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Quirky, arty, offbeat Truth or Consequences is the small New Mexico town that changed its name for a radio programme in the 1950s. It used to be called Hot Springs and is built over thermal waters. There are plenty of small motels with their own hot tubs, some restored and some a little more genuinely 'vintage'.
The town is a wonderful base for exploring New Mexico and the spring waters are wonderful.
The Blackstone is a beautifully restored motel, tasteful but kitsch themed rooms each with their own hotspring tub.
The main street has cafes, galleries, thrift stores and vintage shops, one called Red Bone was the best we visited in the South West.
And it's delightfully cheap, lots of the motels let you pay just to use their hot springs even if you're not staying.
www.blackstonehotsprings.com/
410 Austin Street
Truth or Consequences, NM 87901
+1 575-894-0894
Google map: bit.ly/h6m481
The first thing that stands out about the Helix is that it's in D.C. which at first glance doesn't exactly strike you as a kitsch and funky city. But for suits who want to show their wild side, it's the place to go. It's all very Sixties style, lots of multicoloured lights, mirrors, swirly patterns and egg chairs as in Austin Powers. In my room there was carpet on the ceiling, and Andy Warhol-esque paintings. But the best bit was the leopard print bath robes which had me poncing about like a diva!
1430 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington DC 20005
+1 202-462-9001
www.hotelhelix.com
Google map: bit.ly/a4eE75
Although Crescent City itself is pretty much 'Anytown, USA' - the Curly Redwood lodge is a decent, clean and kitsch motel apparently made from one redwood tree! A comfortable stay for a night or two. We can also recommend The Chart Room diner down on the dock, a good place to go to get a genuine local American experience, in terms of food and good company.
www.curlyredwoodlodge.com/
701 US Highway 101 S
Crescent City, CA 95531-4488, United States
+1 (707) 464-2137
Google map: bit.ly/bS6IRN
Hopelessly lost in San Luis Obispo, we call the Inn. "How do we find you?"
"You need to get on the 1 South and exit at the junction with the 227" comes the answer. The phone goes dead.
"And then what?"
Finding the 1 South is easy enough. The 227 exit road curls us slowly around 180 degrees and into a night sky lit garishly pink by a huge sign that instantly dwarfs us. "MADONNA INN" it screams.
And without a doubt, this is one of the kitschiest of US kitsch examples. Built in the mid 20th century, it's story goes something like this. At the time a deserty rocky outcrop in the middle of nowhere and bereft of any decent accommodation, a couple hit on the idea of building a motel incorporating those pesky rocks into its construction (no doubt cheaper than moving them away.) When it came to deciding on room decoration however, they couldn't agree on what to do. So in the pursuit of marital harmony, the couple hit on another idea. They would each be allocated rooms to decorate as they wished.
And from this was borne the 100 plus room tourist destination that this Inn has become. Each themed room is uniquely - indeed, often bizarrely - different. We stayed in the "Caveman". Described by the Inn as a "...rustic den of solid rock", we slept surrounded by tigers and showered in a cave under a rushing rock waterfall. Or something like that ...
The on-site restaurant is an assault on the senses and yet a strangely comforting nostalgic trip back in time to the 1950/60s. Huge pink leather booths, pink tablecloths, pink carpets and gilded gold chandeliers and lights wrestle for your attention with plants and a childlike doll with rosy pink cheeks that rocks eerily backwards and forwards above you on a swing hanging from the ceiling. Old time music plays on weekends, as aging couples - dressed in vintage as if for a Saturday night school dance - jive on a dance floor behind you, seemingly blissfully unaware that they are no longer teenage childhood sweethearts. Huge slices of multi-layer cream cakes (including Black Forrest available with or without the cherries?!) piled high with colourfully decorated frostings accompanied by an ice cream soda complete your step back in time.
Then there's the similarly decorated on-site bar, coffee shop, bakery, souvenir shop...
It's quirky and kitsch and odd and very probably not the best value for money, but it's fun nevertheless. A Californian institution that's worth a detour if you're in the area.
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405. www.madonnainn.com
+1 (800) 543-9666
Google map: bit.ly/djXYUs
You can stay in an Airstream trailer.
They have a kitsch diner on sight - 'Dot's Diner'
You can stay in the 1947 Tiki Bus Polynesian Palace - in fact all their trailers and boats are kitsch classics!
Its brilliant and 100% retro!!!!
1 Douglas Road, Bisbee, AZ 85603
+1 [520] 432-3567
www.theshadydell.com/
Google map: bit.ly/d63Qtz
A lovely kitsch and cute classic films themed hotel with an in-house cat and lovely staff. Each room is named after a filmstar (we were in the Kim Novak suite) filled with film posters that they had starred in and even larger pictures in the lobby, halls and breakfast room. Feels like a home from home in the middle of the Big Apple - you're right on the corner of Chelsea, the meatpacking district and the west village. They post you a newsletter under the door every morning with suggestions of things to do and sights to see and they will book you tickets to anywhere you want to go. We went on honeymoon and they sent flowers to our room. Very very charming, free internet and business centre with compuetrs and printing, lovely breakfast and staff who would do anything to ensure you are happy in this lovely hotel.
