The Mission Inn Today

The hotel features 239 elegant, unique rooms, including 28 suites. The rooms feature mini bars, cable TV, high speed internet access (wi-fi in the lobby), evening turndown service with chocolates and a morning paper delivered to your door. Pampering guests is taken very seriously at the Mission Inn. There are four restaurants. Recently added, a Tuscan inspired spa cements the Inn's bragging rights as a first class luxury destination getaway. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of the Historical Hotels of America.

What to Do In the Neighborhood

Try to arrive at the Mission Inn midweek. Riverside Wednesday Night is a wonderful farmers market featuring locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with arts and crafts. Bands play throughout the venue and Main Street is closed to traffic. Walk out the entrance of the hotel and you are in the middle of the action at the Mainstreet Mall, which also features boutiques, antique shops, a used book store and several restaurants. This farmers market is seasonal and open for business from the early Spring through the Fall.

Year round, on the first Thursday of every month, from 6 PM to 9 PM, over 20 museums, galleries and studios present an exciting mix of visual and performing arts at the Riverside Art Walk throughout the downtown area; once again, all right outside the Mission Inn. The Mission Inn's Festival of Lights is held from late November through early January.

The local Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau are located across the street from the hotel and offer a wide array of walking maps, historic tours and arts and cultural information. Don't miss the University of California Riverside's California Museum of Photography.

What to Do at the Mission Inn

The Mission Inn Foundation and Museum offers a first rate, 70 minute historical tour of the hotel; it is fascinating and educational. But on your own, roam the hotel and grounds to explore this gem. There is a small but well equipped fitness center, an Olympic sized pool and a hot tub. Find one of many shady areas to relax. That's what this magical place is all about. My favorite secret reading spot is located at the Garden of the Sky.

Not to be missed is Kelly's Spa, offering a full array of therapies and massage treatments. It features eight beautifully appointed treatment rooms and two luxurious villas with patios; all are named after villages and towns in Tuscany. Additionally, there is a manicure/pedicure room, eucalyptus steam rooms for men and women and a relaxation lounge. The spa is a sanctuary within the oasis that is the Mission Inn, featuring attentive service, a friendly and knowledgeable staff and a restful atmosphere. Relax and unwind in this perfect addition to the Mission Inn. It has been so popular with guests and locals that they are currently expanding.
There are four distinctly different dining choices at the Mission Inn. The casual Mission Inn Coffee Company which specializes in sandwiches, salads and soups along with pastries and coffee will be replaced in early 2006 by La Trattoria Bistro. It will feature pastas, oven baked pizzas and paninis. Las Companas is a delightful outdoor restaurant, integrated into the hotel's landscaped gardens. It features authentic Mexican cuisine and you shouldn't miss their signature margaritas. The Mission Inn Restaurant is open for breakfast lunch, and dinner. My favorite is their luncheon buffet; it's beautifully displayed featuring hot and cold entrees, salads and spectacular desserts. Duane's is their signature gourmet restaurant and is rated four diamonds. This elegant dining room features prime steaks and seafood and has an extensive wine list. Everything is ala carte and there is a wonderful selection of appetizers, salads, entrees, and side dishes. Duane's is deservedly a busy place; the service is equal to the ambience and the food. It is a very special restaurant. Reservations are suggested. After dinner head to the Presidential Lounge for a drink and jazz. Another don't miss hint: the Mission Inn features a legendary Sunday Brunch. People travel from all over the area to attend this culinary extravaganza, so make reservations.

Riverside is not usually thought of as a vacation destination. But, if you like wonderful accommodations, a great spa, a good place to unwind and experience superb food, the Mission Inn will not disappoint. Happy travels…..

Mission Inn Information

Mission Inn: www.missioninn.com or 1-800-843-7755. Check online for specials and rates.
Kelly's Spa: www.kellysspa.com for a complete menu of services, packages and prices or call 1-951-341-6725.
Historic Mission Museum and Inn Tours: 1-951-781-8241

City of Riverside Information

Riverside Visitors Bureau: www.riversidecb.com or 1-951-684-INFO
Riverside Art Walk: www.riversideartscouncil.org/artswalk.htm
California Museum of Photography: www.cmp.ucr.edu or 1-951-784-FOTO
Downtown Riverside: www.riversdiedowntown.org or 1-951-781-7355