Page 22 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2026

22 WINTER 2026 slovisitorsguide.com
San Luis Obispo
Exploring Madonna Inn’s legend—
delightful rooms, world-famous
food, and nightly dancing
Whether a first-time or repeat
visitor to the iconic Ma-
donna Inn, locals and visitors are
always in for a special treat. Located
just off Highway 101 in beautiful
San Luis Obispo, it’s the ideal place
to stop for a meal, dessert, or an
enchanted night or two.
Hiking, horseback
riding, spa
treatments,
shopping, and the
allure of pink
Nostalgia is the name of the
game at Madonna Inn. The unique
style and ingenuity of the first 12
rooms completed in 1958 by Alex
and Phyllis Madonna are reflected
throughout the property. Over the
years, returning guests share how
much they enjoy that nostalgic
feeling. It’s important to maintain
the originality of this special place
while also adding subtle upgrades
where needed.
This originality fills the entire
1500-acre property, from Madon-
na’s world-famous Pink Cham-
pagne Cake, the gift shops, and into
the famous restrooms.
That’s correct – the restrooms
at Madonna Inn have personalities
all their own. The men’s features a
waterfall urinal and clamshell sinks;
the women’s exhibits pink sparkly
wallpaper and a leather interior.
The waterfall was an ongoing joke
between the Madonnas, and Alex
liked to remind Phyllis how famous
it had become.
Family-run with unsurpassed
hospitality
From its mom-and-pop begin-
nings to now, the Madonna Inn
is a family-run business. Their
children – Cathie Twisselman, John
Madonna, Karen Twisselman, and
Connie Pearce – learned the impor-
tance of hard work from an early
age. Pearce is currently the general
manager. Her husband, Clint, man-
ages the Madonna properties, and
their daughter, Audrey, helps with
marketing.
The family’s hospitality has
exceeded guest expectations for
nearly seven decades. Guests return
year after year to their “home away
from home” for special experiences
and lasting memories.
Everyone is welcome to walk
around and enjoy the ornate
hand-carved woodwork, etched
copper and brass adornments, and
custom-made leaded glasswork and
windows. The prevalent color pink
first took off with the design of the
steakhouse booths.
No two rooms are alike
Famous for its unique accom-
modations, the Madonna Inn
boasts 110 themed guest rooms.
The “Caveman” has been a
favorite for decades, with animal
prints, a rock ceiling and floor, and
a waterfall shower. The “Mini-
Maxi” features purple sparkly wall-
paper, an elaborate rock fireplace, a
cozy sitting area, and a rock shower.
Mrs. Madonna’s favorite room
is “Irish Hills”, a nod to her Irish
heritage. This serene semi-suite
is enchanting with a natural rock
shower.
As social media has evolved,
guests often seek playful and
colorful rooms. “Merry”, “Go,” and
“Round” are three popular rooms
that fit the request perfectly with
their fun, colorful designs and
vibrant accents.”
Exceptional dining, desserts,
and dancing
The dining experiences at
Madonna Inn keep fans return-
ing for more. The friendly staff at
Nearly seven decades of hospitality.
Volunteers Needed | 501c3 non-profit org