I'd heard about the Madonna Inn for years, so we decided to stay there for two nights while we were on a two-week road trip through California. It's only about 45 minutes from Hearst Castle.
I made the reservation in advance, on line, & saved $50 a night that way. The rooms aren't cheap, (Even online it was $170 a night) but we'd gotten some free rooms along the way, so we decided to we could be a little extravagant here. I'd read about the rock-walled rooms & the rock-walled showers!
The facility is enormous, right off the interstate--a sprawling building of stone and wood, with leaded windows & a nice garden area. The hotel rooms are in two or three separate buildings behind the hotel, up a fairly steep hill. It's charming, if a little garish, but as my husband says, "it makes you smile!"
We stayed in Lucky Rock (all of the rooms are individually named), which was on the first floor, with an outside entrance. As soon as I opened the door, I started to laugh. Two of the walls were made entirely on rock--huge boulders mortared together. The remaining walls & ceiling were painted a deep green. It was as dark as a cave, even though it was early afternoon.
The room was huge--with zebra-patterned carpet (yes, zebra), a king bed, a spacious desk, a love seat (in some sort of animal fabric with pleather trim; the pillows had FEATHER edging!), a tufted ottoman & a wall-mounted tv. Tacky twisted wire chandeliers with glass flowers completed the crazy decor.
The bathroom was small--but entirely made of rock, except of course the toilet! Since the sink counter was small--and uneven--it was hard to line up our toiletries, but that's part of the experience. The rock shower was a blast--it's circular in shape, and really enhanced the whole experience for both of us.
The room was scrupulously clean. It smelled (pleasantly) of antiseptic when we opened the door. Very comfortable bed.
They provide fluffy pink robes for their guests, some toiletries, & of course a coffee maker.
When we checked in, the clerk asked if it was a special occasion. A few minutes later a bottle of champagne was delivered to our room--a nice touch.
You walk up a small hill to the pool & spa, & the well-equipped fitness room. The pool area is spectacular, with a gorgeous view. There are several charming seating areas, including a pergola & benches of rock along a waterfall & a small winding stream. Beautiful, well-maintained flowers. It's as clean as Disneyland.
The restaurants are down the hill from the rooms, in the main building. There are two of them. We ate in the Copper Cafe the first day--excellent food, large portions. The Madonna Inn is justifiably famous for their pies & cakes, so make sure you save room for dessert.
The second night we ate at the steakhouse. Other reviewers have mentioned the decor, so let me just say it's PINK. With tufted hot pink circular booths & the 50's-60's music, it was like being in a time warp. Service was impeccable & the food was both excellent & reasonably priced--filet mignon for me, prime rib for him. Once again, make sure you save room for dessert!
When we checked out, we were given a postcard of the Inn PLUS a postcard of the room we stayed in---a very nice touch.
A wonderful, unique experience. Perfect for couples. And if you're just passing through, a GREAT place to eat!