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My Favorite Things Boutique Notice how the original entrance and sign are located right on the 101 highway in the early '60s. Boulders used in construction of the Madonna Inn, some weighing as much as 200 tons, came from San Luis Mountain adjacent to the Inn. Alexander Zeller, renowned Bavarian woodcarver and sculptor, whose work can be seen throughout Madonna Inn. The Hearst Family presented Alex with the hand-carved, white marble balustrade to show their appreciation for a favor. Many people have asked for a history of Madonna Inn, so with this brief story, we will attempt to tell you how it all began.
Services
Delicious drinks, appetizers and entrees - served by friendly staff members in Whimsical dining room settings. Classic American breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts - made fresh daily with wholesome ingredients. Breakfast served all day, lunch served at 11:00 a.m. and dinner at 5:30 p.m. A traditional Steak House serving oak-pit barbecued steak, seafood, chicken, vegetarian entrees, a superb wine list and decadent desserts in an enchanting, opulent atmosphere.Elegantly set against a backdrop of hand-carved wooden details and stained glass windows, this inviting atmosphere is ideally located adjacent to Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House.
This Signature massage has been customized to deliver a blend of nurturing techniques to relax and de-stress your body. Includes warm towel therapy and aromatherapy. For the caveman or woman in you! Enjoy our version of a hot stone massage. Warmed stones are used to soothe and relax muscles, while traditional massage strokes flush away tension.
Let us help you find the perfect setting for your next wedding, meeting, or event. We offer indoor and outdoor venues, on-site catering, and experienced staff to make your planning process effortless.
A spectacular hilltop retreat features a heated beach-entry pool, two jetted whirlpools, fitness room, gazebo and waterfall. The Terrace Pool Bar offers lite fare, including smoothies, wraps, and signature cocktails. Pool facilities are available to SPA and Hotel guests only. Commemorate your stay with signature Madonna Inn treasures, or shop for designer jeans, jewelry, apparel and swimwear for the entire family in our boutique and gift shop.
Reviews (29)
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Britt M.
Jun 22, 2022
You are definitely staying here for the kitsch, not the comfort. The beds were incredibly hard with lumpy pillows. The A/C was located behind a really heavy couch so it never really got cool in there. We were located on the 3rd floor, but there were no elevators or ramps to lug our heavy suitcase up - and no staff offer to assist with luggage. Parking at the actual area with the rooms is incredibly limited. I did enjoy the kitsch of our room, and the property, as well as the food & decor of the restaurant. Definitely a place to stay once - but not again.
Livier M.
Jun 14, 2022
Omgggg I cannot rave enough about this place. I grew up driving past this place all the time but thinking it was Madonna the singers hotel so it never interested me. Well imagine my surprise when a tik tok video showed the theme rooms and I ran to their website to book a stay. Unfortunately, the room I wanted was unavailable but we found another one we really liked and o was obsessed!

The decor, the staff, the grounds are just beautiful. I love pink and the restaurant was as if a pink flower threw up in it. Just flowers and hot pink paint chairs etc. The food was just eh but honestly everything else made up for it and I can't wait to be back!
Ed H.
Jun 10, 2022
Nice retro steakhouse. Atmosphere is very gaudy--bubblegum pink everywhere. Food was just okay. For a steakhouse I was a bit disappointed. I ordered the NY which was very flavorful but a bit tough and overcooked (I requested medium rare -- I got medium). The "New England clam chowder " was curiously devoid of clams and seemed to be more like mashed potato soup.

At the suggestion of a friend I ordered the pink champagne cake which was great. Maybe it was the dancing and band or the cake or the just okay steak but the whole experience felt like I was at a wedding for really old people. I think I would recommend coming to Madonna Inn for the nostalgia experience once--beyond that, I'm not so sure.
Kellee T.
May 30, 2022
Loved it! All I could say when we got there that it was SO PINK & my great grandmother would it because of that. The dining room is completely pink & has music & a dance floor. We went to the Copper Cafe 2x, for takeout when we arrived & breakfast the next morning. Do not skip the famous bakery which I wasn't feeling the cakes (I know.) so I tried one of each of the cookies.

