safari room madonna inn

Safari Sleepover at the Madonna Inn

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I was surprised we kept our secret for so long but when we stepped off the plane in the hot heat, the kids figured out pretty quick we weren’t headed to Buffalo, NY. Of course a trip to California means a stop in Disneyland but first we were headed to a safari sleepover about 3 hours up the Northern coast to San Luis Obispo.

From congested multilane highways to deserts and grassy hills, our drive exposed us to a lot of landscape I don’t usually associate with California. I mean, we even saw mountain goats working their way up the cliffs as we drove by. Finally the multi two and three story buildings that make up the famous Madonna Inn scrolled into view as we turned off of the interstate.

The Madonna Inn has been on my daughter’s wish list for some time and since we were already out in California for a social media conference, we thought we would surprise her with this detour.

All checked in, we made our way to the lower level Safari Suite. The rooms was like a high-end jungle retreat with two king-sized bed supported by elaborately carved bedposts. Animal prints draped the headboard, bed and even the wooden couch that sat in the main room. Even the green tones on the floor and leafy wall prints added to that jungle feel but the best part was the indoor rock wall shower.

You could opt to use the standard shower head in this cave-like room but why when with the switch of the lever the water could cascade down upon you from a rock ledge. Now close your eyes and let the tropical fantasy sweep you away.

The Madonna Inn is one big fantasy, with themed rooms taking your down to the rock bed and over to Spain. Yes, the rooms are all a little dated looking but I think that’s what adds to the Inn’s kitschy appeal.

From kitsch You can see this “over the top” feel appears throughout the property with a heavy dose of pink. Before enjoying a special birthday dinner in the Gold Rush Steakhouse, we stopped into the Silver Bar Cocktail Lounge. The kids loved sitting up on the gold and pink stool around the circular bar though the high back arm chairs were pretty appealing too. The pink hue even made its presence in the specialty cocktails, like the Peep drink. Our bartender even made alcohol-free versions for the kids.

The staff at the Madonna Inn had reserved a private booth for our dinner in the Gold Rush Steakhouse but any spot in this opulent dining room would have been spectacular. The room was a sight for the eyes with its bright pink tufted circular booths lit by decadent chandeliers and gold trim. Even the public bathrooms were full of pink and marble charm.

No meal is complete without one of Madonna Inn’s house made Pink Champagne cakes. You can order by the slice for dessert but a birthday calls for a whole cake, even if it meant eating for breakfast the next day.

For breakfast we indulged in Belgian waffles, silver dollar pancakes and French toast with a dash of pink sugar at the Copper Cafe. Although you can rent a (pink) bike to tool around the area or visit local attractions like Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa or the Hearst Castle , we spent the rest of the day poolside.

From the royal treatment during the day to a safari escape at night, the Madonna Inn offers families a fun fantasy escape in Northern California.

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Road Trip and Travel

Madonna inn rooms: review & video – old world.

If you’re searching for unforgettable lodging in Central California that transports you to another era, look no further than Old World Room #192 at The Madonna Inn . Among an array of themed rooms—ranging from Western and jungle vibes to tropical and Austrian atmospheres—the Old World room effortlessly captured our hearts, making it our go-to choice. Why? Think rock waterfall showers, medieval furnishings, and rustic ambiance galore.

Step into a Medieval Dream: Entering Old World Room #192

As we meandered down a cobblestone pathway leading to our ground-floor retreat, the unique architectural elements of the Madonna Inn caught our eyes. Doorways adorned with one-of-a-kind designs lined our route, and we couldn’t help but snap a few photos before arriving at our semi-secluded entryway.

Furniture and Decor: Where Movie Sets Meet Reality

Walking into the room, we were immediately enchanted by the antique chandelier hanging from the ceiling and the perfectly curated medieval-style furniture. The room is so well-designed, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right off a film set—or perhaps even traveled back in time.

Convenient Amenities: Beyond Basic Necessities

Don’t let the medieval atmosphere fool you; this room is packed with modern amenities cleverly integrated into the space. Next to the dining table, you’ll find a well-equipped sink area featuring a mini-fridge, and even a charming coffee bar stocked with all the essentials.

Subtle Modern Touches: Tech and Comfort

If you’re worried about going full-on medieval, fret not. A compact TV is discreetly situated in the bedroom corner, providing entertainment without breaking the room’s spell. Likewise, an air conditioning unit is strategically tucked away, ensuring your comfort while maintaining the room’s authentic feel.

Unique Features: It’s All in the Details

The room’s creativity is nothing short of extraordinary. A rock-formed closet comes with plush bathrobes and an assortment of toiletries, ready for your pampering needs. I found myself wishing I could have a waterfall sink or shower just like the ones in the room. Truly Instagram-worthy!

Our Final Thoughts: Would We Return to Old World Room #192?

Staying in Old World Room #192 exceeded our expectations in every way. While the allure of experiencing other themed rooms at the Madonna Inn is tempting, the unique and captivating nature of the Old World room makes it hard to say goodbye. We’re already daydreaming about our next stay.

So, if you’re looking for a room that offers an extraordinary mix of rustic charm and modern comforts, put Old World Room #192 at the top of your Madonna Inn wishlist. You won’t be disappointed!

• Checkout our full review of The Madonna Inn
• Book on a weekday for a discounted rate.
• Bring flowers, candles, snacks, or drinks for the mini-fridge.
• When you check out, don’t forget to grab a free postcard of your room. It’s a great reminder of the experiences you’ve had!
• Pack slippers or socks to walk on the stone floor. It can get a bit chilly!
• Check out the many themed rooms at the Madonna Inn .

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