If you’ve ever dreamed of living like a princess in a sea of pink blossoms, surrounded by gilded furniture and a celestial beamed pink ceiling topping it all off, we have just the place for you. On the other hand, if you’d like to play caveman for a few days, you could opt for a suite carved out of monolithic boulders and shower underneath a rock waterfall; then relax before a stone fireplace big enough to roast a stegosaurus. These and 108 more uniquely decorated rooms have made the Madonna Inn (on California’s Central Coast) a landmark since 1958.
A huge pink Madonna Inn billboard beckons travelers to stop halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, just outside the city of San Luis Obispo. The inn’s old-world rock construction with pink and white trim, and its graceful cupolas with romantic widows’ walks immediately inform the visitor that this is not your average hotel. (The word “subtle” is not applicable here.) The resort is resplendent with massive carved wood embellishments, cupids, pink roses, Western murals, a marble ballustrade and gleaming hammered copper features. Alex Madonna, now deceased, was a well-known builder and rancher in the community. He was the inn’s architect, while his wife, Phyllis (now 87) acted as the interior designer.
Famous pink sign at the entrance
Photo Credit: Omar Bárcena
The guest rooms are housed in gleaming white pseudo-Swiss-alps buildings climbing up a hill behind the main building. Because the choices of decor and amenities are so vast, choosing one is a challenge. Each has a playful name and wildly individual decor: Swiss Rock, Tall and Short, Pick and Shovel, Hearts and Flowers, or Cave Man.
The centerpiece of the main building is the Alex Madonna Gold Rush Steakhouse, an extravaganza of pink leather banquettes surrounding a colossal chandelier with the wingspan of a small plane. It’s draped in hundreds of roses—some of them a foot or more across—and a myriad of twinkle lights that make diners feel like they’re outdoors in a magical spring garden. The tablecloths, napkins, and even the sugar, are also all in Mrs. Madonna’s favorite shade of pink.
Adjacent to the steakhouse, the Copper Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is known for its decadent French and Danish pastries. Also in the main building, the Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge offers guests and visitors the perfect spot to enjoy refreshments and conversation seated next to ornate hand-carved pillars, colorful stained glass windows and the dinosaur fossils embedded in the grand fireplace’s granite boulders.
The Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge
Photo Credit: Omar Bárcena
The massive rock waterfall in the downstairs men’s room is such an iconic sight that tourists drop into the building just to take a look at it. Ladies routinely ask men to stand guard while they take a peek at the unusual cascade inside.
A more conventional 45-foot waterfall is the focal point of the pool area, which sits high above the rest of the property, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The outdoor swimming pool is a perfect spot for relaxing while taking in the view, while the full-service spa completes a day of vacation indulgence. Guests (and locals) enjoy horseback riding on onsite trails and bikes are available to ride on property or into the nearby city of San Luis Obispo. Walkers and hikers appreciate paths with fabulous views right on the 1000-acre ranch, and those seeking tranquility can find peace in the newly created Secret Garden, a shady haven with an inviting lagoon.
Poolside at The Madonna Inn
Photo Credit: Ann Larie Valentine
Maybe you’ve already planned to travel up Highway 101 to see the rugged Big Sur coastline with its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Or you may have an itinerary that includes visiting some celebrated wineries in the area, attending concerts, dining or shopping in quaint Cambria Pines by the Sea; or perhaps visiting William Randolph Hearst’s famous castle. No matter what reason brings you to the area, make a point to stop at the Madonna Inn. Because even if you haven’t got the time to experience a night in one of its over-the-top, imaginative rooms, the gentlemen’s bathroom waterfall, its over-the-top decor and excellent cuisine are all sure to be a highlight of your trip.
About the Author
Lynne Martin, author of Home Sweet Anywhere, How We Sold Our House, Created a New Life, and Saw the World, and her husband Tim have lived internationally in vacation rentals without a home base for five years and are planning their next adventure.
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