My favorite was the peanut butter & the almond. The room we stayed in was the Highway Room in building 3. I've never seen anything like it. First off.it's kind of obvious that this place is older & made in the 70's? but the charm of the establishment is undeniable. Each room is completely different from the next. Ours had pictures on the walls of the properties development, a beautiful king sized gold bed, a patio, a fireplace & the bathroom was adorable!

It had two pedestal sinks, yellow tile, with blue accents. The toilet had a bidet & we had a rock shower which was amazing! I've never seen anything like it. I kind of felt slightly claustrophobic in it but it was so different. The grounds of the hotel are beautiful, be sure to leave time to explore. Maybe hang out attge spa, pool or hottest tub. I've never seen a more unique pool. It was flat & smooth as glass. There was no lip or side! The views were stunning as well!
Theresa M.
May 28, 2022
On the way to LA, I thought of visiting here per my friend's recommendation. What a great stop for a road trip! You can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hubby and I stopped for lunch and we strolled a little bit after. Food is good. Staff are nice. Price is reasonable but some is pricey. However they have big servings. Madonna Inn is Located in San Luis Obispo, around 3 1/2 hrs from bay area(SF), CA.

One of the best highway stops on the Hwy 101, SLO County. No, it's not owned by Madonna, the singer. That's what I thought at first too. Madonna Inn was established in 1958 by Alex & Phyllis Madonna as a roadside motel for travelers. They have a full bar, cafe shop and steakhouse(open only for dinner) plus a garden for special events too.

All have huge space. You can just pay a visit, dine, then stroll around, and no need to reserve a room. There's a nice basement where the winery and gift shop is located. As a plus, the restrooms are super clean! The place is a good size and there is also very good choices of food from their cafe shop. Will come back again for an overnight for sure to try their steakhouse restaurant too.
Cathy G.
May 02, 2022
I was frankly shocked at how run down our room was. I specifically chose the Sweepstakes because of the horse theme. That was fine, but the furniture was so beat up! I'm not talking about vintage, I'm talking scratched and missing it's varnish. Geez people, spend $10 on a furniture touch up kit and brown out the scratches! I was not expecting expecting lots of modern conveniences, afterall it's over 60 years old, but I did expect normal upkeep.

So sad, because the theme was cute, there was a new, rather small flat screen, a coffee maker, canned lighting, climate control a/c and a brand new pink ice bucket. Obviously they've put some effort into updating the room, but the obvious damage, gave the room kind of a creepy, fleabag atmosphere. The public areas have fared better, which makes the condition of our room's furnishings all the more shocking. UPDATE: the pink champagne cake is worth getting, from the bakery. It is huge and delicious but it needs to be kept chilled.
Lala G.
Apr 25, 2022
I go just for the cakes and baked goods. The cakes are so worth the 2 hour drive. I have never had a complaint. The staff is always so friendly and welcoming. And did I mention the cakes so delicious. My favorites are the famous Pink Champagne cake and the Raspberry Delight, but they are all so good
Katelyn McMinn
Apr 24, 2022
I would not recommend booking the Fabulous Fifties room 118. There is considerable water damage, moldy/wet carpet and the shower faucet drips consistently. Upon notifying the staff of the water damage, annoying dripping faucet and wet carpet, they confirmed they were already aware of the issue with the room; so that was disappointing to hear that they already knew of the issues but continued to allow bookings for a damaged room and charged full price but discounted the $35 resort fee on a $200-300 room.

The staff was nice but clearly the property is not being kept up and managed to the best of their ability for what you would expect they are charging. Luckily we only booked the one night stay as the room was unacceptable. The breakfast and service were excellent but the sweater I purchased from the gift shop is already coming apart at the seams and I only wore it once.

I tried it on in the gift shop and it left white debris all over my shirt so I felt obligated to purchase the sweater to hide my now dirty black shirt. I'd consider going back for the food at the copper cafe but probably won't book another room stay as I was disappointed at the underwhelming quality of the room and buyer beware of the poor quality of gift shop apparel.

