hibiscushouse

Making our way down the coast on our way to Big Bear Lake, I have a reservation at the White Water Inn (on Moonstone Beach Drive) for a one night stay. I came across the Madonna Inn in S.L.O.. It looks hilarious and seemly very entertaining for my son's, 16, 13, and 11.
Was hoping to get an opinion on staying at the Madonna Inn over the White Water Inn.

ksucat

Madonna Inn is a riot and I think your boys would love it!
The men's restroom is great.
Haven't stayed there since I was a kid but we went up a couple of years ago and had to stop for lunch and see the restroom.
Classic place.

Don't know about the other hotel.

Dayenu

Madonna inn will be entertaining, that's right Keep the curtains closed - tour buses let people off, who just walk around peeking through the windows - every room looks different.

MomDDTravel

I did not stay at the White Water inn but stayed on Moonstone beach last Feb for one night - we have stopped at the Madonna Inn but I have never stayed there - I think your boys will think it is funny.

I just read a friend on facebook saying how much she loved her stay at the Madonna Inn

hibiscushouse

Thanks for your replies. I just called the Madonna Inn..the person I spoke with didn't seem to want to rush to fill our reservation b/c we are a family of 5. She said they don't have roll-a-ways but suggested we rent two rooms. I think that's ridiculous, but it's not my hotel. If we had to rent two rooms everywhere we went, we couldn't afford to go. The rooms look huge, so I don't see why they wouldn't have a roll-a-way available. I did my best to tell her how disappointed I was since we've never been to California and my kids would love this hotel, but got no where with her. Either 2 rooms or stuff all three boys in one king size bed, that was the options.

MomDDTravel

Some hotels simply do not permit roll aways - you might run into that in more locally own hotels - they may not even have them as mentioned.

Dayenu

Sorry you can't get a room at Madonna - but do stop there to see it, and don't miss the restrooms!

ksucat

most places in CA don't allow 5 to a room.
have the little one bring a sleeping bag and get one room.
they will love this and it will be an adventure.
ask what type of room you can choose from.
kids will like being part of the process.
tell the front desk that you are reporting back as a 'travel writer' and that will turn things around for you!

hibiscushouse

I told them I had already put a link up on Facebook.....nothin! Even told her we were taking the dinosaur kayak tour in the area the next day...still nothin'.
Ksucat..I'm thinking I will do that. Maybe purchase a twin inflatable on the way out of San Francisco somewhere, and just bring it with us along the way. I'd love to rent two rooms everywhere we went, my husband especially would ; ) but that's not realistic for us for a 13 night stay.
This has been an issue for us as we've planned this trip, along with a lot of 2 night minimums many of the places have.

hibiscushouse

I emailed them for availability and I have to laugh, the only ones available are the girly girl rooms...Canary Cottage, Elegance, Spring Flowers, Fleur De Lis, Victorian Gardens, etc...
My boys are going to throw up from all the pink. I see a lot of laughs coming our way!

ksucat

girly girl rooms..this should be fun for the boys!
talk to the front desk manager.
another thought is inflatable rafts that they could use in the pool to and the one that has to sleep on the floor gets extra special goodies!
I wish you all the best.
If you are heading to Santa Barbara area, the Pacfica suites has 2 beds along with a sofa and its a big room and they serve a free hot breakfast which is great.
eggs, bacon, lattes, fresh juice..around $159 on expedia.com
Hampton Inn in Goleta is new and nice too.
When your in Big Bear, the ski lifts are used in the summer for bike riding down the slopes..boys will LOVE this!

hibiscushouse

Thank you Ksucat. It's the "Spring Flowers" room for a night unless they get a cancellation. I may check a few more times before our reservation to see if they do.
Unfortunately, we aren't spending any time in Santa Barbara, but thank you for the information regardless.
Bike riding down the slopes..sounds like a challenge. I may sit that one out. Someone needs to take the pictures. Right?! ; )

happytrailstoyou

The 11-year-old might like the Madonna Inn, but I think that aside from the men's room (which I understand is pretty moldy these days), I think you will be better off someplace else--almost anyplace else.

HTTY

SOCALOC

I'm with HTTY - the kids might think it's silly and fun, otherwise it is T A C K Y! And yes, I have stayed there. Also, it's pretty much in the middle of nowhere along highway 101.

ksucat

gosh, I would drive the extra 80 miles south to Santa Barbara to be there for 1 night vs Madonna Inn.
Just saying.
Head up the coast to Big Sur and see the Hearst Castle.

hibiscushouse

We have a kayak cave tour at 8:30 the next morning at Pismo Beach, so that is why we want to stay in this area. We will have already seen the Hearst Castle a week earlier. After the kayak tour, we are heading back up the coast for a couple more nights in Pacific Grove. We plan enjoy Big Sur and a couple more places before heading home out of San Jose.
Leaving for our 13 nights in California tomorrow!

FrankS

I stayed at the Madonna Inn long long ago, I doubt its become a better value now. I only took it because they were the same price as the very simple Vagabond Inn that day. Simple novelty and its nothing great...stay at the beach