Heading to San Luis Obispo and thinking about spending a night at the famous Madonna Inn? Here’s my complete Madonna Inn review – complete with which room to pick, what to do, and what to eat!
The Madonna Inn is an instagrammers paradise. Think whimsy gingerbread trim, bubblegum pink and fuschia accents, and eccentric and unconventional hotel rooms. The whole space is quirky, bizarre, and downright wacky — in the best kinda way!
After visiting SLO a handful of times, we decided it was finally time to spend the night at the famous Madonna Inn! So when we didn’t have any major plans for my birthday, we decided to drive down the coast, visit Hearst Castle, and spend the rest of the weekend at The Madonna Inn. It was definitely a birthday to remember!
We stayed in a super quirky hotel room (complete with glitter wallpaper), indulged in slices of over-the-top completely pink champagne cake, and admired its distinctive and unusual designs.
It’s a historic hotel located in San Luis Obispo, California, known for its unique and hella quirky architecture and interiors. Think a pink stucco exterior, whimsical towers with intricate heart cutouts, lush gardens with water features, and oh so much more. Perfect for a birthday weekend!
It’s quite the ultimate imaginative escape! An ultra-glam hotel that’s way more than just a hotel stay! The Madonna Inn has everything you need for a chic weekend away, complete with bars and restaurants and even a pool and pink tennis courts. You really don’t need to leave the property if you don’t want to.
The hotel totally gives off Dolly Parton vibes (kinda like the Graduate Hotel where we stayed during our 3 days in Nashville), and it’s become a beloved icon of California’s central coast. An absolute must-do on any weekend trip to San Luis Obispo, even if you’re not spending the night.
So, let’s get to it – my completely honest Madonna Inn review!
Madonna Inn Review Logistics
Why is the Madonna Inn so famous?
It’s over-the-top, playful, and whimsical decor of course! But no really, hang out at the Madonna Inn for even a few minutes and you’ll instantly feel like a kid again – except with some booze in your hand, haha.
The hotel’s got a reputation for being super memorable and one-of-a-kind. I mean, where else would you find pink plush rose-covered carpet and floor-to-ceiling vibrant pink colors?! Kinda wacky, right?!
It’s even got a cult following! I get it – the hotel is kinda like a destination in its own right. People from around the states (and even the world!) come here to check out the famous rooms and wild, over-the-top decor.
History of the Madonna Inn
This off-beat, eccentric hotel was built by Alex Madonna, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, and his wife Phyllis back in 1958. They wanted to create a one-of-a-kind hotel experience for guests – and that they did! It was originally opened as a simple roadside motel, but it quickly became known for its unique and over-the-top decor.
As the years went by, the Madonna Family continued to add to the inn, building new rooms and facilities, each with their own unique theme and design. He was known for his love of bright colors, bold patterns, and eclectic design elements, and these became hallmarks of the Madonna Inn’s style.
Imagine staying there in the 1960s and 1970s when it was considered to be one of the most stylish and fashionable hotels on the West Coast! Makes sense that the Madonna Inn has been featured in plenty of magazines and television shows over the years.
Today, the Madonna Inn continues to operate as a hotel, and it remains one of the most recognizable and memorable landmarks on the Central Coast.
Where is the Madonna Inn
The Madonna Inn is located in San Luis Obispo, California. It’s not terribly far from other spots on the Central Coast, like San Simeon (where the famous Hearst Castle is), Pismo Beach, Morro Bay (with its adorable sea otters), and the wineries of Paso Robles (a bit inland).
It’s easy to reach from both San Francisco and Los Angeles since it’s located almost halfway between the two (about 3.5 hours from either). So, yes, making it the perfect half way mark on any Pacific Coast Highway roadtrip.
When to Visit SLO and the Madonna Inn
Since San Luis Obispo’s got a mild climate, there’s never a horrible time to visit. If you wanna take complete advantage of all the amenities at the Madonna Inn (pool area, hot tubs, tennis courts, etc), visit in spring, summer, or fall. Whatever rain the area gets typically comes in winter. A bit more info on each:
- Summer (June to August): With mostly warm and sunny weather, summer is the most popular time to visit San Luis Obispo. Expect warm, arid, and clear weather. Perfect if you wanna enjoy all the great outdoor activities SLO’s got to offer, like hiking, swimming, and biking! Plus all the nearby beaches on the coast! If you’re planning to explore further inland (like wine tasting in Paso Robles for example), know it can get pretty steamy – highs in the 100s°F are not super uncommon here.
- Spring (March to May): My favorite time of year to visit SLO! The weather’s super mild (pretty much perfect) with lots of wildflowers on the trails.
- Winter (December to February): We spent a night at the Madonna Inn in early February, and had very mixed weather! That’s what you get for going in the winter! Winters are typically pretty chilly (although it’s never freezing), sometimes wet, and usually partly cloudy. Definitely more gray days this time of year.