Great food and staff was nice but not worth the room rates overall. To respond to the owner's reply below. Please locate my contact info within your guest registry for Room 118 for April 2022. I do not feel comfortable posting it publicly on this platform and you did not supply me with an email to contact you directly. Thank you.
Craig E.
Apr 20, 2022
Seriously, how can you not give this place five stars. Just make sure you come into this place with the correct expectation of what it is. Every single room is different, and is decorated in a specific theme. Make sure you look closely at the website when booking to get the room that fits you the best, which is pretty fun. The history of this place is very interesting.

It was originally built by a construction worker who got tired of having to eat at truck stops all the time when he finished working late. The hotel was then subsequently built up and decorated by his wife, needless to say prepare for an explosion of the color pink. The beds are comfortable, the rooms are quiet and cozy and the price is right in general.

The gym and pool are quite nice and unfortunately I didn't get to experience the spa. The place is old so there aren't a lot of plugs in the rooms but the WiFi is solid if you really feel the urge to work. Those conference call backgrounds would be epic!
Dylan R.
Apr 15, 2022
I could compliment the pies and cakes, which were great (we tried pecan, coconut creme, and carrot cake). But I am skipping straight to the waterfall urinal in the men's room. It was amazing. If I hit the lotto, I'm definitely having one made. Five stars. I'd attach a photo, but I couldn't take one without potentially making the guy next to me somewhat upset.
Jami N.
Apr 13, 2022
What a whimsical wonder to explore and in which to stay! My partner and I reserved "The Imperial Family", a green and gold themed room reminiscent of Versailles. Check-in was a breeze, and the staff were friendly and efficient. The room and bathroom was clean. We adored the little touches like the Madonna Inn soap. The "secret garden" and pond was fun to explore, so many gorgeous blooms!

The large hot tub and heated pool were a welcome feature after a day spent at the local Montana de Oro State Park and Beaches. The buildings themselves down to the carved doors and tiniest details were so fantastically maximalist, we could not get enough! I hear the mens rock waterfall urinal in the restaurant downstairs was quite an experience! (I'll have to take my partner's word for it!) The gift shop and bakery were enticing!

I was delighted to discover there was also a penny-press souvenir machine- so I have another to add to my collection! The downsides: The mattress was a bit too hard for me, so I did not sleep as well, but if you like a firm mattress, you're in luck! The noise level was unfortunate. The room next door had a fire alarm going off for quite some time and was extremely disruptive.

The walls were so thin, we could literally hear every word of "regular volume" conversations in each room adjacent to ours- even with the TV volume up to try to drown them out. The occupants of one room next door eventually got into an expletive-rich screaming match which made for a very different kind of hotel wake-up call. I wish I had brought earplugs.

Their website states "not responsible for noise" so they obviously know it's an issue. We also had an iffy experience at their Copper Cafe as well, which I will leave a separate review. Upon checkout, they added a lot of fees that were totally unexpected (on top of an overpriced room) which that they were not upfront about, which is unacceptable. All things considered, this is an experience worth trying once!
Rachel H.
Apr 07, 2022
The Madonna Inn: a temple to tacky or a maximalist Mecca? Whichever side you learn towards, you will likely not regret a decision to stay at least one night at this kitschy throwback pink wonderland with themed rooms filled with vintage candelabras, plastic covered Queen Anne couches, gilded gold mirrors and beautifully garish bedspreads all dating back to the ambience of the early 70s.

While rooms are a bit frayed at the edges and don't include air conditioning (it can get warm in summer), real fans of the place overlook this in favor of the fanciful accommodations, complete with heated toilet seat and bidet (which yes, somehow is actually a highlight of this odd place.) People come here to celebrate birthdays and graduations, love, anniversaries, and all things in between.

We stayed in the uber pink Fleur de Lys, but some of their best rooms book up a year in advance. Highlights include fancy dinner in the Alex Madonna Steakhouse, which is incredibly overpriced and pink, and where you'll enjoy the requisite giant entree and piece of champagne cake, and likely a traveling group of swing dancers will show up for a professional twirl on the floor, as they did for us.

