Detour Pit Stop #75: The Vick, Los Alamos, California, USA
Photo The Vick
Behind the traditional Victorian facade of this restored mansion is a fantasy world of themed rooms that makes Los Alamos a diverting pit stop on any California Detour.
At the Victorian Mansion Bed and Breakfast, known to its friends as The Vick, you can stay in a sheikh’s tent, a Parisian loft, Roman villa, pirate ship or even a 1950s’ drive-in.
Now this may sound astonishingly tacky, but the owner Rod Rigole’s vision for a “Disneyland for adults” has come true and each room has been decorated with great love and attention, with murals by artist Joyce Ortner. It has taken more than 200 craftsmen almost a decade to create this playful hotel and, being a drive-focused site, we can’t help but pick the neon-lit 50’s Suite as our favourite.
As well as a hot tub that sits against a backdrop of the Hollywood sign there’s an actual 1956 Cadillac convertible parked in the room, complete with a projector and screen for you to enjoy your own private drive-in.
The Vick has won numerous awards for its quirky hospitality and is ideally placed just off the 101 freeway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. No California coastal road trip would be complete without a stay.
If you fancy something similar but a little cheesier try the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo.