Cary House Hotel
A historic Gold Rush-era hotel in downtown Placerville, offering vintage rooms, alleged hauntings, and a prime location for exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Cary House Hotel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Gold Rush-era hotel in downtown Placerville, offering vintage rooms, alleged hauntings, and a prime location for exploration.
"If you like historic charm with history, this is the place, offering a unique vintage adventure."
🎯 Book Away From Elevator
Request rooms not adjacent to the elevator for a quieter stay. :zzz:
👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
Read guest diaries for ghost stories; it adds to the unique charm! :ghost:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Charm & Decor
Step back in time with period-style decor and a lobby that whispers tales of the Gold Rush era.
The Original Elevator
Experience a ride in the hotel's historic, original elevator – a unique and charming feature.
Haunted Room Experiences
For the brave, explore rooms rumored to be haunted and discover the hotel's paranormal lore.
Downtown Placerville Access
Enjoy unparalleled access to Placerville's Main Street, shops, and dining right outside your door.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vintage Charm
Ghostly Tales & Location Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Away From Elevator
Request rooms not adjacent to the elevator for a quieter stay. :zzz:
👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
Read guest diaries for ghost stories; it adds to the unique charm! :ghost:
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Park your car and explore Placerville's Main Street on foot. :walking:
🍳 Kitchenette Convenience
Many rooms have small kitchenettes, perfect for simple meals. :forkandknife:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Away From Elevator
Request rooms not adjacent to the elevator for a quieter stay. :zzz:
👻 Embrace the Spooky Vibe
Read guest diaries for ghost stories; it adds to the unique charm! :ghost:
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Park your car and explore Placerville's Main Street on foot. :walking:
🍳 Kitchenette Convenience
Many rooms have small kitchenettes, perfect for simple meals. :forkandknife:
🚗 Parking Pass
Ask for a parking pass to avoid tickets while exploring. :parking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests appreciate the Cary House Hotel's deep historic charm and prime downtown Placerville location, offering a unique vintage experience. While not a luxury stay, the comfortable beds, clean rooms, and helpful staff are often praised. Some visitors find the building's age leads to noise issues, particularly from the elevator, impacting sleep quality for those sensitive to sound.
"This is definitely not a luxury hotel, but if you like historic charm with history, this is the place. The rooms have seen better days, but the beds are comfortable, the rooms are clean and, for the most part, quiet, and every room we've stayed in has a small kitchenette. Perfect location in downtown Placerville. My favorite thing is sitting on the balcony in the evening, people watching, and having a glass of wine. The employees have always been pleasant and helpful. Oh, and if you like ghost stories, read some of the guests' diary entries; you just might want to sleep with the nightlight on!"
Christine Esparza
"Really great historic hotel in the middle of town. If you're not into a little vintage adventure, this might not be the spot for you . The elevator is fun. Maybe there are ghosts? We stayed in the Mark Twain room, and really enjoyed it."
Wes Temby
"If you don’t care about sleep and paying 200 for a night. It may be perfect. But we weren’t stoked. It’s a cute hotel. Chill staff. Location is cool. But the walls are paper thin. Can hear drunk women laughing and slamming doors throughout the night.
The historic elevator is also very loud. Imagine sleeping next to a Porto potty door being slammed.
Would not stay again.
Pro tip. If able to do so, do not get rooms 305/6/7 all next to the elevator."
Eddie K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cary House Hotel is located in downtown Placerville, easily accessible via US 50. Take the Spring Street or Bedford Street exits for Main Street. Parking can be a bit tricky, but the hotel provides a pass to avoid ticketing. +1
Yes, parking is available, though it can be challenging to find. The hotel provides a parking pass to guests, which is essential for avoiding tickets in the downtown area.
The hotel's prime location makes it ideal for exploring Placerville on foot. Main Street, with its shops and restaurants, is right outside your door.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a hotel, you'll need to book a room in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends. There are no separate 'tickets' for entry, but room reservations are essential.
Check-in and check-out times can vary, but the hotel offers easy check-in even after normal hours. It's best to confirm the exact times with the hotel directly when booking.
While not a formal tour attraction, the hotel's historic nature and alleged hauntings are a draw. Some guests enjoy reading the guest diaries for local lore. Occasionally, local vendors pop up in the courtyard.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is distinctly historic and charming, with vintage decor and a sense of stepping back in time. Some rooms are rumored to be haunted, adding a unique, spooky element.
Rooms are decorated in a vintage style, reflecting the hotel's historic nature. While clean and comfortable, they are not considered luxury accommodations. +1
Yes, the original historic elevator is still operational and is a notable feature of the hotel. Some guests find it charming, while others note it can be noisy.
Many rooms come equipped with small kitchenettes, offering convenience for guests. Beds are generally comfortable, and rooms are kept clean. +1
Absolutely! The Cary House Hotel is known for its alleged hauntings, with specific rooms like Room 212 being noted for paranormal activity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the hotel offers free breakfast to its guests, adding to the value of a stay.
The hotel is in the heart of downtown Placerville, surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the hotel's historic exterior, the charming lobby, and the unique vintage room decor. The original elevator also makes for an interesting shot.
Yes, guests are generally welcome to take photos of the common areas and their rooms to capture the historic ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Dive into the hotel's history by reading the guest diaries, which are filled with chilling accounts and personal encounters with the unexplained. 🚶♀️ Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Gold Rush History
The hotel's architecture and interior design reflect the era, offering guests a tangible connection to the region's rich history. Many historical documents from Placerville's early days even list the hotel with a slightly different spelling, 'Carey Hotel,' highlighting its long-standing presence. Staying at the Cary House isn't just about lodging; it's an immersive historical experience. The vintage decor, the original elevator, and the stories whispered through its walls all contribute to an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. It's a place where you can feel the echoes of the past, making it a unique destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
The Paranormal Pulse of the Cary House
Room 212, in particular, is often cited as a hotspot for paranormal activity, with visitors reporting unexplained phenomena. For those intrigued by the supernatural, the hotel offers a unique opportunity to experience its ghostly lore firsthand. Guests are encouraged to read through the historical guest diaries, which often contain chilling accounts and personal experiences, adding to the hotel's eerie ambiance.
Navigating the Historic Charm: Practicalities
Despite these considerations, many guests find the convenience of the hotel's location to be a major advantage. Being situated in the heart of downtown Placerville allows for easy exploration of local shops, restaurants, and attractions on foot.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit