Imperial Hotel & Restaurant

The Imperial Hotel & Restaurant occupies a handsome two-story brick building in tiny Amador City, just minutes from Sutter Creek on Highway 49. Built in 1879 by the Sanguinetti family to replace an earlier wooden hotel lost to fire in 1878, the building has served travelers through the Gold Rush era and beyond. The hotel was extensively renovated in 1968 and again in 1988, and current owners Mary Ann and Jim McCamant have run it since 2006.

Rooms & Cottages

Upstairs, six individually decorated hotel rooms — Golden, Victoria, Miller, Edna, Schoolhouse, and Cigar — offer a stay steeped in Gold Rush-era character, each with a private bathroom, Marshall speakers, Quince linens, and curated snacks. The Golden and Victoria rooms feature semi-private balconies overlooking Main Street. Three off-site cottage suites — Jane, Theodore, and Pinkerton — provide a more private retreat with their own entrances, and all three are pet-friendly and family-friendly. Between the hotel rooms and cottages, the Imperial offers nine accommodations in total. A 24/7 coffee nook in the main building stocks Nespresso coffee and Rishi Teas, and fresh breakfast is prepared upon request and delivered to the guest’s room at their preferred time.

Dining

The kitchen focuses on locally grown organic produce, fresh meats, and sustainably harvested seafood, with a seasonal menu that changes to showcase what’s available. Rack of lamb and duck breast with a spicy raspberry chili port reduction are longtime favorites. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are available.

Downstairs, the Oasis Bar retains its original gaslights (now electrified) and antique bar stools, creating a cozy atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle over craft cocktails, wine, and beer. Dining extends onto two 100-year-old native stone patios — front and back — perfect for a warm evening in the foothills. Reservations are recommended and can be made by phone.