- Fall (September to November): Once the summer heat is gone (which sometimes lingers into September), you’ll love visiting SLO in the fall. Slightly cooler temps, clear skies, and hardly any rain!
Regardless of the season, visit during the week from Sunday to Thursday if you want cheaper hotel rates at The Madonna Inn. Prices are understandably higher on the weekend (Friday nights and Saturday nights).
Other FAQS and Info About the Madonna Inn
- Does the Madonna Inn have anything to do with Madonna? Nope, the hotel has nothing to do with Queen of Pop icon Madonna, although I can totally see why some would think there’s a connection!
- How far is the Madonna Inn from the beach? Pismo Beach is only about 10 miles away, so you’re not far from the coastline over here!
- Has the Madonna Inn been featured in any movies/TV shows? Yup, and quite a few! It’s been featured in a few older movies, Stunts (1977) and Aria (1987), as well as a bunch of TV series, including The Bachelor, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and Little People, Big World. Plus a whole slew of music videos (including Lady Antebellum), as well the backdrop for plenty of media photoshoots.
- Have any celebrities stayed here?! Yes, a whole bunch. There’s been comedians, professional athletes, entertainers, reality TV actors, and social media mega-stars here. Macaulay Culkin once stayed in the Old-Fashioned Honeymoon room! Bette Midler, Steve Martin, Dolly Parton, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Dustin Hoffman, Reba McIntyre are among the many who visited! And even LUCILLE BALL!
Staying at The Madonna Inn
Rooms at The Madonna Inn
Part of the fun of staying at the Madonna Inn is choosing which room to book! All of the 110 rooms are totally different and individually designed – no two rooms are the same! Check them out here. Each with their own unique theme and decor – like the “Caveman Room”, “Safari Room”, and the “Pink Champagne Suite”.
Think different living spaces, wacky wallpapers, rock walls and waterfall showers, glitzy glittery bathrooms, and all-pink rooms, all evoking different atmospheres and moods.
The rooms at the Madonna Inn are known for their ultra-luxurious amenities, like plush bedding, spa tubs, and even fireplaces!
We stayed in the “Tall and Short Room”, which I thought was absolutely hysterical since my husband’s tall (ok, more like average) and I’m a shortie at only 4 ’10”. While the room wasn’t as “extra” as some of the others found on the property, I loved the antique gold mirrors and all-pink glitzy bathroom.
Since we booked kinda late, the rooms I REALLY wanted to stay in (The Clarin – perfect for lovebirds and girlfriends, Victoria Gardens – super kitsch and girlie, Merry – with sparkling glitter walls, etc) were already sold out. If you have your heart set on a specific room, definitely book early. Those rooms are popular for a reason!
Something I learned while researching is that you can actually stay in different rooms each night! How fun would that be?! Doesn’t sound like rocket science, but I hadn’t even thought of that.
Cost: Room prices vary greatly depending on size and amenities – we stayed a Saturday night and paid about $275 for our King size room. Popular rooms run upwards of $600 a night.
Restaurants and Bars at The Madonna Inn
Told you leaving the property wasn’t necessary! There’s so much food here!
Gold Rush Steakhouse: The Gold Rush Steakhouse is the iconic restaurant here at Madonna Inn. With a huge wine list, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special celebration!
We had dinner here for my birthday, which was right up my alley with the plush pink loveseats, pink napkins, pink tablecloths, and their famous Madonna Inn water goblets. There was also live music playing which we loved. Such an enchanting and opulent atmosphere!
Since we visited in February, the whole restaurant was decked out in hearts and decorations for Valentine’s Day. SO. MUCH. FUN, and just added to the overall kitschy-ness, which I absolutely adored.
I had read that the food at Gold Rush Steakhouse was kinda bland and eh, so we weren’t expecting a Michelin Star level meal. They’re famous for their oak-pit barbecued steak, and have a good selection of seafood, chicken, and veggie entrees as well.
My halibut was cooked pretty well, while my husband said his steak was kinda salty. Overall, not a horrible meal, but not a place I’d run back to for the food alone. You go for the overall experience instead.
Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a slice of their insta-famous Pink Champagne cake (albeit pricey at $12 a slice)! To be completely honest, we found the cake to be pretty underwhelming — it looked better than it tasted. The flavors weren’t horrible by any means, but I couldn’t even taste any champagne in the recipe!
Copper Cafe: This space is super busy for breakfast, so you’ll 100% wanna make a reservation here. Expect classic American dishes in a cozy atmosphere, with fresh baked breads, breakfast hash browns, fluffy pancakes, and yummy sandwiches.
While breakfast is served all day, you can also pop in for a casual lunch or dinner. It’s not decked out like the other spaces, so we decided to skip it despite the raving reviews.
