We headed down to Riverside, CA, for a relative’s wedding. We’ve never heard anything of note about Riverside, but we’d never been there either. I find that wherever one goes, there’s something of interest. But we didn’t expect the Mission Inn. While looking for a hotel online, the Mission Inn seemed priced reasonably enough, and the website promised a wonderful, historic hotel. I didn’t believe it. Or, I should say, on most claims, I’ll believe them when I see them.
I believed this all right! We were completely unprepared for the wonderful surprise of this hotel. Everywhere we walked, every turn we made, revealed a new, exciting element. It’s going to take two posts to include everything we found.
The lobby was extensive and off to each side were interesting sitting areas. They didn’t conform to a particular style but had unexpected personalities. Like this one.
The Mission Inn has nothing to do with a mission – wasn’t associated with one, and wasn’t patterned after one. It started back in 1875 when someone named Christopher Columbus Miller was given a block of land instead of $324 in back wages that the Riverside colony owed him. He build a home there, called the place the Glenwood Cottage and took in boarders. We stayed in the Glenwood rooms. This next photo is the beautiful outdoor entrance verandah in the most modern-looking section of the Inn. And we also reserved the least expensive type of room, although we were upgraded to the next level – the Glenwood rooms. At that, it was comfortable with all the amenities and the most comfortable bed ever.
Our view from this balcony, or verandah, was of the swimming pool and spa area where, if we’d had more time, we would have relaxed and ordered cocktails poolside.
I only have one picture of the spa and I’m in it. You won’t catch me in a swimsuit very often! We did find time to relax and soak after the wedding.
Back to the history. Frank Miller bought the Glenwood from his father in 1880. In fact, he bought the entire city block. The New Glenwood Hotel opened in 1903, and for the next 30 years he kept expanding. The furnishings and eclectic art objects from Miller’s trips around the world gave the Mission Inn its style – which I’m not sure has a name. But it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Presidential Lounge is also off the lobby. It’s aptly named because it was originally a suite constructed for Teddy Roosevelt’s visit in 1903. It had a sitting room and two bedrooms with another bedroom upstairs. President Taft also stayed in these rooms. The Nixons were married here, and many other presidents including Kennedy stayed here. In 1957 it was converted to a lounge.
There are five restaurants in the hotel and a tavern. The Spanish Court is a beautiful dining area.
There is a ramp from this patio into the Spanish Art Gallery but we weren’t able to go in. Also on the ground floor is Duane’s Prime Steaks and Seafood. Beautiful doors leading in:
I don’t think there is a way to “tour” the hotel in a particular order – in my post, anyway. We just walked and wandered and here is some of what we discovered.
This is a pleasant sitting area near our room. The chest against the wall is beautiful.
Some of the areas around the Spanish courtyard on different levels:
I don’t know what this is. But it’s near the Tavern, which is near the music room, which we didn’t discover in time to see. A huge organ is in the music room and has been restored and from a photo we saw looks very impressive. I guess this means a visit back!
The clock you see was purchased in 1911, but the clock face says 1709. What we see now is a reconstruction of the face with the original in the Mission Inn Museum. The Millers purchased it in Europe, and it’s called Anton’s Clock. Why? Don’t know. But it was installed in 1914 when the Spanish wing was under construction. In the little opening under the face, figures rotate – a California Native American, Father Serra, a bear, Juan Bautista de Anza, and St. Francis. That component of the clock was installed in 1952. The Mission Inn is like Disneyland – always something being added.
As we explored further, we saw wedding photos being taken in an idyllic location. What a place for a wedding!
I love this detail ofa section of room called Author’s Row. These rooms overlook the Spanish Patio and are named for authors who have visited the Inn. Here’s some tile detail from this wing.
Finally for today, as we rounded the corner where this tile is, we encountered a nice reflecting pool and fountain. Something around every corner! Tomorrow – the Rotunda, St. Francis of Assisi Chapel and the Golden Altar, something worthy of an Italian church. Oh, right. It was made in Italy!
I balanced the camera, put it on remote, and got a photo of Mark and me. Had I been prepared with tripod, etc. I could have taken spectacular photos. Who would have thought? This is a hotel for which the hype is truly understated. Next time have tripod, will travel.
Tomorrow – Mission Inn, part two.
