I'm not typically one to write a review, but this place was so terrible from start to finish, I had to let others know. I'm actually not a guest of this wedding, but another vendor, specifically a photographer. I've seen so many venue's in the greater Sacramento area, Napa, and Tahoe. And while I've been surprised before by the lack of quality a venue offers, this place topped it all. We were scheduled to arrive to the reception by 6:15, we arrived at 6:00. I let the owner know, who also acts as an officiant, a coordinator, and an "MC". Ever heard the term jack of all trades, master of none? This couldn't ring truer. So we arrive ahead of schedule, which is usually ideal to a "coordinator". He scrambles around saying he's not ready to introduce them (remember he's also the "MC/DJ") because they don't have the music ready? Why are they only now trying to get this figured out?? He takes about 20 minutes to handle this. After he squares the music issue away, he tells me he can't read his hand writing clearly and it's too jumbled, so he needs to re-write the names before he can introduce the wedding party. Now it is 6:45, the guests have been waiting, the wedding party is anxious to get inside and finally he introduces them. When he does, he says, "I know you've all been waiting for this moment, and now that the PHOTOGRAPHER is done taking pictures, we can finally welcome the Bride and Groom" I about lost it there. He scrambled around for 45 minutes because he was unprepared and disorganized, and then blamed me for their tardy entrance!!! So, after things calm down a bit, I go to him to discuss the timeline, because he introduced them so late, we were about 45 minutes behind. The Bride and Groom's package included 8 hours with me, and I knew that their events would not get covered in the remaining time. So I asked the Bride if she'd mind doing the "money dance" after I left so I could get the main events and some open dancing before hand. She said, sure, no problem, but then he interjected that that would "ruin everything"! I was baffled. What exactly would it ruin, I thought to myself?? She shrugged her shoulders and said, okay, nevermind, it is what it is. I shoot weddings every weekend and so often a PROFESSIONAL dj and I work together to do what's in the best interest of the Bride and Groom. Of course, I would stay over-time, but that would incur fee's for the couple. To avoid that, sometimes we change things around and the DJ, coordinator, myself and all other vendors WORK TOGETHER to make the day perfect for the couple! Dinner starts 15 minutes late and is by far the worst wedding food I've ever seen. You could just tell it was cheap. And one of the worst aspects of this place is that he is completely under-staffed and over-works his employees. And when I say employee's, I mean all 2 of them (for a 150 person wedding). He had one guy, about 20 years old, dressed inappropriately for a wedding- in jeans, a white t-shirt, an apron, and a nike baseball cap. He was serving appetizers people!!! The second employee, a girl, who was about 17 or 18, was in charge of everything else, the food preparation, washing dishes, clearing tables which she did ENTIRELY by herself. I watched the owner/coordinator/officiant/MC yell at his employee's in a degrading manner to work faster and harder. The girl especially seemed so frazzled. She had sweat just dripping down her face trying to catch up. When she finally cleared all the tables, she was then yelled at to cut the cake and serve it to guests (sweaty and all) It's obvious he is a selfish business owner who over-works and underpays his employee's to maximize his profits. The end result is a team that does not function well. Over-all, I've never worked with a place so unwilling to work as a team. I would strongly suggest couples look elsewhere for a venue. Some great alternatives would be chucky cheese. No, in all seriousness, check out Forest House Lodge, Empire Mine, The Ridge, The Monte Verde Inn..ANYTHING BUT THIS PLACE!!! read more

