The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa

The Mission Inn is the hotel that defines Riverside. Occupying a full downtown block, it is a sprawling mix of Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial and Moorish architecture, full of arches, towers, domes, bells, balconies and courtyards that make every corner feel like a stage set. Presidents, film stars and ordinary honeymooners have stayed here, and the inn has played a role in the city's story since the nineteenth century, growing from a modest boarding house into a landmark that anchors the downtown pedestrian mall. Staying here is a different kind of hotel experience from a modern chain. The rooms vary in size and character, from cozy standard rooms to grand suites, and some have views over the courtyards or the downtown streets. The public spaces are the real draw, with a lobby that rewards wandering, a chapel, a spa and several restaurants and bars, including courtyard dining that is lovely on a warm evening.

Location is excellent for a visit built around Riverside itself. The inn sits on the Main Street pedestrian mall, within a short walk of the Riverside Art Museum, cafes, restaurants and the downtown train station, and a few minutes by car from Mount Rubidoux and the citrus park. Guests can join the Mission Inn Museum tours without leaving the property, and in the winter holiday season the building and its surroundings are decorated with thousands of lights, one of the best-known seasonal displays in the region.

The experience includes quirks that go with age. Corridors twist, floors change level and some rooms are small or oddly shaped, so read the room description and request a quiet location if you are a light sleeper. Soundproofing varies, and weekend events and weddings can bring activity to the courtyards. Parking is typically paid, and resort-style fees may apply, so check the details when you book. Dining ranges from a formal steakhouse to casual bars, and the spa offers treatments for couples and groups.

The inn is best for couples, history lovers, wedding guests and travelers who want atmosphere. It is less ideal for those on a strict budget or who need a modern, quiet, uniform room. Book early for weekends, the winter lights season and wedding season, and consider a weekday stay for the best rates. A night here, a tour, a walk up Mount Rubidoux and a dinner in the courtyard make a perfect Riverside weekend.

Consider adding a guided tour of the building to your stay, since seeing the chapel, the bells and the art with a guide transforms the hotel from a pretty backdrop into a story. Staff can also suggest quiet corners for a morning coffee before the crowds arrive.