The Madonna Inn is oh so charming! The buildings are cheesy, the lobby seedy, the interior overly pink… and boy is she beautiful! Rebuilt in 1967 after a fire, the hotel has been nestled in the hills of San Luis Obispo like a pretty little sugar coated Swiss Alps lodge for just over fifty years. She has reached that tender preservation age; will/should/can she be landmarked?I ‘ll let you decide for yourself, but it’s pretty obvious which way I’m leaning. If you are ever in the area, stay a night in one of the 109 unique rooms. At the very least, stop in for a piece of pie at the Copper Cafe.For more info, read this great 1982 article about the Madonna Inn in the travel section of the New York Times.

- Delaney

Here are some pictures from my recent visit to The Breakers in Newport, RI. Boy, oh boy - it’s a Gilded Age extravaganza! It took a staff of 40 to maintain this 70-room ’summer cottage’ for the Vanderbilts. I mean, the Morning Room has platinum walls!

And… 10 properties are owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport. They are all within walking distance of each other & tours are free with a $35 student membership! OR you can take a private helicopter tour from Boston for $3,000…

- Tara