Madonna Inn

This one you've got to see for yourself. The creative imaginations of owners Alex (now deceased) and Phyllis Madonna gave birth to the wildest -- and most superfluously showy -- fantasy world this side of Graceland. For more than 50 years, the only consistency throughout the hotel has been its color scheme: perpetual pink. Beyond that, the decor is a whimsical free-for-all. For example, the lobby men's room has a cascading rock-waterfall urinal and giant clamshell sinks (I hear the women's room is a hoot as well). The "Rock Rooms" with zebra- or tiger-patterned bedspreads and cascading waterfall showers conjure up thoughts of a Flintstones's Playboy palace. There are also blue rooms, red rooms, and over-the-top Spanish, Italian, Irish, Alps, Currier and Ives, Native American, Swiss, and hunting rooms. One guest room even features a trapezoidal bed -- it's 5 feet long on one side and 6 feet long on the other. The Silver Bar cocktail lounge and Gold Rush Steak House are also outlandishly ornate. In an effort to make the inn more a resort destination, an all-new state-of-the-art spa, pool (not just any pool, but one with a 30-foot beach-style entry and 25-foot cascading waterfall flowing into a lagoon), and fitness facility is underway on the grounds and should be completed by the time you read this. Even if you don't stay here, stop by for a liquid refresher and check it out, particularly around Christmastime.

Facilities:
2 restaurants; coffee shop; lounge; pool; full spa; retail shops; wine shop with daily tasting; limo service

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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