Madonna Inn
If you have ever driven up the 101 along California's Central Coast, chances are you have noticed the bright pink sign for Madonna Inn. Deemed an international landmark destination, this legendary resort opened in 1958. The Inn was the brain child of Alex and Phyllis Madonna and is still family owned and operated. It sits on over 1,000 acres, has a many event facilities, 2 award winning restaurants and has 110 guest rooms that are each themed and whimsically decorated. Having been born and raised in San Luis Obispo, the Madonna Inn has been a major part of my life. My favorite memories have always been at the Gold Rush Steakhouse, where we would go multiple times a year to celebrate everyone's birthdays. Recently over Thanksgiving, we got to have dinner there and it was just as fabulous as ever.
Interior of the Gold Rush Steak House (photo by Heidi)
The best time of year to visit the Inn is at Christmas time. They go crazy turning every corner into a shimmery, winter wonderland. All of it works in concert with the bright pink and gilded decor. Alex Madonna was a successful construction magnate with a keen eye for detail. Every time we visit, we notice something new.
THE GOLD RUSH STEAK HOUSE
If you are going to be in the area, we highly recommend you make a reservation at the Gold Rush Steak House. The dining room is a visual feast of pink vinyl, golden cherubs and ornate wood carvings. You would think that the all of the pink would have been chosen by Phyllis, but in fact, Alex was the one who loved the color. The hand-carved marble balustrade in the Gold Rush dining room came from the Hearst Castle. All copper and brass items were etched and/or shaped from original designs and fabricated right on the premises.
The food is exceptional. It has consistently delivered some of the best steaks in the county, since its opening. After you are seated, they bring you water in their iconic colored goblets and an appetizer tray with sliced veggies, cheese, salami and olives. Each meal includes a generous soup or salad portion and you are given the choice of a baked potato or their rice pilaf with your dinner. Honestly, everything about this makes me feel warm inside because of the nostalgia it brings. Restaurants like this are a dying breed.
If you happen to be a vegetarian like Ella, there are lots of good options. She most recently feasted on Portobello Mushroom "Fries" and Truffle Fingerling Potatoes along with a crisp Italian Salad. If you are celebrating a birthday or a special occasion, you will be met with a balloon and you will get to choose a dessert from their award winning bakery. On Fridays and Saturdays, they have live, big band music. We are always impressed by the dedicated couples who have kept alive the ballroom dance movement. It is the perfect place to celebrate!
My friend's parents on their 60th Wedding Anniversary (photo by Wallace Glidden)
My Sister & I, circa 1989 (photo by Steve Boyle)
Milo and I in 2014, sneaking a snuggle during dinner (photo by Gabe Miller)
THE COPPER CAFE
In many ways, the Copper Cafe is the most magical place at Madonna Inn. It is my absolute favorite spot to get breakfast but they also serve lunch and dinner. The room is shared by their award winning bakery. They are most known for their Champagne Cake (my favorite) and their Black Forrest Cake (my sister's favorite) but they also have wonderful pies and other treats. The Copper Cafe is like a magical dream. I hesitate to post any photos because I feel like it needs to be experienced. The smells from the bakery and fresh brewed coffee, mixed with the carved interior details are like stepping into a time machine. They just don't make places like this anymore.
Celebrating with our family in the Copper Cafe
We love the cakes from the bakery so much that we often have my Mom bring them to us in LA. They have never disappointed.
Black Forrest Cake, rooftop at the Waldorf Astoria (photo by Heidi)
SHOPPING
They have a few gift shops that are worth checking out. It is the perfect place to grab a souvenier for yourself or a fellow glamster.
So many fun goblets to choose from (photo by Heidi)
They have lots of Christmas goodies, as well
BANQUET FACILITIES
They have several spaces for weddings, events and parties. My Mom and Step Dad celebrated their wedding reception here in 1975. No one can find the wedding album, which is glorious, so I cannot show you any of the pics. But it was a very memorable affair. In high school, I attended a winter formal in the room below and my Uncle had his wedding reception here, as well.
The Round Room (photo from madonnainn.com )
GUESTROOMS AND SUITES
This is the one area that I do not have any personal knowledge of, sadly. I was born, raised and went to college in SLO. There was never a reason for me to stay there. Now that I live in LA, we typically stay at the beach when we come home for a visit. We have a lot of friends who absolutely love staying at the Inn and enjoy using their pool and spa facilities. Others have told me that it is overpriced, musty and badly in need of a facelift.
My Dad is a contractor who is friends with the Madonnas. I have been suggesting that Phyllis hire me and a bunch of my Set Decorator friends to renovate all of the hotel rooms, for the better part of 20 years now. Personally, it grosses me out to think about sleeping in beds with comforters older than I am. Other people do not have issues with that but I still think that it is a project that is long overdue and needs to happen. My friends at SDSA would do the resort justice, in keeping with the original spirit of Alex Madonna).
The iconic Cave Room (photo by madonnainn.com
The Captain's Bridge Room (photo by Ron Franco)
Heading to the pool (photo by Wallace Glidden)
Taking in the magic of San Luis Obispo, poolside (photo by Wallace Glidden)
We will forever be Madonna Inn devotes. We feel fabulous when we are there and it brings us closer to our roots. If you have never been, I highly suggest you swing by. Even if you only have time for a slice of cake.
Feeling fabulous in a red cape at the Inn (photo by Heidi)