Or take a needed visit to their perfectly situated pool and jacuzzi (and spa, if you book ahead) looking out over the hills of SLO, especially at sunset. There is a small cocktail bar here (not the best drinks, but perhaps the strongest, and absolutely the best view!) Be sure to check out the gift shop before you leave to get a goblet or some gear, or all of it.
Parii Nobleman
Apr 07, 2022
This place is great if you want to pay a $30 a day resort fee and get a Disneyland vibe where 25 kids rule the spa pool and hot tub while idiotic parents and grandparents just sit around all bundled up in puffy jackets and blankets. My wife and i are still so angry that we paid so damn much for this place and couldn't enjoy this amenity. Additionally, the room doors are constantly being hammered shut and people are so giddy they talk obnoxiously loud in the corridors.

That being said, watch out if you're looking for romantic adult get away. This ain't that place for enormous expense. We'll never go back despite the fantastic rock room, attentive and cheerful staff, and really good but way overpriced food at steakhouse and cafe.
Ambar M.
Apr 04, 2022
I love coming to Madonna Inn for dinner during Christmas time. It is beautifully decorated and feels so welcoming when you walk in the door. The service is always exceptional. Water service, busser and servers are all on top of your needs. My filet was cooked perfectly and the side of vegetables were substituted as asked. Not pictured were the portobello mushroom fries which were fantastic and the truffle fingerling potatoes which were good also for appetizers. The Madonna inn is famous for the champagne cake but in my opinion the Raspberry Delight was better!
Lily Keene
Mar 30, 2022
This place is heaven! I stayed here with friends last weekend for my birthday and it was a perfect experience. At one point, I called the front desk just to ask where to buy a bottle of water & before I knew it an employee was outside my door giving me a ton of them free of charge. The steakhouse is also a joy. The food isn't a standout (honestly just go straight for the pink champagne cake imo) but the experience definitely is.

The decor is so fun & on weekends there's a live band band! The band seemed to draw in lots of super fun older couples who were more than happy to share the dance floor! Another big perk of this place was the lack of creeps- as young women my friends and I knew we had to be on the lookout but ended up feeling totally safe the whole time! The Inn really knows how to celebrate and make you feel special. I'll definitely be back!
Daria S.
Mar 25, 2022
Quirky, fun and kitschy hotel with a gaudy pink flair built in the 50s and 60s. Fun place to stay for a few days at the south end of SLO. Amenities include spa, swimming pool with two hot tubs and bar. They also have a cocktail lounge, restaurant and cafe on site. Dancing to a live band three nights a week between the restaurant and lounge. They also have a Western arena and horse trail rides.

Need to charge your Tesla? 10 charging stations on site. Gorgeous well-kept grounds with an emphasis on pink roses and flowers. Each of the 118 rooms has a unique theme from caves to mountains and everything in between. Beautiful craftsmanship in every detail of the construction.
Fancypants X.
Mar 11, 2022
Choosing which one of the 110 uniquely-themed rooms to stay in was no easy task. Our first choice, the Madonna Suite, is their most sought after & unavailable for the foreseeable future. We chose Paris Violets (Room #210) which had lit-up paintings of Paris scenery, two sleeping areas painted yellow, a violet & pink bathroom, & a giant silver couch.

Like the rest of the hotel, our room was ornate; garish, even, but I mean that in the best way possible. The property is unapologetically kitschy. Two bathroom features to note: the shower comes equipped with great-smelling shampoo, conditioner, & body wash, & the toilet seat is heated & has a bidet attachment. The Madonna Inn has a plethora of areas to explore: -- the meadow where horses roam -- the Secret Garden -- two hot tubs & massive pool which is heated to a comfortable 85; open til 11pm which we loved -- gift shops where you can purchase their famous goblets in all shades of the rainbow -- their eateries which are connected: the steakhouse which is decked out in pink, their more casual Cooper Cafe, & the bakery. All serve giant slices of cake, but the one they're known for is their Pink Champagne cake. A fun & fabulous time at the Madonna Inn was had by all!
Ashley M.
Mar 10, 2022
LOVE! I grew up on the Central Coast, but had never come until last night. I booked the "Swiss Bell" Room (3/4 rock room wirh cute view of hills above). I brought my fiancee after we had a really bad experience at a well-known hotel in Cambria. I knew the room would be kind of fun and Kitschy, but I was really blown away by how clean it was, the attention to detail and the fun of it.

