The Madonna Inn

As I have pointed out in previous posts, art is everywhere. We are surrounded by choices daily and have the creative license to choose what feeds us. Literally, intellectually, figuratively. I am now extending that sentiment to include how we spend our days and the experiences we give ourselves permission to explore.

Julia Cameron came up with the concept of an Artist Date. Cameron defines the Artist Date as a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly “artistic” but rather something that fires up your imagination and sparks whimsy and play. Cameron says that “since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration.”

This morning my daughter and I set out on something akin to a mother-daughter Artist’s Date by driving down California’s beautifully lush Route 101 to the Madonna Inn. Located in San Luis Obispo, this unique hotel was created by Alex Madonna and his wife Phyllis and opened in 1958. Madonna was a successful construction magnate and entrepreneur who designed the 110-room hotel, noted for its unique decor, pink dining room, and themed rooms. Adorned with a pseudo-Swiss-Alps exterior and lavish common spaces accented by pink roses, Western murals, and hammered copper. Pink is found everywhere, from the lamp posts to the trash cans.

In 1966 the original rooms burned to the ground in a fire. They were rebuilt, and additional rooms were added approximately every ten years until reaching the current version. Most of the rooms were designed by Alex and Phyllis, yet some were imagined by Disney artist Alice Turley Williams.

The rooms were given unusual names to appeal to an eclectic range of tastes. The themes include Cloud Nine, Rock Bottom, Caveman Room, Irish Hills, and Love Nest. Jungle Rock was initially named the Flintstone Room before Hanna-Barbera Productions sued the hotel for copyright infringement.

While building the one-of-a-kind destination, Alex Madonna commented that “anybody can build one room and a thousand like it. It’s more economical. Most places try to give you as little as possible. I try to give people a decent place to stay where they receive more than they are entitled to for what they’re paying. I want people to come in with a smile and leave with a smile. It’s fun.”

I can attest that visiting the Madonna Inn is a uniquely exciting experience. I would recommend a visit during the warmer months. There are hiking and biking trails around the property that are more appropriate for a sunny day than the frigid winds we got upon our arrival. A pool sits next to the spa and fitness center, and the dining options include a café, bakery, and steakhouse.

Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House is a must-see. Textured with chandeliers and hot pink booths that loop in and out of the space, the decadent atmosphere gives diners a retro flashback to old-school Hollywood glamour. We witnessed several people celebrating birthdays tonight as pink birthday balloons hovered above the tables. Couples danced in practiced routines to live music by a one-man band playing songs that shifted from 80s country to a 60s Mad Men mix. We had a wonderful dinner that included people watching and playful banter

Julia Cameron recommends a solo expedition for artistic exploration, and the Madonna Inn can certainly be enjoyed alone. Yet there is so much kitsch and character that I suggest bringing along a plus one. Having someone to share the over-the-top experience is sure to spark whimsy and fire up your imagination. The details that exist throughout this creative environment exemplify the reality that art is, in fact, everywhere.

Stay curious and schedule that Artist Date!

-trw