San Luis Obispo, California: Madonna Inn

The room's may be "gaudy," but they aren't cheaply done. Every room uses expensive ceramic tiles, nice furnishings and a coordinated color palette. The room we stayed in was around $150, and well worth it. If nothing else, walk through the elaborately decorated restaurant.

In the Copper Cafe, carved in the wooden arch, are the words "Let's eat and be forever happy." Decadent cakes abound.

Dinner at the steakhouse restaurant is great fun -- a combo of Old Hollywood, the Poconos, and a crazed little girl's doll house.

We've been to the Madonna Inn several times for lunch on our way to Hearst Castle and Big Sur. Everyone should visit the Inn at least once, in my opinion, even if only for lunch.

Built on a massive hillside, the brightly colored pink inn calls to you from the freeway! The main gates are spectacular and fun and once in a while you may spot a "real life unicorn" grazing in the grass alongside the main driveway. While I do not think the theme rooms are particularly the most appealing aspect about the Inn, the public bathrooms are definitely a unique and worthwhile experience. Don't forget to take your camera into the restrooms and have your picture taken in front of the men's urinal! It's a tradition!

Alex Madonna, 85, creator and owner of the Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, California, died April 22 of a heart attack. Madonna, a successful rancher, road builder and philanthropist, opened his unique Madonna Inn in 1958....