The room was well appointed with a rock bathroom and rock waterfall shower. The room temperature was easy to control and comfortable. The room was quiet despite others being nearby. You really felt transported to the Swiss Alps! It was very romantic and we really loved the pool area (with 45 foot rock waterfall) and infinity pool Stay here if you can! It books up fast. You won't be disappointed!
Anthony Pineda
Mar 08, 2022
First time at the Madonna Inn and what a fantastic experience it was. Been on my list for a while, my girlfriend had wanted to visit and we finally got a chance to do so. First this place is super unique, just touring the grounds was so much fun. There is so much to do you can easily spend the day here relaxing and enjoying the peace. The staff, incredible and super helpful.

They really are great at playing host and you can really tell they put effort in. The restaurants and food on site are also great. Overall a great experience and looking forward to another visit.
Ruthanna H.
Mar 01, 2022
Barbie's Dreamhouse come to life. The Madonna Inn is every vintage enthusiast and girly girl's dream come true. I booked a room here in early November 2020 for a weekend getaway with my sister. The drive from San Fransisco made for a nice road trip. We stayed in the Merry, one of the most pink and glittery rooms at the Madonna Inn. It's adorned with pink shag rug, pink glitter wallpaper, and gold and crystal chandeliers.

We had breakfast at the hotel's restaurant- the Copper Key Cafe & Bakery. This is something you have to check out for the opulent dining room and bar alone. The food itself was okay, but the setting was just as fun and charming as the rest of the hotel. The giftshop is full of cute clothes and accessories as well as the signature Madonna Inn goblets in an array of fun colors.

We also had a chance to relax in the hot tub, which is always a treat. There are a lot of other amenities on site that we didn't have time to checkout, like the spa and tennis court, but that's okay because I plan to come back and stay at one of the other 110 uniquely decorated rooms in the future.
Kay Y.
Feb 20, 2022
Staff is always so nice here! Came from Pinnacles National Park and decided to stop by for a quick bite before the long drive home. We raided and did massive damage to the gift shop on 2/19/22 around 8pm on the evening. I'm only so descriptive because I am an idiot who is sooo bad at names and she was such a wonderful and delightful assistance!

She knew her craft about the entire store, inventory, and was knowledgeable in helping me find other colors and etc in the inventory. Got bunch of mementos for my friends as I'm such a "bring back gifts from travels that remind me of my friends" person lol We then ate at the Copper Cafe. I really liked that they served both menus and you can sit at either or restaurant. Babes got the French Filet Mignon and we opted for seating at Copper cafe, as it's a much more chill atmosphere.

Everyone at the restaurant was also super wholesome and friendly as well. Def recommended, as I've been to 5 star places with much more grumpier staff. Everyone was super nice. They tended to your needs without being too bothersome.
Christina P.
Feb 13, 2022
Such a fun escape with the themed rooms. My friend and I chose to walk around the property and were thrilled to see and hear people's reactions when they first open the door to their rooms. Unfortunately the dining room was closed when we went due to covid and there was a large tent outside for dining. We stayed in the cave themed room which was beautiful.

The last day before leaving we rented bikes and rode out to see the cows. Of course we also snuck into the men's restroom to checkout the fancy urinal everyone talks about.
Trista W.
Feb 10, 2022
As Dolly Parton one said, "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap." And since Dolly is (expletive) fabulous, it should go without saying that The Madonna Inn follows suit. Finding the motel (technically a motel, pfft. It's an experience! Can't define that! I digress.) is easy off the 101. Look for the giant sign and make Bill Engvall proud.

The first thing you'll see is the EV charge lot, adjacent to the defunct gas station (now empty and inoperable). Next is the giant lot for the restaurant, bakery, and gift shops. There are 3-4 DP/DV parking spots, of which most are by the registration office. Registration is located under the drive through building, on the right. Hotel guests may pull into the drive for check-in, before proceeding up and to the left where they'll see the 110 room motel.

All rock rooms are bottom floors, and I'm fairly certain none of the original rooms are ADA. There doesn't appear to be an elevator and the room we stayed in (Daisy Mae) would not be the thing for someone with assisted devices. That said, the smaller building right below the main motel building DOES have ADA rooms and DP/DV parking adjacent, as well as van accessible.

