The last patient at Grass Valley's W.C. Jones Memorial Hospital checked out in 1968.

For the past three decades, the shuttered hospital on School Street has been a popular bed-and-breakfast spot, the Swan Levine House. But Beth and Will Reyes decided it would still be the perfect place to welcome a new child.

With the help of a midwife, the Alameda couple gave birth to an 8-pound, 11-ounce baby boy Thursday at the bed-and-breakfast.

Phoenix Agui Reyes was delivered at the inn after his parents were advised to seek refuge closer to a hospital in case of complications. The couple had been visiting family in Brownsville, a Yuba County hamlet one hour from the nearest operating room.

So they chose a former operating room to welcome their third child into the world.

"I couldn't think of a reason not to do this," said Peggy Levine, who co-owns the venerable inn with her husband, Howard.

"This was an excellent place for a birth," said Beth Reyes, who was already walking around her room and climbing the three flights of stairs inside the inn Friday.

The day before she gave birth, Beth Reyes was actually at home in Alameda. Her baby wasn't due for a week, so she decided Thursday to drive to Brownsville, when she began experiencing labor pains.

After consulting with her midwife, Venita Lott, Beth Reyes decided to press on to Grass Valley, as her labor pains quickened. In Auburn, her contractions were six minutes apart. By the time she arrived in Grass Valley, Beth Reyes harbored doubts she was going to make it.

Fortunately, the couple had contacted Peggy Levine previously and asked if they could use the inn if their baby arrived early.

"I couldn't think of a reason not to do this," said Peggy Levine, who said the hotel caters primarily to families.

With Will Reyes by her side, Beth Reyes gave birth at 3:48 p.m. Thursday, after a relatively quick labor.

Peggy Levine said the hotel's guests, some of whom were in town for a theater production, took the birth in stride.

"The hollering only lasted 20 minutes," Beth Reyes said.

It's fitting the birth took place inside an old hospital, Peggy Levine said, and she and her husband have gone to lengths to make the place family-friendly. The Reyes' room is studded with toddler toys, books and a tricycle. A window from the room overlooks a badminton court, where Peggy Levine says her 4- and 6-year-old grandchildren romp when they come to visit.

Phoenix Reyes even joined his parents and the Levines for an evening spot of tea after he was born. Friday morning, the family enjoyed a breakfast of scrambled eggs, tortillas and cheese.

"I figured Beth needed some protein," Peggy Levine joked.

Asked if she'd welcome more expectant mothers to her inn, Peggy Levine paused. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but "we'd do it if the house isn't busy," she joked. "It depends on our availability."

Beth and Will Reyes are already planning to return on Phoenix's first birthday.

"I think we'll have an interesting story to tell him," Beth Reyes said.

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To contact staff writer David Mirhadi, e-mail davidm@the union.com or call 477-4229.