This homespun country inn is most associated with a wine country vacation, commonly decorated with “craftsman”- or “farmhouse”-inspired décor. While these often-folksy inns provide a sense of place, Erin Stephenson and Brian Shea, founders of Atticus Hotel, shook up that formula ever so slightly. Rather than go the “quaint” route, an eclectic and urbane mix of furnishings and accents blend the Pacific Southwest Americana of Willamette Valley hub McMinnville with the contemporary sensibility of Portland, located 40 miles south.

The exterior of the hotel looks like a lovingly restored vintage building. It is bathed in a rich navy blue on the outside, accented with walnut trim on the inside and features pops of jewel-toned color in the eclectically decorated lobby. However, some guests are surprised to learn a more modern building served as the foundation for Stephenson’s and Shea’s reinvented “inn,” allowing old and new aesthetics to comingle freely.

© Elyse Glickman

This intention flows into 36 distinctively decorated rooms and suites, outfitted with Pendleton bathrobes and bath products from Portland’s Maak Labs. All rooms, which range in size from a 200-square-foot micro studio to the 1,150-square-foot luxury penthouse, have whimsical door knockers with forest motifs; fresh, spa-like bathroom set-ups; beds with hand-painted headboards; locally made Restonic mattresses; original artwork from area artisans; wine refrigerators; and bar areas with French press coffee makers, electric water kettle and kitchen/barware to enjoy regionally produced Flag & Wire coffee or Velvet Monkey teas along with locally grown hazelnuts and walnuts.

There is also a pet-friendly room, wheelchair-accessible room, Luxury Balcony Suite for up to four people and a Luxury Bunkhouse that can accommodate up to six people. A guide book, found in every room, provides descriptions of artwork and artists, as well as historic highlights and worthwhile points of interest around town.

© Elyse Glickman

Sophisticated perks available to all guests include a glass of R. Stuart Co. sparkling wine at check-in and complimentary cappuccino and espresso in the lobby anytime during the stay. Other amenities available for all guests include a fitness room, Tesla and electric car charging stations, sturdy Dutch bikes available for use free of charge during the stay, and the Atticus Hotel Drawing Room for private dining and meetings for up to 10 people. The Atticus Hotel Drawing Room is worth a look, as the artwork is dedicated to beloved and important members and artisans of the McMinnville community.

© Elyse Glickman

Cypress Mediterranean, the hotel’s on-property restaurant, blends contemporary wine country staples with clever international influences, including Greece and Türkiye. Breakfast is the star attraction, with fresh-baked pita accompanying most of the simpler dishes, and signatures like ful mudammas (green garbanzo beans, cumin, garlic, onion, poached egg, fried pita); pomegranate pancakes; shakshuka; and Turkish eggs with yogurt, pepper sauce and herb salad. However, burgers and salads offered other times of day are regarded as local favorites.

© Elyse Glickman

One night during a stay should be set aside for dinner at popular winemaker and wine lover hangout Humble Spirit, a five-minute walk around the corner.

Atticus Hotel

375 NE Ford St.
McMinnville, OR 97128
tel 503 472 1975