Mission Inn Hotel & Spa

Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a historic landmark hotel located in downtown Riverside, California. Originally established in 1876 as a modest adobe boarding house called Glenwood Cottage, the property was transformed over decades by its visionary founder, Frank Augustus Miller, into a sprawling complex renowned for its eclectic Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The hotel is a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark, celebrated for its extensive art collections, museum-quality artifacts, and its role as a social and political hub for prominent national and international figures throughout the 20th century.

History

The origins of the property trace back to 1876 when Christopher Columbus Miller built the adobe Glenwood Cottage for travelers; his son, Frank Augustus Miller, inherited the business in 1880 and began an ambitious expansion. Miller was inspired by the California missions and embarked on a lifelong building campaign, with significant additions like the Mission Wing and the Spanish Wing constructed between 1902 and 1931 with designs by architects including Arthur B. Benton. The hotel flourished during the Gilded Age and the Roaring Twenties, becoming a favored destination for wealthy tourists from the East Coast traveling via the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Following Miller's death in 1935, the property entered a period of decline, narrowly avoiding demolition in the 1970s before being purchased and meticulously restored by a consortium led by local businessman Duane R. Roberts, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Architecture and design

The complex is a renowned example of Mission Revival Style architecture, incorporating elements from Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean Revival, and Moorish Revival styles, creating a unique and fantastical aesthetic. Notable architectural features include the soaring Rotunda with its Tiffany glass window, the ornate Spanish Art Gallery ceiling, and the iconic Campanario bell tower which houses bells from throughout California and Mexico. The grounds feature elaborate courtyards such as the Spanish Patio and the Atrio chapel, alongside a collection of international bells, including one from the Russian Orthodox Church, and a set of Japanese bells gifted by the Empire of Japan. The overall design reflects Miller's extensive travels and his desire to create a "castle in California" filled with artistic and historical treasures.

Notable guests and events

Throughout its history, the hotel has hosted an impressive array of U.S. Presidents, foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and influential figures. Presidential guests have included William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Gerald Ford. Other notable visitors have encompassed inventor Thomas Edison, industrialist Henry Ford, aviator Amelia Earhart, actress Bette Davis, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.. The hotel was also the site of the 1959 wedding of former First Lady Pat Nixon to Richard Nixon, and it has frequently been used for political gatherings, film shoots, and the annual Riverside Festival of Lights, a major regional holiday celebration.

Museum and collections

The property operates as a de facto museum, housing an extensive and diverse collection of art and artifacts amassed by Frank Augustus Miller and subsequent owners. Highlights include a significant collection of Native American baskets and pottery, over 1,600 ex-voto paintings, and an array of Asian art from China and Japan. The collections feature religious art and furnishings from around the world, including Spanish Colonial paintings, Ming dynasty ceramics, and a large number of antique bells. Many items are displayed throughout the hotel's public spaces and guest rooms, with curated tours offered by the Mission Inn Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving the site's historical and cultural legacy.

Hotel and spa operations

Today, the hotel operates as a full-service luxury destination with 238 guest rooms and suites, many featuring unique historical furnishings and modern amenities. The Kelly's Spa offers a range of treatments, while dining options include the upscale Duane's Prime Steaks and Seafood and the more casual Mission Inn Restaurant. The hotel's expansive event spaces, including the grand Spanish Art Gallery and several courtyards, host weddings, corporate meetings, and social galas. Managed by Robert O. B. (ROB) Companies, the hotel remains a cornerstone of Riverside's downtown revitalization and a major draw for tourism in the Inland Empire region. Category:Hotels in Riverside County, California Category:National Historic Landmarks in California Category:Historic district contributing properties in California