317 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014
+1 (212) 929-1023
www.chelseapinesinn.com/
Google map: bit.ly/cHYLFn
Without a doubt a destination hotel, the Madonna Inn embodies the glorious wackiness of California like no other, but does so with immense style and heart. Even if you're just passing through, take the time to pull off route 101 to gaze in awe at the ornate (and very pink) dining room (be sure to marvel at the pink sugar) and be impressed by the waterfall in the gents' toilets upstairs (ladies - knock and peep!). If you do stay you just have to decide which of the 110 individually and imaginately themed rooms you want - Yosemite Rock, Captain's Bridge, Paris Violets, Caveman. One night will not be enough!
www.madonnainn.com
100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Reservations Phone: +1 (800) 543-9666
General Information Phone: +1 (805) 543-3000
Google map: bit.ly/cDlI0m
For a potent San Francisco experience, the Phoenix delivers on all levels. Its motorlodge 1950s motel style, complete with kitsch central pool and vintage furnishings, make you feel like you're in a really good Quentin Tarantino film. Team this with its grungy Tenderloin location and the fact that tour buses regularly pull up on the drive to deliver touring rockstars as guests, and you've got yourself one hell of an American Dream.
601 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109
+1 415.776.1380
www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/sanfrancisco/phoenix
Google map: bit.ly/bn7dxm
www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/sanfrancisco/phoenix
When at Breakers Inn you can be in Japan, Sweden or Canada Or if you are feeling a little homesick – England, Scotland or Ireland. Or if you want to experience more of the USA than you have time for – Oregon, Pennsylvania or Virginia. These are just a sample of the 28 individually decorated rooms available.
We stayed in Holland. It was bright, fresh and clean with all that you would want in a motel room with just one or two extras: bright ornamental wooden tulips, pictures of windmills surrounded by tulip fields and mini china clogs hanging from the wardrobe handles!
With amazing uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean and the Gualala River, Breakers Inn is a brilliant motel to spend a night or two when exploring Northern California.
39300 S. Hwy 1, PO Box 389, Gualala, CA 95445 +1 707-884-3200
www.breakersinn.com
Google map: bit.ly/cqx9j7
Truly scary palace of kitsch - bright pink sparkly lobby, themed rooms and a waterfall in the men's toilets. Definitely worth a stop for a drink even if you can't face staying here!
100 Madonna Road
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
+1 (805) 543-3000
www.madonnainn.com
Google map: bit.ly/bVuJ1S
It may be hidden up the far end of Cuba Street but don't let that put you off. Walk that little bit further because this place has some fantastic coffee and food especially their iced chocolates and savoury muffins. It has a cool kitsch interior as well as outdoor seating so is a great place to hang out and relax. Check out the great local clothing stores on the way down Cuba Street too, especially Frutti and Carly Harris.
The epitome of kitsch, this great little bar has glittery red walls, an array of vintage hairdressing tools and salon furniture, with cute locals and a DJ every now and then with alternative and indie rock. The best part is the manicure and a cocktail offer (was $10). Getting a manicure in Beauty Bar is not a novelty feature - it really lasted!
Nearest subway is Union Square, 14th street between 3rd ave and ave A.
www.beautybar.com/
Kitsch … you either love it or hate it. But in New Zealand, where so many bars are basic at best, the sensual overload that is the Wunderbar (in Lyttelton, of all places) is very welcome. It is also very, very kitsch. The funky front lounge is swathed in purple velvet, the pool table with red velvet, the bar is lined with bamboo and the “elusive” toilets – if you can find them – papered with 1950’s adverts. Wunderbar’s location – behind a supermarket – says it all: a corner of weird surrounded by banal.
Address: 19 London Street, Lyttelton.
Telephone: (64-3) 3288818
Website: www.wunderbar.co.nz
It's a sexy town, Buenos Aires. And here's a tip to help you prove it. The city's many love motels, or 'telos' offer rooms by the hour, catering to all those in need of a hassle-free and quick place to get busy. Whether it's for an affair or just overly-affectionate couples hitting the nightlife.
Try the überkitsch Jardines de Babilonia's theme rooms (The Emperor's Enclave or the Temple of Ishtar, among others). Generally, just look for the red lights and the phrase 'albergue transitorio'.
This hotel is perfect for a rock 'n' roll weekend of debauched behaviour. A boutique hotel with themed rooms, I had the Betty Page room (old-school glamour complete with king-sized bed and double spa bath). It was pricey, but well worth the money.
The rooms have a playstation and internet access. It is the only hotel, I think you'll find, where you can listen to Johnny Cash while you eat your breakfast. The breakfast menu is huge, and check-out time is a nicely late noon.
www.hotelpelirocco.co.uk/
10 regency square, Brighton
01273 327055
It is a fun, affordable boutique hotel which is guaranteed to spice up a short break by the sea. I stayed in the Dali room, which was smaller than I expected, but the decoration was delicious and chocolate mints on the satin bed covers was definitely a bonus!
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