This Has Got To Be The Kitschiest Hotel Ever

Subtle isn’t really a word you can associate with California. After all, this is the place where beaches are so fancy, they’re actually covered in jewels. So then it makes sense that California would be home to one of the most over-the-top and whimsical destinations in the US. Welcome to the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, about a three-hour drive from Los Angeles.

Walking into the pseudo-Swiss Alps exterior of the Madonna Inn, you know you’re entering something pretty special. This place is like an assault on the senses – there’s flashy hammered copper, sculptured murals, vintage furniture and hundreds of pink roses strewn about the property. It’s fun, it’s kitschy and so crazy.

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The unique decor even stretches to the 110 guest rooms which are each individually named and themed – rooms include the Old Mill, Cloud Nine, Rock Bottom, Austrian Suite, Caveman Room, Safari Room, Highway Suite, Jungle Rock and Just Heaven. The latter features small copper angels plastered around the second-storey guest room.

The Tack Room features red leather sheets that weigh about 35 kilograms. Heavy stuff.

The motel has been open since 1958 and it looks like it hasn’t changed a wink since. Madonna Inn’s owner Alex Madonna has famously said, “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.”

It sure is Alex, it sure is.

(Lead image: farmboyted/Flickr)

You’ve gotta see this place. Check out Qantas flights to LA here.