It's an historic inn, so if you want new and modern this is not your place. We loved everything about this place, especially the historical ambiance.The parlors were tastefully decorated with Antique Sofa's and Wingback chairs as well as other memorabilia The dining room was beautifully set up for a Victorian Tea. Several old photos and historical facts about the Powers family were on the walls as you walked up the stairs leading to the bedrooms. We were greeted by Jessica in the Main part of the house. She was so sweet and let us see several of the rooms. They were all themed and full of antiques. It was like being brought back to the late1800's. Our room was delightful with two queen sized beds and a beautiful armoire. There was a little bathroom with a shower in the room and a tv that we never used but it was available as was wifi. There was an air-conditioner and a fan that was adequate to cool the room. We went to the adjoining Irish Pub and met Peggy, one of the Innkeepers, she was tending the bar and kept our glasses full as she shared her and her husbands story with us. She is a wonderful person and made us feel so welcomed. Kristynn their daughter was also there and we chatted with her about her adventures in life. We finally got to meet Alfred the next day for the bountiful buffet breakfast he made for us. Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuits and Gravy,Quiche, and the best scones I've ever tasted. I couldn't believe the spread. Alfred is an extremely talented man. He makes all his own beers in his brewery and is going to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for making the most beers on tap of any microbrewery. Beside this he is the innkeeper and he does weddings including DJ, planner, caterer etc. He's an inventor as well. Just talking with Alfred made me smarter. I was so intrigued by his many stories. We fully intend to go back. To the naysayers. As for Sissy T. from Sacramento, how rude of you to complain about your friends wedding. If you can't maneuver in high heels then maybe you should wear flats. You didn't pay for the event, you were a guest and an unpleasant one at that. To all the ones that complain about the musty smells and the age of everything and it being outdated. Hello, it's an historical building and it's the place of the owners to keep it that way. I know it's not the Ritz, it's an old dated mansion, and that's why I loved it. Don't stay in a museum if you don't like museums. By the way, I didn't find Alfred arrogant or disagreeable at all. My husband and I saw him as a very agreeable man and completely generous. We were on a groupon rate and he and his wife even threw in several free beers. We were also offered free appetizers but we opted for the meal instead. The prices there are very reasonable and the food good. Breakfast was the best. Yes improvements could be made and I'm sure they are in process, it takes time to get all the kinks out. If it had all the amenities some people want the prices will go up and many of us will not be able to afford to stay there. read more

I actually got married here about a year ago and just recently became familiar with yelp.com. But my experience at the Power's Mansion was so unforgettable and amazing, that I could not pass up the opportunity to let others know about how great this place is. For starters, the grounds, ballroom, and historical mansion were truly unique, beautiful and clean. All of my close friends and family stayed at the mansion an had a wonderful weekend. As if the place itself wasn't good enough, the owner Alfred and staff are the ones who made my day, a day that I want to relive over and over. Alfred was so friendly and accommodating. He made sure that we all felt as if the mansion were our own for the day and night. My wedding day went so perfect and smooth because the mansion did everything in house and Alfred coordinated flawlessly. My food, photography, DJ, flowers, cake etc. were all done in house to ensure that everything was coordinated correctly and custom to the venue. Alfred treated my wedding as if it were as important to him as it was to me. I saw how hard everyone worked to make sure everything was perfect. The one and only regret I have, is that it had to end. Alfred and the staff were friendly to all of my guests, most importantly my young children. I have found that many places are not kid friendly. But the mansion was so nice. Nothing was an inconvenience. I recommend this place to any bride. And, as for the other reviews who didn't like the mansion, all I can say is some people just won't be happy no matter what you do. For the reviewer who complained about their late guest not getting food, there are health regulations that have to be followed, especially when you have a buffet. And for the other review, yes, Alfred has a lot of experience so he definately knows what he is doing and will offer his expert advice. But, making the bride happy is his number one concern. No matter what people say about the Power's Mansion, I will always be greatful to Alfred for the experience we had . Truly unforgetable! read more

Our Daughter was married here approx. 2 weeks ago and let me tell you our experience from beginning til end was AMAZING! Owner Alfred Lee, is wonderful, accomodating and so very at ease with all the planning and arrangements it takes to make the day a wonderful success! The Staff including ,Noah and Jen, were always helpful and even in the most stressfull moments of dressing and rearranging things last minute never lost their personal touch or thoughtful demeanors. Alfred is clearly an expert at his craft! A Jack of all trades and can wear most any hat needed as the occasion arises. We had to ask him to be the officiant , last minute and he stepped graciously into the roll without a moments hesitation. He welcomed our Family and Friends with hugs and words of welcome, always making sure everyone had what they needed or wanted. The food was great and complimented by our guests. The vintage charming decor gave us the feeling of wonderment as we watched our children enjoy this amazing night. Alfred was the DJ and kept our reception rolling and everyone danced the night away! Our Daughter and new Husband stayed the night and thoroughly enjoyed their breakfast the next am. They were late to the table , by the way, and the staff never faltered for a minute and understandingly accommodated them! Now just a note, as I have read other reviews regarding the outdated decor and or tv's and such and just want to say that, yes it is old style and you should go there to appreciate the charm and vintage soul. If that is not what you are wanting then probably choose a different atmosphere more to your liking. However, you will not find a more charm filled place. Thank you to Alfred for his integrity and hospitality... we could not have asked for a better experience! Sincerely, The O'HARA FAMILY read more