While each room is special and unique in its own right, I can only speak to room 138 known as "Daisy Mae." This room is centered on the ground floor, and to the left once in the breezeway, tucked in the corner. You'll notice the stained glass door reminiscent of Sleeping Beauty's cabin in the woods. (NOTE: If you require darkness for sleeping, this is NOT the room for you--try #137 Caveman or #139 Jungle Room.

The window for the Caveman overlooks the breezeway; anyone walking into their rooms WILL be able to look in when shades aren't drawn.) The Daisy Mae can get humid; crank the AC and open the bathroom window. The bed was medium, not hard or soft--or sunk in in the center. The pillows are not fluffy or full, so if you're a side sleeper you may want to bring your own pillow. (Another reviewer mentioned no fitted sheets, so we brought a king size fitted--but didn't need it. MANY hotels use a flat sheet with military corners and that's what was going on--no issues for us.) There is NO CARPET in the Daisy Mae.

I wouldn't recommend getting sh--faced and trying to shower here as the rocks are uneven and falling doesn't sound like fun. (Not speaking from experience.) The gym has 2 treadmills, 1 elliptical, 1 recumbent bike, 2 split benches, 1 core bench, cable weights with pull up bar, barbells, medicine balls, weight balls, mats, free water, gym towels and cleaning wipes.

The gym, pool, pool bar, and spa are all located in the same area and require a room key to enter. The pool IS heated. The wine cellar has. WINE. The banquet room can host. ya know, banquets. Lol There actually seem to be 2-3 event rooms. One is off the main dining area (dinner restaurant, not the cafe). Then off to the right is where I believe are 1-2 additional "ballrooms". THIS PLACE WOULD BE AN AMAZING WEDDING VENUE. (There is a decent sized dance floor in the event room adjacent to the main dining.) The cafe and bakery are a great place for a late night snack of pie, cake, ya know. the good stuff we all shouldn't eat.

Breakfast was tasty as well! (Although, the coffee was meh. But take that with a grain of salt, as I also think Starbucks is nasty. I'm a coffee snob. We went to a place called Scout in town. Go there. You're welcome.) All in all, understand this place IS old. But, it also IS well maintained, has a super welcoming charm about it and just has the happy vibes.

If you're looking for fancy and frills, this isn't the place for you. If you're looking for a unique experience with a fun whimsical feel. THIS WILL BE YOUR JAM.
Shell B.
Feb 10, 2022
This place was so fun! The decor was very ornate, and fully decked out for Valentine's Day. I came here because of a friend's suggestion. There was a live band playing and older couples ballroom dancing. Tried slice of cake, which be prepared.there ginormous! I can't wait to come back and explore this place more.
J. L. Guzman
Jan 31, 2022
Such a historical gem that offers plenty to do. Restaurant offers a variety of fresh food options, and excellent customer service. Even though it often gets busy, customer service delivers. Grounds are well kept, they offer various theme rooms and amenities. Check out the bar and the gift store down below. Highly recommended!
Olivia Molina
Jan 27, 2022
I had such an amazing time here. The room and bathroom were gorgeous and the bidet was life changing. We originally planned to stay for only one night be we had to get another because of how great it is. The only problem we had was the toilet made loud noises when you flush and the bathroom door squeaked. But other than that it was perfect! Everyone we spoke to was also very nice and helpful! We will definitely come back to try more rooms and the pool!
Zack G.
Jan 11, 2022
This place is legendary! The over the top decorations, the beautiful grounds and architecture, the amazing food and service makes this a must visit place for anyone and everyone. If you're traveling 101 through the San Luis Obispo area do yourself a favor and drop in-- even just to use the bathroom (the basement men's room with the waterfall is the best).

