Hopland’s Historic Hangout

story & photos by Holly Madrigal

The small community of Hopland is the first town north of San Francisco on the 101 where you encounter a crosswalk, a nice reminder to slow down in Mendocino County. Near that crosswalk on Highway 101, a bright sign marks the official first spot to stop for a cocktail—Café Poppy and Thatcher Hotel. Completely renovated with modern amenities, the stately iconic Victorian balances a clean, modern aesthetic with the historic character of the property. Thatcher Hotel reopened in October of 2019, but the pandemic silenced the fanfare. This past March, they were able to shake off the forced lethargy of the lockdown and reopen room rentals with all the safety precautions in place.

Café Poppy is a sunny modern space in Thatcher Hotel which offers Plank Coffee and espresso drinks. All the baked goods are homemade, and their hours cater to the breakfast and lunch crowds. The Caprese Panini and the Farro Salad with kale and fresh strawberries looked especially enticing. The café transitions to small plates in the evening to partner with the seasonal craft cocktails at the adjoining Bar Thatcher. The stunning original wooden bar looks like it arrived straight out of the Old West, but it has been beautifully updated to enhance the design style.

The library fills this bibliophile’s heart with joy. It was kept intentionally unique, and you may be surprised to learn that the books are slightly controversial. They have also used the books as design elements, with some spines turned toward the back of the shelf to display clean lines, and with others organized by hue. The entire space is peppered with curiosities, and the wooden rolling ladder and fireplace welcome visitors to sit and talk philosophy with their Sazerac.

The Gallery just down the hall is a spacious area that can hold 50-60 people for a sit-down dinner, or more than 100 for standing cocktail events. The floor-to-ceiling doors open onto a stylish veranda with firepit seating areas. A lower-level garden space has its own firepit and opens up to a bar and micro-brewery downstairs. The sleek dipping pool area has shaded lounges, outdoor showers, and a pergola. The local secret: You can get a pool pass to enjoy the water if the inn is not fully booked and the pool reserved for guests.

The collaborators on Thatcher Hotel’s revival include a number of Hopland neighbors. The similar aesthetic blends perfectly with the historic character of the property. It’s as if they revealed the core beauty of the hotel, uplifting the key design elements and stripping the rest away, leaving clean, modern lines. The renovation modified a 24-room hotel into one with 18 rooms complete with spacious bathrooms and luxurious appointments. The Harvest Room boasts a modern clawfoot soaking tub and a leather seating area with a view from the iconic corner cupola. Another room has views of the eastern hills, golden and wreathed in vineyards. Sleek concrete sinks and minimalist open showers provide a luxurious spa feel. Currently, Thatcher Hotel serves guests Thursday through Saturday nights, while Stock Farm, the inn next door, welcomes guests throughout the week.

The entire property has been renovated to create a welcoming respite from the road. A variety of bites, all within steps of each other, beckons you to stop and stretch your legs. Hopland is a hidden gem boasting fine dining, amazing beer, and unpretentious high-quality wines, and it is just a short jaunt up the meandering highway from the city. Now Thatcher Hotel and Café Poppy welcome visitors to stop and stay. We have a slower pace here in Mendocino County, and this is the perfect oasis.

Thatcher Hotel & Café Poppy
13401 Hwy 101, Hopland | (707) 723-0838 | ThatcherHotel.com

Evening Stays Thursday - Saturday nights
Café Poppy Fri - Sun, 8am - 2pm
Bar Thatcher Fri - Sat, 12pm - 8pm