Appellation, the groundbreaking culinary-first hotel brand by Chef Charlie Palmer and luxury hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger, joins forces with visionary vintner and developer Frank Léal of Léal Hospitality to announce The MOHI by Appellation, formerly known as Hotel MOHI by Appellation. The hotel will debut in 2027 as Morgan Hill’s first full-service luxury boutique hotel, marking the next evolution of Léal’s vision to establish Morgan Hill as a compelling food and wine mecca in Northern California.
“Frank Léal is a beloved pillar of the community. Leveraging his long-time commitment to Morgan Hill and to farm fresh, locally sourced dining will be key to the success of The MOHI by Appellation,” says Appellation Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Christopher Hunsberger. “His establishments have long drawn in crowds from the greater Silicon Valley area, and we are excited to start bringing wider, much-deserved attention to the region with The MOHI by Appellation.”
For more than a decade, Léal Hospitality has shaped the area’s identity with epicurean-driven experiences like MOHI Farm, Léal Vineyards, MOHI Ranch and more, laying the groundwork for a region defined by quality, authenticity and a strong sense of place. The MOHI by Appellation builds directly on this momentum, introducing a much-needed luxury hotel designed to serve leisure travelers, weddings, group, and business gatherings while elevating the city’s culinary and cultural profile. As one of the pioneers behind the transformation of Sonoma County’s Healdsburg, Charlie Palmer — alongside Appellation and Léal Hospitality — have set their sights on establishing Morgan Hill as an international wine country destination.
“Morgan Hill has long deserved a hotel experience that reflects the quality of what’s being grown, made, and shared here,” said Frank Léal. “The MOHI by Appellation is designed to be both a destination and a gathering place, something that supports our community while welcoming new visitors to discover it.”
A Culinary-First Hotel Experience
True to Appellation’s food-first ethos and the rich culinary abundance of Morgan Hill, The MOHI by Appellation will introduce a dynamic collection of four food and beverage concepts, each offering a distinct experience while collectively shaping the hotel’s social and cultural energy. Rooted in local sourcing and seasonal expression, the hotel’s lineup of unique bars and restaurants, is designed to draw both guests and locals alike, positioning the hotel as the hub for Morgan Hill’s next chapter.
Youngstock
Youngstock is a bold, California-driven take on three main elements: “International-inspired dim sum,” “a la plancha” offerings, and “In Stock” fired-to order larger plates. The menu channels cowboy spirit through a modern lens, with shareable plates that are vibrant and unexpected. Warm woods, burnished metals and low light create an atmosphere that feels equal parts intimate and electric.
HOLT by Charlie Palmer
A restaurant within a restaurant at the heart of the hotel, HOLT by Charlie Palmer is an immersive steakhouse experience. Rooted in classic technique and California sourcing, the menu centers on a custom multi-course dining experience with elevated steaks and chops, seasonal ingredients and house-crafted elements. The space is rich, defined by wood and leather, setting the stage for an experience that is both grounded and indulgent.
Nashelle
Bringing a taste of Nashville to Morgan Hill, Nashelle is an all-day dining venue rooted in botanical design, house-made breads and pastries, seasonal ingredients, and late-night drinks and bites. Cocktails layer bright citrus, garden herbs and delicate floral notes into compositions that feel transportive.
Solene
Situated poolside, Solene captures the radiant rhythm of the California sun. The menu will feature light and lively flavors in the form of curated bites and refreshing pours. Surrounded by mature olive trees, the atmosphere is warm and open with sun-washed tones, soft textures and an energy that lingers from midday into golden hour.
“Our vision for Appellation has always been to get there first — to seek out the places where something extraordinary is already happening and bring it to the world stage,” notes Appellation Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Charlie Palmer. “ Morgan Hill is exactly that kind of place: a destination on the verge of its moment, with a culinary and agricultural identity that deserves a real spotlight. Appellation hotels are built to express the full essence of a place; that unmistakable sense of here, and like everything in our portfolio, The MOHI by Appellation weaves food and beverage into the very DNA of the experience, from design to programming, across each of our four restaurant concepts”
Additional hotel amenities will include a serene terrace pool and deck with lush greenery complete with a tucked-away pocket bar; and a café and bakery that transitions into a cocktail and wine bar come evening; over 9,500 square feet of meetings and event space; and a state-of-the-art, wine-country-inspired spa offering olive scrub treatments, salt cleansing massages and a sauna.
The MOHI by Appellation features 76 guestrooms and suites, many with private balconies offering views of the Diablo and Santa Cruz Mountain Ranges, while the hotel’s signature suite showcases a stunning vantage point of El Toro, one of Morgan Hill’s most iconic natural landmarks. Each guestroom incorporates calming color palettes inspired by the surrounding vineyards and valley landscapes, creating a serene retreat just steps from Morgan Hill’s vibrant, walkable downtown.
