Master chef, luxe hotelier aims to transform sleepy podunk California suburb into the next Napa

Located in Downtown Morgan Hill, Hotel MOHI by Appellation will feature 76 rooms across five stories, offering guests an upscale experience.Photo byCourtesy Photo

Appellation, the innovative hotel brand founded by acclaimed chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality expert Christopher Hunsberger, is teaming up with Frank Léal of Léal Hospitality to introduce Hotel MOHI by Appellation. Scheduled to open in fall 2025, this will be Morgan Hill's first full-service luxury boutique hotel.

Located in Downtown Morgan Hill, Hotel MOHI by Appellation will feature 76 rooms across five stories, offering guests an upscale yet approachable experience. The hotel will highlight the local food and wine scene with a 215-seat restaurant, sourcing ingredients from on-site gardens and local purveyors.

With amenities including a terrace pool, a wine-country-inspired spa, and a spacious ballroom for up to 500 guests, Hotel MOHI aims to enhance the region's reputation as a premier destination for dining and events. The hotel's design will reflect Morgan Hill’s vibrant community and surrounding vineyards, embodying Appellation’s commitment to integrating local culture into its hospitality offerings.