Want to visit the Happiest Place in America? Here’s a hotel discount to make you even happier

Likely you’ve visited the Happiest Place in America and didn’t even know it. A few years ago, author Dan Buettner went on a quest to find the happiest places on the planet. San Luis Obispo, the quiet college town in Central California, scored highest for North America.

To get your happy on, the funky Madonna Inn offers a package that comes with some free extras, including a copy of Buettner’s book “Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way” and $50 off each night of a two-night stay.

The deal: The Happiest Place package requires a two-night stay on Thursdays and Fridays only. Freebies that come with this deal include the book, a one-hour bicycle rental, a tote bag and more. The inn, for those who don’t know, has 110 rooms, each decorated in a different over-the-top theme. (And for those really born yesterday: The inn is named after its owner and creator, the late Alex Madonna, not the pop star icon.)

When: The offer is good through the end of the year.

Tested: I called the inn to inquire about the package after reading the details online. The reservation agent suggested I call back after I had selected a particular room (a grid on the website has photos of each room) to check on availability.

I did just that and selected the California Poppy Room, decorated with golden poppy wallpaper and orange carpeting and matching sofa. It was available May 19 and 20 at the discounted rate of $129 plus tax a night.

Tip: Check out the city’s website to find other hotels in SLO that offer Happiest Place packages.

Contact: Madonna Inn, (805) 543-3000