What a mistake!!!! NO STARS!!! Instead of trying to sort out all the lurid details of this most disgusting and unforgettable visit to the Powers Mansion Inn B and B in Auburn Ca, I'll just mention what you can expect, or not expect. If you like a property that sits in an alley surrounded by trash and empty parking lots that the not so pleasant locals hang out with a loud bar that plays loud music till 2 AM, you'll love it. If you like arriving to find not a single person that works there, an envelope with your name at the desk with a key to a room you DID NOT reserve, you'll love it. If you like a filthy, worn down building in need of basic repairs with no attractive decor added since 1978 faded, absolutely no landscape that was not fake or plastic with several safety violations, you'll love it. If you like finding the last guests "FOOD CRUMBS" in your so called clean sheets, dusty comforter, cobwebs and no door on the toilet, shades torn, curtain falling off, no screens on windows, well, you got it, you'r gonna love it. The breakfast is a complete joke, all processed Cost Co crap. It was not even at the Powers Mansion, but across a parking lot in a run down old building Mr. Lee was found only talking to one family, because I think he knew not to let anyone else that was there know he was the owner and responsible for false advertising, fraud and running the worst establishment I have ever stayed in. This place needs to be inspected and shut down STAT! The weekend was ruined by your lies in advertising and Groupon should put a little more work into what they are selling....fools!! read more

This review is very very late since I just recently got a yelp, after many years of not having one. I was in town for a party (nearby at a friends house) and I always stay at bed and breakfasts or lodges, cabins etc. I prefer them over the typical modern hotel. I think it is really unfair for people to be so picky leaving such negative reviews for an old historic type place. I think often times people go to this type of places expecting a modern corporate hotel. My experience was fantastic, the owner is very accommodating. We felt like home the house does have the smell of one of those old homes, but I have asthma and allergies and I am very sensitive to bad triggers and I had none the whole time I was there. The rooms was clean, the bed smelled clean and so did my pillows. The other people staying there (a honeymoon couple included) were all delightful and I made permanent friends here, one of those things that you don't get at a typical hotel. I cant wait to go back! disregard the reviews of super picky people and check this place out. read more

We stayed at Power's Mansion Inn in November 2015 but booked our rooms in June and I was shocked that they ran my card immediately. I have never had a hotel do such a thing and particularly not without telling a guest ahead of time. I almost don't need to write anything because Annie R. had a similar experience if you read her review. The Mansion looks great on the website and the downstairs parlors are charming, but Holy Cow, bedrooms are filthy, filthy, filthy! Skeevy bed linens, I wore my socks to bed as much for that as for the gradoo on the floors. And I had to pillage extra towels from hall closets because no one touched our room during our two night stay. Thankfully we have a resilient family and we laughed our way through the weekend and drank lots of wine and now refer to our stay a "memorable". If you are a Hollywood script writer this place is for you, a synthesis of 'The Shining' and 'Family Vacation. read more

My wife and I were recently married here and the exerience was great. Alfred, Jen, and all of the staff were very attentive to needs and requests during our preparation and on the big day. The ballroom was decorated beautifully and made for a warm atmosphere and comfortable reception. The food, from appetizers to dinner, was delicious and well received by the guests. Our outside vendors were treated well and had no issues setting up equipment and/or taking care of whatever they needed to. After the stressful day it was very nice to relax and sleep in the quaint, historic mansion. Several friends and family also stayed in the mansion and were pleased with the experience. Overall this is a definite recommendation to host a wedding at this venue. From price, value, planning, service, and accomodations, this was a very nice experience and created many wonderful memories. read more

Outstanding experience. My wife and I have stayed in many B&Bs in the gold country over the last 20 years. Our experience given the impressive Mr. Lee. The Powers Inn itself was a little odd. Adequate accomodations but no real access to the kitchen or dining room as a separate business organized teas. But the history (photos of Chinese RR workers and miners from the 1880's) was great. And Mr. Lee owned the next door pub which served very good meals at reasonable prices with the piece de resistance being the tap zilla. 100 craft beers (he makes them himself) were very good although I could only down about 3. A conversation with Mr. Lee is worth the trip itself, especially his stories about being an IT engineer on Air Force One with Bill Clinton. Will definitely go back. read more

My fiance and I are still in the early stages of planning our wedding at the Power's Mansion Inn, but so far we are very pleased with Alfred. I heard about the Inn from a coworker who got married there a few months ago and she simply raves about the whole place and Alfred. And so did everyone who went to her wedding. Alfred is super friendly and very helpful. We get the impression that this is a labor of love for him. The lady who complained about her late guest not getting food is being unreasonable. Public Health codes limit how long the Inn can leave food sitting out. After a while, they are required to dispose of the food so that no one gets sick. I'm sure Alfred prepared enough food for all her guests; he can't be held responsible if they show up too late. read more

