Appellation Means More Than Hospitality

The Roots of Appellation

A distinct blend of culinary and hospitality excellence, for locals and travelers alike. Appellation is an innovative yet timeless tale told through the shared language of food, place and people: embracing what it means to be authentically local, nurturing community and culture through culinary and craft experiences born of their regions.

Our Founders

Guests toasting wine outdoors at Appellation Healdsburg in Sonoma wine country

Our Founders

Chef Charlie Palmer & Christopher Hunsberger

More than twenty years ago, Charlie and Christopher started working on their first hotel project together. Nearly five dozen hotels, 20 Michelin stars, and multiple James Beard Awards later, they decided to start a truly new kind of hospitality company. One where culinary distinction, access to world-class artisans, and a sense of place aren’t just part of the guest experience, they are the guest experience.

Our Brand Hallmarks

Three key hallmarks perpetually guide our vision and root our manifesto. These are the cornerstones of our foundation, the ethos that drives everything we do across each Appellation destination.

Honeybee on honeycomb, reflecting Appellation Hotels' connection to its natural surroundings.

Defines Us

Place

We dig deep into the character that defines each destination, and infuse locally rooted experiences into the essence of every hotel.

Defines Us Place

Cook in a bandana lifting a long sheet of fresh pasta dough from a pasta machine

Power Us

People

It's the curiosity of our visitors and the passion of our partners and team that enables our spirit of innovation and refinement of craft.

Power Us People

Family of four smiling together under a sunlit wooden pergola

Connects Us

Food

A rich life and lasting bonds begin through the shared language of food and the role it plays when people gather, explore, and celebrate.

Connects Us Food

Soul Searching

We begin every project by Soul Searching. We explore the geographic and cultural landscape to discover locations that fit with the Appellation vision. Nothing is forced - when we find a place that aligns with our core values, we integrate ourselves into the landscape - not the other way around.

Hands scooping freshly harvested olives from a burlap sack

A Search for Immersion

We weave local characteristics, from homegrown heroes and ingredients to artisanal craft, into the design of the guest experience.

Hands shaping clay on a pottery wheel, an artisan craft experience at Appellation Hotels.

A Search for Authenticity

Each Appellation reflects the true fabric of its place. We do this purposefully, and thoughtfully.

Copper still with a burlap sack lifted above it during a small-batch distilling demonstration

A Search for Collaboration

When we put down roots, we bring people in – employing and supporting our surrounding cities and towns as good stewards of our community.

Culinary First

Appellations are crafted around the concept that good food creates extraordinary experiences and meaningful moments. We hand select our destinations where food is impeccably sourced, inventively cooked, and communally enjoyed by locals and travelers alike.

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Man kneeling in a garden with a bowl of freshly picked fruit

Approachable Luxury

Our hospitality is always impressive, but never pretentious. We believe luxury accommodations and experiences should be world-class while also being approachable and welcoming. We place comfort and connection over formality and excess.

Makers & Artisans

We collaborate with local creatives whose craft authentically expresses the distinctions of place. With their generations of guidance and experience, our guests get a taste of locality, seasonality and personality.