Gotta love Madonna Inn
by A TripAdvisor Member
You either love the Madonna Inn, or you hate it. Yes, it's 1950's glitz and glamour, but that's what's so great about it. I've stayed there three times in the past 15 years. Each time it's been wonderful. I stayed for Valentine's Day, what fun (but crowded!) My husband and I stopped for a night on our honeymoon and they surprised us with balloon and champagne. The food is fine, the gilded tree in the dining room is lovely. The rooms are comfortable and clean, although depeding on what room you get, the wallpaper might keep you up. If you are in SLO I recommend a stay at the Madonna Inn as part of the experience. It's a California thing, we revere our tacky, modern past. As well we should.
In the Pink at the Madonna Inn
by TripAdvisor Member Thelma&Louise
We stayed here in 2002 and were captivated. It is the most amazing and unforgettable hotel we stayed at in the USA. So much so that we have planned this years vacation to take in two nights at this wonderful, unique, kitsch hotel. The dining room and bar were staggeringly over the top - but the food was very good, servce delightful and we gazed around agog at the decor. The room we had was enormous - the only downside was that the seven foot tub was exactly that - seven foot long. (not wide) The beds were huge and comfortable. The fireplace and lounge area had to be seen to be believed. I guess that we went round with wide smiles all the time. Can't wait for September to re-visit.
Forum Posts
What to see there ?
by GUYON
Except the mission and the Madonna Inn, what there is to see there ?
Thanks
Re: What to see there ?
by vaara
Morro Rock in the nearby town of Morro Bay is worth seeing. Also, if you're a canivore, don't miss Jocko's in Nipomo, which serves some of the best steak I've ever tasted. Both towns are within 15 miles of SLO. Which has the best-named transit system anywhere: SLO Transit.
Re: What to see there ?
by karenincalifornia
Guyon,
Do you like wine tasting? There are some fantastic wineries in the area and the scenery is spectacular.
Karen
Re: Re: What to see there ?
by Rixie
You can walk around the campus at Cal Poly (California Polytechnic State University). There's an amusing preview of the university and surrounding area at:
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_admiss/viewbook/index2.html
You can tell Cal Poly is known for its engineering program....
Re: Re: What to see there ?
by Beff
In addition to what the other posters put:
Spend an afternoon/evening in the downtown area: Near the mission (OK, but not worth the trip) there is a creek that runs through a charming shopping area. There's a great outdoor sandwich place that has live music on the weekends. The downtown area also has some great (though "collegy") clubs to hang out at night. Best restaurant in town is the italian place next door to the old fremont theatre (forget the name though). Try to plan your trip to be there on Thursday night; they have "farmers market" - downtown streets are shutdown, and vendors sell great veggies, food, etc.
Also, on the coast is a beautiful national park called Montana De Oro - great sand dunes, forest, to beach stuff.
Regarding wineries: Firestone (between SLO and Santa Barbara) is great.
Re: Re: What to see there ?
by GUYON
Wine tasting ?
Why not ?
But I am very chauvinist in this matter.
Nethertheless, I plan to visit Napa Valley for this purpose.
Re: What to see there ?
by meteorologist1
Hearst Castle is not far from San Luis Obispo as well. This is the second largest privately owned home in the United States, I believe. This is a pretty popular travel destination located by the coast north of the city.
Visit their web site for more info:
http://www.hearstcastle.org/
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Front of the Madonna Inn
