Madonna Inn Gardens

On our recent jaunt to San Luis Obispo (SLO), we stayed at the Madonna Inn and Spa. Each of the 110 rooms is decorated with a different theme (caves, waterfalls, natural stone walls, wild colors, etc.). We stayed in the Tack Room, with its red walls and ceiling, red plaid couch, red leather bedspreads, lacquered red shutters, Lucky 7 stained glass window, and equine-themed decorations. The common areas are unique as well, including the Copper Café, Gold Rush Steak House (lavishly decorated in the trademark Madonna Inn Pink), and the Silver Bar. (I heard about the waterfall urinal in the men’s room)!

Madonna Inn architecture

Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House

The Madonna Inn opened in 1958 with 12 rooms; additional rooms and public areas were added over time to meet the growing demand. The overall architecture is “Gingerbread- and Heidi-inspired” (reminiscent of Disneyland in Anaheim), set in the golden rolling hills of San Luis Obispo. I found some lovely cottage gardens on premise, which fit the architecture and the Madonna Inn Pink theme. The pink roses seemed especially fragrant.

HTML Tables

I also came upon a wonderful kitchen garden, which is used by the restaurants; and a wide variety of beckoning paths, “secret gardens,” and garden rooms. The Spa is lovely with its waterfall, gazebo, candy-colored chairs, pool, and gardens.

Kitchen garden, where beans, tomatoes, mint, and a variety of lettuces are harvested

The Spa gazebo and waterfall

The Inn is set on 2,200 acres of open land, some of which is available to guests. Horse and bike trails provide guests ample room to roam. I took an early morning walk up the golden hill, admiring the nearby ranches, vistas, and local flora.

Open land for riding and walking