Right off the highway in San Luis Obispo sits the Madonna Inn, a colorful, over-the-top getaway that never shies away from eccentric decoration. The inn is marked by a large pink sign and a retro-fairy-tale-inspired building that looks like it dropped straight out of the Swiss Alps (with gleaming white paint and bright pink trim). If that’s not tempting enough, the inn sits on a sprawling estate complete with horses, trail rides, hiking, and more.
Bathed in shades of pink, the hotel is known for its maximalist, eclectic aesthetic. While the pink theme may be what first catches your eye, the main draw of the iconic inn is its guest rooms. Each of the 110 rooms has its own theme, from pastel suites featuring spiral staircases to a pioneer-inspired room; no two are the same. Several rooms come with a rock shower or a rock waterfall shower. A room inspired by Yosemite’s Half Dome features massive rock walls and a fireplace, while the “San Francisco” room transports you to the 1850s with its bright red and gold furnishings. Each room is wonderfully kitschy, creative, and completely unique.
If you can’t spend the night at the inn (rooms can book up fast), we recommend checking out the bar or restaurant. The main restaurant, a traditional steakhouse, features bright pink booths and ornate flower ornaments. A cocktail lounge fitted with equally ornate furnishings, stained glass windows, and plenty of pink seating, perfect for guests to enjoy a cocktail. In the morning, the Copper Cafe serves classic breakfast starting at 7:00 am.
Madonna Inn sits on 1,000 acres used for activities such as horseback riding and hiking. Pink tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts fit with the rest of the estate’s aesthetic, and the large pool perched on a hilltop offers beautiful views. Plus, be sure to stay for nightly live music performances.
The now-iconic inn originally opened in 1958 with just 12 rooms by Alex and Phyllis Madonna. More rooms were quickly built, and by 1960, construction on the main inn had started. Throughout the years, the inn has become a staple in California, attracting visitors for its unique design alone.
The inn’s eccentric style makes it worth a stop, especially if you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway near San Francisco. Plus, the surrounding area includes a quiet downtown with many dining options, and nearby wineries are just a short drive away.
You can learn more about the Madonna Inn here.