Treat yourself to a piece of one of their delicious cakes or other baked goods. If you want the full experience, stay in any of the 120+ individually decorated/themed rooms. Grab some tasty cocktails at the bar, and go to the steakhouse for a meal that doesn't skimp on the portions or flavors. Then spend the evening in the hot tubs or heated pool at the top of the hill. Truly one of my favorite places
Dennis T.
Dec 07, 2021
I recently stayed at the Madonna Inn for the second time on a road trip to Monterey. With numerous unique rooms and plush, over-the-top decor--especially at Christmas time--it is a one-of-a-kind place. The on-site bakery is renowned for its cakes and pies, including Pink Champagne Cake and Lemon Coconut Cake. And I found its steak house and coffee shop food to also be first-rate.

Special touches like giant seashell wash basins in the men's restroom abound here. Its large oval swimming pool and whirlpool spa nestled next to flower-draped boulders are inviting, and I took full advantage of the latter just before departing. There is a full-service spa on premises where massages and facials are given, and even trail rides are offered on land adjoining the inn, where horses are stabled.

This time our Pioneer America room was spacious and well served our needs. But Diane and I both found the bed's mattress to be too soft, and I wound up mounting a towel near the bed to block out light from outside lamps that remained on all night. Prices are high for the more elaborately decorated or unusual rooms, like one of the cave rooms. But booking one for one night is likely to be a worthwhile and memorable experience.
Isabella B.
Aug 07, 2021
Dates of Stay: 10/12 to 10/14, 2020. If you ever do a road trip along CA's Central Coast, chances are that you'll pass the famous 'Madonna Inn" sign along US-101. Located at the base of Cerro San Luis (one of the "Nine Sisters" and affectionally nicknamed "Madonna Mountain" by locals), this was the magnum opus project of construction magnate Alex Madonna and his wife Phyllis.

The first 12 rooms were completed when the hotel opened in Christmas Eve 1958 with additional 28 rooms built shortly afterwards, taking the original room count to 40. A fire erupted in the mid-1960's that destroyed everything but this did not deter the Madonna's to rebuild the hotels into its current form. which now includes a whopping grand total of 110 uniquely-themed rooms. I'm going to be honest here. not exactly a fan of their overall aesthetic.

The entire hotel makes you feel like you're stuck in the 70's/80's. Normally I also book hotels due to its proximity to major tourist attractions but the Madonna Inn is not walking distance to downtown SLO and is at least ~30 minutes away from the wine centers of Paso and SYV. But I stayed here knowing that the Madonna Inn was a tourist attraction in and of itself - plus the Tesla SC located near the chapel would be super convenient.

To book a room here is a process and the booking engine can be a little cumbersome. Essentially the 110 rooms are broken down into room vs suite and thematically can be divided up into 3 different expressions: alpine (to honor Alex Madonna's Swiss-Italian heritage), pink (the signature color) and rocks (gathered locally). For the indecisive or curious there is an option to change your hotel room every night.

I took advantage of this during my stay. Being a historical building there were no elevators, which can be an issue should you be taking the luggage up the thin curved stairs. For me I was particularly attracted to their rock waterfall showers and the two rooms I stayed in, Rocky Mountain and the Wilhelm Tell, had this feature. I was very pleasantly surprised that Rocky Mountain even had a Japanese toilet complete with bidet and warming option.

Overall though both rooms had their kitsch factor the air conditioning was working, which was certainly very useful staying with 90+F temps during the day. Parking situation can also be an issue if you're coming in later in the day because some of the parking can be a bit of a walk from the rooms itself. The two main parking areas are at the base of the hotel and the base of the inn, which acts as the central hub containing the main lobby, restaurants, bakery, bar and cute, quaint shops.

Should you park near the inn it can be a bit of a walk to get to your hotel room but at least you are able to take any food or alcohol with you. Didn't get to hang around the inn too much but I did hang around the bar and bakery long enough to try the two signature items - the Pink Cloud (Three Olives strawberry vodka, creme de cacao, strawberry puree & cream. Blended and topped with whipped cream, pink sugar & cherry, $9.50) and their pink champagne cake (white cake with layers of Bavarian cream and whipped cream. Topped with pink curls).

Though both are not my go-tos in a regular dining/drinking situation I tried them just for the experiences. Both are pretty sweet though I do like the texture of the sponge cake. Not sure if I would stay here again but I liked it enough during my stay. I'm glad I'm able to check off another item on the "quintessential Central Coast CA experiences".