Our History - The Dorrington Hotel

The Dorrington Hotel was a historic stopping place on the Big Tree Carson Valley Road, was a vacation spot for Big Trees visitors, and a place to rest for cattlemen, miners, and traders. The ranch was originally called Cold Spring Ranch. The Dorrington Hotel was built in 1852 by John Gardner. John Gardner married Rebecca Dorrington and moved her out from Scotland. Rebecca quickly fell in love with the property and together they had four children.

In 1902 the US post office moved to the site and Dorrington officially became a town. Legends swirl around the property……from how Mark Twain would drink from the cold spring out back to the silver and gold trades to the Miwok and Washoe Indians that once hunted the property.

The Dorrington Hotel and Lube Room Saloon were purchased in 2015 by the Sweeney, and Mitchell families. The hotel has been refurbished and is open for group reservations, weddings, anniversaries, and other events.

We are committed to the locals and the many guests that come up on the weekends and holidays. We intend to reinvest in our dreams and will continue to make the property better and better.

Our entire family and staff (now family!) appreciate your continued support and friendship.

Sweeney’s, and Mitchell’s