✈️ The Journey Continues! From Colombia to the World.
The Atticus Hotel: A Little Luxury, a Lot of Charm & a Home Away from Home!
What happens when Wayne and I trade our familiar hotel brands for a boutique hotel in downtown McMinnville, Oregon? We discover a hidden gem! 🏨❤️ From a cozy fireplace and welcoming lobby to charming bicycles, walkable streets, and unexpected surprises, the Atticus Hotel gave us plenty to love.
AMERICA 250 ROAD TRIPTRAVEL STORIES
Tamara Driver
11/13/20263 min read
As you can probably tell by now, Wayne and I have been intentionally stepping outside our hotel comfort zone! Instead of always staying with our familiar favorites—Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, and Hilton—we decided to explore a few unconventional boutique hotels to see how they measured up. And guess what?
So far, not a single disappointment! ❤️
First up: the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, Washington. And now, we've landed at the beautiful Atticus Hotel in downtown McMinnville, Oregon! Let me tell you, from the moment we walked through the doors, we felt right at home.
🛋️ A Hotel That Feels Like Your Own Living Room!
You know that feeling when you walk into someone's home and immediately want to sit down, relax, and stay awhile? Well, that's exactly how we felt at the Atticus Hotel!
The front desk staff greeted us warmly, and the lobby was absolutely charming. With its comfortable sofas, inviting chairs, and cozy atmosphere, it felt more like someone's beautifully decorated living room than a hotel lobby. And then we saw our room!
🔥 A Fireplace, Barn Doors & a Room We Didn't Want to Leave!
Oh, my goodness! We chose our room specifically for the fireplace, and it didn't disappoint! The fireplace added such a wonderful touch, making the room feel warm, relaxing, and almost like our own little apartment. But that wasn't all! We also had beautiful sliding barn doors separating our bedroom from the sitting area. Talk about having the best of both worlds—privacy when we wanted it and plenty of room to spread out!
Honestly, this was another hotel where Wayne and I found ourselves saying, "We should have stayed longer!" And here's something else that made us smile: some of the rooms had names, including one called the Howard Hughes Room. We thought that was pretty comical! You never know whose room you might end up staying in!
🍽️ Delicious Food, but a Little Cozy!
Now, you know Wayne and I enjoy a good meal! The hotel's restaurant served good food, but we did have one small observation. The dining area was a bit snug—smaller than we expected. Nothing that would keep us from returning, but compared with the spacious and inviting lobby, the restaurant felt a little more compact. Still, good food is good food!
🚲 Those Cute Bicycles Were Actually for Riding!
One of the first things we noticed outside the hotel was a row of adorable bicycles with the Atticus Hotel name displayed on them. Naturally, we assumed they were part of the hotel's charming décor. Well, surprise! Guests could actually use the bicycles to explore downtown McMinnville! 🚲
How clever is that? Of course, I would have happily hopped on one and pedaled my way around town. Wayne? Absolutely NOT! 😂
So, we did what we do best.
We walked!
🚶♀️ 10,000 Steps, Downtown Discoveries & Wine!
One thing we absolutely loved about the Atticus Hotel was its location. Right in the heart of downtown McMinnville, we could step outside and find restaurants, shops, and wine-tasting rooms within walking distance. No need to drive everywhere. No complicated plans. Just put on our walking shoes and explore! And explore we did!
I'm pretty sure we exceeded 10,000 steps on some of those days. There was so much to see, so much to eat, and most assuredly, so much to TASTE! That's one of the things we love most about slow travel. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you simply walk.
🎶 A Wine Tasting with an Unexpected Bonus!
Speaking of unexpected discoveries… One afternoon, Wayne and I headed out for what we thought would be another ordinary wine tasting. Well, imagine our surprise when we arrived and discovered two live performers entertaining guests right inside the tasting room!
Oh, what a treat! Good wine, live music, and a wonderful atmosphere. We hadn't planned on a concert, but we certainly weren't complaining!
⭐ Our Atticus Hotel Rating? FIVE Out of FIVE!
So, how did the Atticus Hotel measure up against our familiar hotel brands?
Five out of five! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Between the welcoming staff, beautiful lobby, cozy fireplace, spacious room, and unbeatable downtown location, this boutique hotel earned a special place on our list of favorites. Yes, the restaurant was a little snug, but that was a small detail compared with everything else we enjoyed. And just like the Marcus Whitman Hotel, we left wishing we'd booked a longer stay!
If your travels ever take you to McMinnville, Oregon, don't overlook the Atticus Hotel.
Sometimes stepping away from the familiar leads to something extraordinary!
❤️ Have You Stayed at the Atticus Hotel?
Have you ever stayed at the Atticus Hotel or discovered a boutique hotel that surprised you?
Do you prefer familiar hotel brands, or do you enjoy trying something different?
We'd love to hear about your experiences!
Coming Up Next: McMinnville Wine Country vs. Walla Walla!
After our unforgettable tastings in Walla Walla, Washington, we had some pretty high expectations. So, how did McMinnville compare? Was the wine just as good? Were the tasting experiences better? And what surprised us most?
Oh, we have some stories to tell!
Stay tuned for our next adventure!
Until next time, keep exploring, keep discovering, and remember—sometimes the best places to stay are the ones you never expected to love!
— International Drivers 🌎❤️