Coldwell Banker Commercial Grass Roots Realty is pleased to present for sale the Washington Hotel, a historic Gold Rush-era riverfront hospitality property located in the town of Washington, California. This unique offering includes 14 guest rooms, a full-service restaurant and bar with a commercial kitchen, and a spacious 2BD/1BA apartment on the third floor. Positioned directly on the South Yuba River, the Washington Hotel is the central gathering place for the community and a well-known destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, campers, and travelers exploring the Sierra foothills.
The restaurant and bar serve as the primary revenue drivers, generating approximately 85% of the property's ~$533,000 in 2024 gross income. The business benefits from a rare and valuable Type 47 liquor license—**included in the sale**—with an approximate standalone value of $175,000, and includes indoor dining, a riverfront beer garden, and an efficiently laid-out commercial kitchen.
Assuming market rent of $1,800/month for the apartment—which is currently used by family and not producing income—the property supports a pro forma gross income of $555,000 and produces approximately $88,000 in net operating income, equating to an 8.9% cap rate at the $995,000 asking price. Priced at $121/SF, the asset offers immediate yield with clear operational upside.
While the bar and restaurant are thriving, the hotel component is significantly underutilized, operating at just ~10% occupancy. Comparable hotels in Nevada City and Grass Valley average closer to 60%, creating a meaningful opportunity for a new operator to increase revenue through improved marketing, OTA exposure, and targeted upgrades. The two premium rooms with private bathrooms are consistently booked, while the remaining hostel-style rooms offer affordable lodging for outdoor-focused visitors.
The third-floor apartment spans 2,172 SF and features two bedrooms and one bathroom. The property as a whole offers expansive views of the South Yuba River from multiple vantage points, including guest decks and common areas. Guests also enjoy direct access to a world-class swimming hole—one of the most treasured natural attractions in the region.
Constructed in 1865 and last renovated in 2017, the Washington Hotel features classic wood-frame construction with wood siding and a composition shingle roof. Interior improvements include vinyl plank and sheet flooring, updated paint, and general refurbishments throughout the common areas, guest rooms, and bar. The property is served by PG&E for electricity and natural gas, a septic system for sewer, and water from the Washington County Water District. Situated on a 0.51-acre parcel, the total building area is 8,206 square feet across three levels.
The 2,172 SF third-floor apartment offers meaningful flexibility—ideal for an owner-user to live on-site or to be leased as a long-term or vacation rental, generating additional income. This versatility enhances the property’s utility and investment appeal. Given the strong in-place cash flow, established operations, and mixed-use layout, the property is an ideal candidate for SBA financing.
The Town of Washington, CA
Tucked deep in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Washington, California, is a historic gold rush town known for its rich heritage, raw natural beauty, and authentic small-town character. Founded in 1849 along the banks of the South Yuba River, Washington remains one of the few surviving enclaves of California’s gold mining era—where rustic charm, forested hills, and a tight-knit community continue to define daily life.
Washington is located about 25 minutes northeast of Nevada City, 30 minutes from Grass Valley, and less than one hour southwest of Truckee, placing it in a unique geographic position between the foothill arts and tourism centers of western Nevada County and the year-round recreation economy of the Lake Tahoe region. While remote in feel, the town is easily accessed via Highway 20 and Washington Road, drawing visitors from both mountain and valley corridors throughout the year.
The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts, campers, OHV riders, and river-seekers who come for the swimming holes, fly fishing, hiking trails, and campgrounds that surround the town. Its enduring character and dramatic setting make Washington a sought-after escape from urban life—a place where cell service drops and connection happens the old-fashioned way.
The Washington Hotel stands as the town’s central gathering place—a social and economic anchor for both residents and travelers. From its riverside beer garden to live music and community events, the hotel plays a vital role in the cultural fabric of Washington. It’s more than a business—it’s a landmark.