Mission Inn

California travel expert Veronica Hill of http://www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com tours the Mission Inn in Riverside — a National historic landmark that has hosted 10 U.S. Presidents, countless luminaries, and even a movie star or two.

This beautiful destination hotel began its life in 1876 as a 12-room adobe and soon grew into one of the West's grandest getaways.

It would take owner Frank Miller 30 years to realize his vision, as he traveled the world, bringing back souvenirs and inspiration from the Orient, Europe and Spain. The California Missions were also a huge influence. The six-bell campanario gracing the entrance is modeled after San Gabriel Mission, the arches are based on those found at Mission San Juan Capistrano, and the wood beams inside the Music Room were inspired by Mission San Miguel.

The vine-and-lantern draped pergola, which still graces the front entrance, originally led guests on the 1-mile path from the railway station to the hotel in grand style.

Today, the Mission Inn remains one of California's premiere destination hotels, hosting four fine restaurants, an upscale jazz lounge, and luxurious Tuscan spa. If you can, book a stay in the Glenwood rooms, which overlook the Spanish Patio.

You'll have a great view of the 16th-century Glockenspiel, which rotates every 15 minutes with figures of an Indian, Junipero Serra, Juan Baptista De Anza and a Franciscan Monk.

If you decide to visit the Mission Inn, I highly recommend the 75-minute walking tour, offered by docents at the Mission Inn Museum.

It's a great way to see parts of the hotel that aren't open to the general public and learn a little bit more about the Mission Inn history.

One of the most mysterious sights inside the hotel and along the roofline are tiny 4-foot doors, seemingly leading to nowhere. Word has it that Frank Miller would escape into these rooms to escape from his sister Alice, who was a very large woman. (Alice managed the hotel until her death in 1940s.)
Part hotel, part museum, the Mission Inn's antiques have an estimated worth of at least $7 million.

The St. Francis of Assisi chapel, site of countless destination weddings, is home to seven Tiffany stained glass windows and a gold-leaf Rayas cedar altar from the 1700s.

The Inn is also famous for historic bell collection (including the oldest dated bell on record from A.D. 1247 and the Nanking Temple Bell), and the only complete set of Henry Chapman Fords California Mission paintings. Look closely into the cupola and youll see tiny scenes from Helen Hunt Jacksons book, Ramona, in each window.

In 1891, President Benjamin Harrison became the first U.S. president to visit Frank Miller's famous hotel. You can see portraits of other visiting presidents on the walls outside the Presidential Lounge, and even sit in President William Taft's large chair, which was commissioned by Miller for a banquet.

Whether you come for the day, or sneak away for a long weekend, you're sure to enjoy this historic piece of Americana.

Mission Inn Riverside
www.missioninn.com
3649 Mission Inn Ave.
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 784-0300

Kelly's Spa at the Mission Inn
(800) 440-5910

Mission Inn Tours
(951) 788-9556

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Mission Inn
• Riverside Mission Inn
• Mission Inn Riverside
• California Mission Inn
• Historic Hotels
• luxury hotels
• luxury hotel
• Riverside hotels
• California hotels

[guynaz928]

There is no better place to visit during the Christmas holiday season then the Mission Inn, its amazing!

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

@guynaz928 I agree. It's amazing!

[junsio]

its haunted

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Yes, that's what I've been told! What have you heard about its ghosts?

[Rooster55199]

a small "edit": The Mission Inn is along side Riverside's 91 freeway.

[CaliforniaTravelTips]

Yes, it's actually along the 91 and 215 (which both merge) along the 60. Thanks for your comment!

[theEpicmuffins1]

its hanted im not going tomorrow lol

[evilriverside]

i went here yesterday

[godzilla0083]

Veronica you are a beautiful woman. You walk like a model. Take it as a compliment.

[donniebrasco24]

actually parts of this hotel or inn were already built when california was still Mexico

[REDBLACKBERRYLOVER]

whats the address ? i need it for tomorrow

[lucricbono]

i hhave videos of the mission inn during X-MAS