Review – Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

On our road trip through America, top of my wishlist was staying at Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. I am very pleased to say I can now check it off the travel bucket list at long last.

We stayed 1 night on our travels but I could have happily stayed forever. Read on to find out why.

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

First opened in 1958 with only 12 rooms and rapidly expanding up to 1960 when the main Inn building was built, Madonna Inn is a labour of love for Alex and Phyliss Madonna.

Now boasting 110 quirky themed rooms you will find something to suit your taste. From tasteful french chic to all out caveman fantasy and just about everything in between, no detail has been overlooked.

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

At Check In you are given a warmed cookie from the on site bakery and even a souvenir post card of your room. The property is quite spacious so do ask if you need help with luggage. There are carts around to help you and due to the space, you can move your car close to your room. There is a lack of lifts though so bear that in mind. Pictures of all the rooms can be found on the website here.

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

During our stay, we called Room 165 “GO” home. As part of a trio of rooms called Merry Go Round, our room was an incandescent circular room of joy. I can say that because the minute we opened the door we couldn’t stop grinning. Blue sequin glittery walls from floor to ceiling were bouncing the light around the room from the hot air balloon style chandelier. Incredible.

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

We were worried that the decor and finish could be a little dated and dowdy but we had nothing to worry about. The thick deep luxurious carpet guides you in to your room and around your king size bed. Beyond the usual in room amenties was the beautiful bathroom where twin antique french sinks took pride of place. Again, even down to the branded Madonna Inn toiletries and chilled bottle of bubbly that was waiting for us, no detail has been overlooked.

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

Heading back to the main building, you are spoiled for choice with things to check out.  There is a gift shop, a clothing boutique, a gourmet gift shop and a wine cellar as well as a variety of dining choices. Gold Rush is a fine dining Steakhouse, Copper Kettle is a home style dining room and there is a bakery coffee shop serving home classics and the most incredible cookies and cakes.

The Cocktail Lounge is a great bar to sit and people watch from and just soak in the entire atmosphere of being in quite possibly the craziest hotel you will ever see.

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

The restaurant. Oh the restaurant. From the animatronic doll on the swing to the huge fake flowering tree there is some kind of quirky detail everywhere you look. As we were staying here to celebrate my belated birthday, we pushed the boat out and had a steak dinner which worked out to be incredibly good value! For around £35 pp we had a delicious tender steak that came with soup, salad, vegetables, baked potato and bread. Service was perfect and the meal was finished off with a giant slice of the famous Madonna Inn Pink Champagne cake.

Returning to our room, we couldn’t capture how beautiful the room was in the dim glow from the moon outside. Every single inch of the room glittered and sparkled.

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo Review

If you are in California, I cannot recommend you visit the Madonna Inn highly enough. My only regret? Not staying longer!

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