Bakery: Situated in the Copper Cafe, there’s a whole case of sweet treats to be enjoyed – like freshly-baked cakes, French and Danish pastries, giant cookies, and cream and fruit pies. If you’re a fan of German Chocolate Cake, get it here; I heard it’s legendary. I so wish we had saved some room for it!
Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge: Even if you’re not staying at The Madonna Inn, at least come by for a drink! The cocktail lounge is the perfect place for people-watching, with its funky wild decor, hand-carved wooden details, stained glass windows, and big comfy pink chairs.
There’s lots of signature cocktails and your regular standard drinks, too. Go all out and try their signature claim-to-fame, the “Pink Cloud”. I felt like a movie star sipping on my blended strawberry vodka and puree, with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Very on-brand for The Madonna Inn.
Although it was a tad too sweet for our tastes, the drink definitely grew on me and I almost finished the whole thing. Whoops!
Activities at The Madonna Inn
Staying at the Madonna Inn is an experience in and of itself! There’s so much to do on the property!
Tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts: Of course the athletic courts at The Madonna Inn would be a decadent hot pink – how could they not?! Wanna play?! There’s equipment at the front desk.
Since it rained overnight, we didn’t get to use the tennis courts since they were still kinda wet, but I still had fun taking pictures!
Explore the quirky corners of the hotel: I swear, everywhere you look, there’s something new to see here. Even if you’re not a guest of the hotel, you can have a full-on Madonna Inn experience. Just wander around! One of my favorite secret spots is the old-school phone booth hidden in a corner.
And if any guys are reading this – use the men’s public restroom at the steakhouse. Why?! There’s a rock waterfall urinal! Ladies, don’t worry – our bathroom is decked out too, with red leather stalls, pink marble sinks, and even a chandelier. Even the toilet paper in some of the restrooms are pink!
Pool Area: With a year-round heated pool plus two jetted whirlpools (and gazebo and waterfall), you don’t wanna miss the pool! There’s fabulous views of the Central coast countryside and Madonna Mountain. Thirsty? Grab a cocktail at the Terrace Pool Bar! Pink umbrellas to boot!
Gift Shops: Head upstairs and you’ll find a few gift shops selling the kitchiest and most unique items! Think pink leather jackets with frills, tie dye sweatshirts, and wacky tee shirts. Plus signature Madonna Inn souvenirs – like those iconic goblets, signature printed robes, and glammed out bracelets.
Live Music and Dancing: Whenever you visit, expect nightly music and dancing on the Madonna Inn Dance Floor! From live big band music, to swing, salsa, and piano music, every night of the week features a unique entertainment experience.
Service at The Madonna Inn
We found the service at The Madonna Inn to be pretty standard – everyone was friendly and helpful, but nothing really stood out. Just keeping it real over here!
Things to do near The Madonna Inn
Explore Downtown SLO: We love wandering around Downtown SLO; it’s small and charming and best of all, easily walkable! There’s tons of cute cafes, leafy streets to stroll down, and parks to chill out in. Don’t miss Bubblegum Alley, the historic Spanish Mission, and the farmers market.
Go wine tasting in Paso: Any visit to California needs to include some wine – I mean, there’s vineyards all around the state! Closest to SLO, you’ll find Paso Robles, home to over 200 wineries and vineyards.
My favorites are DAUO (cheese plates with a view), Sculpterra (super artsy with a great lawn space), Calcareous (sit amongst the lavender in the spring), and Niner Wine Estates (I love their iconic heart).
Tour Hearst Castle: About an hour away from San Luis Obispo in nearby San Simeon you’ll find Hearst Castle, a real-life castle and National Historic Landmark. Sign up for a tour of the grand rooms, and don’t miss checking out the opulent Neptune Pool and then the indoor tiled Roman Pool – my favorite! I’m blown away by it every time!
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway: While you probably won’t drive the entirety of the Pacific Coast Highway during your time in SLO, the stretch between San Simeon and Pismo isn’t far from the Madonna Inn and a great day trip with plenty to do.
Check out Morro Rock at Morro Bay: Endless, crystal waters. Vast stretches of golden sand. Boats bobbing along the horizon. Sea otters holding hands (true story – they actually do!). Morro Bay is one of the most scenic places in California, and is not l to be missed. When it’s not completely covered in a thick marine layer, haha.
Overall Impression
I’m glad we stayed a night at the Madonna Inn, but felt one night was completely enough! This may be because we’d already visited (although never stayed overnight) before though. I could see it being a fun place to spend a weekend with girlfriends, for a special birthday, bachelorette party, or anything else!
Hope you enjoyed my Madonna Inn review! Are you staying at this iconic San Luis Obispo hotel soon?! Which type of room do you want to stay in?
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