My wife and I, and two others, stayed 3 nights. The Powers mansion is located close to everything in downtown Auburn. The mansion is a treasure trove of history and the owner, Alfred, makes it come to life. Our room was beautiful, very comfortable, and clean!!! The breakfasts were absolutely wonderful prepared by a master chef. Alfred was one of the most interesting people we have talked to in a long time, a gracious host, and his teenage son Adam, an accomplished writer with a published book, was refreshing and just a joy to engage. Their dog "Sass" was a wonderful addition to make our stay just perfect all the way around. We felt truly at home in their home and look forward to returning. read more

Our Perfect Getaway Our experience at Powers Mansion was Great! Alfred makes you feel like you are part of the family. Very Welcoming from the moment you walk into the Mansion & when you meet Alfred you feel like you've known him for years. The architecture of this mansion is awesome and it has an amazing history. Alfred's service & the freshly homemade breakfast buffet is awesome. The effort to make you feel the essence of the Victorian surroundings is wonderful. Every single room has its charm. In the past 8 months we stayed there twice! We are planning on bringing a few of our friends for another great weekend. Thankyou Alfred- Hope to see you soon! read more

This is a magical place to spend time in. Every room is gorgeous and perfectly preserved in the house's original time. There aren't enough places like this left, and we are lucky it still exists. It's all thanks to the owner, Alfred. Alfred's love for this historic mansion benefits all of us. He works hard to preserve the legacy of the mansion and truly loves his work here. Not only is he an expert on the history of the home, Alfred is an amazing host. His breakfast was also wonderful. If you need suggestions of where to eat lunch and dinner, he can give you the run down. This place is amazing and I will be staying here regularly! read more

When you arrived at the Mansion you really are slowed down in time when families welcomed one into their Homes. My stay was very enchanting with a warm atmosphere. I was left feeling there wasn't anything that the staff wouldn't do to help keep my visit comfortable. Breakfasts were really just like you were in someone's kitchen cooking for you. Charming Alfred spent time with everyone and taking a real interest in their trip. He is also the excellent Chef. I had a wonderful time walking to the local shops and Visitor Center. The Power Mansion is prefect place to be in the heart of Auburn. I'll be back! Kim q read more

I agree with one of the recent reviewers you do almost miss the entrance. In fact we did. We recently attended a wedding here at the Mansion. It was a bit rainy and the owner Alfred was the officiant. He did a good job. The food was ok. Chicken was a bit tough, everything else rocked! The DJ was from another company, he did a great job in the small reception room which wa sperfect for our size crowd, maybe 80. I will review him soon too. I would recommend this venue as a good solid value for what you pay for. Thanks to Alfred and his stellar staff for making my friends n1ght so pleasant! read more

On the trip home, our youngest child became ill with respiratory issues. She missed school the next day, and my husband and I both commenced with the same symptoms and terrible flu like symptoms that she had. If Auburn were not so far away I would report this place to the health department, especially after reading so many similar experiences. When filing a formal complaint, one must be willing to testify at their hearing, and I do not wish to travel and take time off work and away from my family to punish this Hellish place- I just hope I never have another experience like this in my life. read more

If I could give zero stars I would've. We were suppose to have our wedding here but Alfred raised the cost by thousands when his business got slow. We couldn't afford his cost and were NOT in a contact so we had to cancel! We made an agreement that he could make payments. After four months of not even getting half of our money back Alfred informed us that he is done paying! He is a thief and a liar. I'd caution anyone thinking of doing business with him. If it helps you can also see the call Curtis reports that show I'm not the first person he's done this to! read more

Sometimes you have to say no! When a customer changes requirements at the very last minute, or doesn't hold up their end of the agreement, service is at risk because the team needs to adjust quickly and responsively while following rules and regulations. No matter how hard you work to satisfy unreasonable requests, you have to consider safety and logistics. This can be difficult, especially in weddings where emotions run high. So, I don't blame the Power's Mansion staff for enforcing rules. I guess that's why they have that show named "Bridezillas" read more

Stayed here for just 1 night and wished it could have been longer. This is a historic mansion, so if you're looking for a "fancy" bnb this is not it. However, there is much history and antique furniture to take in and learn about if you wish. The rooms were very comfortable and cozy, as well as the bed! It is located within walking distance to many downtown bars and restaurants. The owner Alfred L. was so nice and is an incredible story teller with some rich history of his own. The breakfast was delicious and i would not hesitate to stay here again! read more