A gem near San Luis Obispo is The Madonna Inn, a place I actually stayed at when I was six months old and my parents went to the west coast on a business trip. It’s got 110 unique rooms that are each themed in a different way — the Caveman Room, the Safari Room, the Love Nest, etc. I just asked my parents and they said we stayed in the Rose Room back in 1984. I’ve read that the Madonna Inn actually encourages its guests to stay in a different room for each night of their stay. Pretty neat.

My friend Jenny and I do not stay here, but we happily stop by for a visit on our way out of San Luis Obispo. We don’t get to see any of the rooms but the main building (which includes a lobby, fancy restaurant, and coffee shop) give us a good impression of this place. We walk the grounds a bit too just to get closer to the horses.

This is the main building; the entrance is on the left below:

So we happen to be here on Valentine’s Day weekend, and I’m concerned that Cupid threw up in here:

Another shot of the restaurant looking down from the staircase:

Back outside, we walk over to the horses for a closer look.

And then we admire the outside of one block of rooms. Check out that detailed lattice:

So this is where my photos end. But I can’t leave you without a glimpse at the unique rooms, as they are what makes this place so special. So here are some of the rooms that catch my eye on-line, and if you want to know more, this BuzzFeed post lists their 25 favorites.

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Daisy Mae Room Named after the character in Li'l Abner comics, this room has rock floors, ceilings, and walls. There is a waterfall shower and a stained glass entryway.
Barrel of Fun Room Rock shower and fireplace. Easy access to the pool. Patio porch and balcony.
Caveman Room Animal prints, rock pond, and stone age feel. Waterfall stone shower in a cavern bathroom.
Bridal Falls Room Named for the waterfall at Yosemite National Park, this room features its own waterfall shower and rock wash basin.
Old Mill Room A family room with a storybook theme! Includes a thatched roof over the beds and a mural of a pastoral scene.
Marguerite Room The colorful blooms of marguerite daisy symbolize innocence, joy, and simplicity.
Safari Room Safari means 'journey' in Swahili. This room brings to mind a lively African setting with jungle twist. Rock shower with overhead waterfall.
Chestnut Foal Room There's a carousel horse hanging over the end of the bed. I think it's a little creepy but to each his own? The room is accessed by an outdoor spiral staircase.
Carin Room Carin is a Swiss term for 'endearment'. Lots of soft pink shades to capture your heart. Gold cherubs embrace the king bed and lovebirds adorn the bath.
Old Mexico Room Warm wood ceilings, textured accent walls, stained glass, rustic furnishings.
Harvard Square Room Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath suite that captures the ambiance of an English country retreat.
Yahoo Room After a long day on the range, cool off in the rock waterfall shower before falling asleep on this authentic "Buckboard" bed.
Just Heaven Room This celestial room is painted and furnished in shades of blue to create a little heaven here on earth. An enchanting staircase winds up to a private viewing tower. French-style furnishings.
Love Nest Room Accessed by a quaint trestle bridge, this room features a staircase that winds up to a private viewing tower. French-style furnishings surrounded by shades of pink.
Vous Room Adorned with a vaulted ceiling in blue and embellished by a chandelier. This is the only room that features a round king bed. The Vous Room is located adjacent to the Ren and Dez Rooms... of course it is.
España Room Hand-textured adobe walls evoke the refined charm and romance of old Madrid. Original oil paintings and imported furnishings are inspired by the region.

So which one would you pick? Personally I’d go for the Daisy Mae Room or Just Heaven Room.