifact.
Given the building’s age and the brothers’ focus on historical preservation, standards and amenities differ from modern chain hotels, but that’s part of the appeal if you’re drawn to staying somewhere with genuine character. The front desk can answer specific questions about room configurations and any current policies regarding dogs, and contacting them directly before booking makes sense if you have a large dog or specific needs.
