Have you ever booked a hotel stay based on pictures alone? Blog posts and Instagrams from friends and another personal recommendation from a former local led to adding Madonna Inn to my Pacific Coast Highway itinerary.
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I didn’t have the sunny weather that I’d seen captured before, but thankfully what the February skies were lacking, the colors and textures of this offbeat property made up for. We’d booked a room in the Canary Cottage because it reminded us of The Birds and Alfred Hitchcock, but with everything in yellow. Each room at Madonna Inn is decorated in a different theme, some built into rock walls and others resembling a mountain hideaway.
Each room comes with their signature pink details like the soft bathrobes, pink room keys, and pink ice buckets. I even wore my bathrobe to the pool one afternoon for a glass of pink champagne, despite the fact that it wasn’t quite warm enough to sit out. Thankfully, the pool was heated. Madonna Inn also has a spa and nearby hiking trails as well as bike rentals.
But what I liked best about the inn, however, was doing nothing. Most of our time here was spent exploring nearby towns and enjoying San Luis Obispo’s best restaurants, which I’ll cover in a later post. It was a great home base, especially as I caught up on writing work. Madonna Inn has so much to explore, including their quirky gift shop.
Madonna Inn also has a number of restaurants on site. We didn’t take advantage of the steakhouse, which was decked out for Valentine’s Day. The bar area was also being used by a corporate retreat. But we did have breakfast at the coffee shop, which has a carousel-type area and croissants the size of your head. The desserts here are no joke.
The two-night stay was one of my highlights of the trip and I can’t wait to come back and spend an entire week here one day! Madonna Inn is located in San Luis Obispo, located between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Rates start at $209 and go up based on the season and room size. Book your stay here.
Rebecca says
Our friends stayed here and said it was awesome! That is some decorating… :-)
Caroline says
It totally is! Unlike anywhere I’ve been in the world.
Lisa @ NatureImmerse says
I recommend Wilhelm Tell. As a lover of rock and the color red, the Wilhelm Tell room is something of a dream destination. Just look at those vibrant colors. The stained glass windows tell the story of Wilhelm Tell, if you feel like learning a little something.
Caroline says
Love it, Lisa!
Kirsten says
What a quirky place!! Love the photos.
Caroline says
Thanks Kirsten! I’m sure you’d enjoy the hotel!
Dylan says
I’ve seen this place a few times when searching for places to stay in California. Maybe next time I should make the jump – it looks very quirky.
Caroline says
It totally is worth the detour, Dylan!
Edu says
this must be an awesome place