Total Pageviews

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

The Historic Mission Inn, Riverside California

Darla delights in showing Eric and me one of Riverside's brightest jewels, the historic Mission Inn.





Starting in the 1870s as a modest
boarding house, the Mission Inn
grew into the upscale hotel that
welcomes visitors from around
the world.





By 1931 the Mission Inn was decorated with art from around the country and the world.  





The arches outside the Inn are
 a major feature of  the
architecture.




Entering the Mission Inn,
I look up at the familiar
arches & bells of a 
Spanish Mission Church.










The Mission Inn has had many owners.  It has, at times languished.  Residents of Riverside created the Friends of the Mission Inn.  Its purpose is to preserve the historic Inn now and in the future.  The Inn has been designated a National Historic Landmark.  The Mission Inn Foundation operates the Inn's Museum and conducts tours for visitors.  The Friends and the Foundation work in partnership with the current owner. 





 Manchu Temple in Nanking, China
is positioned at the Inn's entrance.

It was cast during the late 1800s to
  the early 1900s.







The Mission Inn is decorated
for Christmas.




Macaws have entertained guests
here since 1907.
















Darla takes Eric & me to 
the courtyard.







It's filled with Old World charm. 




Terrazzo Tile covers the main
hallway of the Inn.












Restaurants include...
























This staircase, next to the
Front Desk is a popular
photo spot.






Notable guests include Helen Keller, Booker T. Washington, Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, and John Muir.  Celebrities who enjoyed the Inn's hospitality include Judy Garland, Betty Davis, Tom Hanks, Barbra Streisand, and James Brolin.  





The Presidential Lounge has
hosted Presidents Roosevelt, 
Taft, Hoover, Nixon, Reagan 
& George W, Bush.





The Inn commissioned this chair
for President Taft, a robust
gentleman.

The story is that President Taft








The Mission Inn is a popular wedding venue.  It has also hosted large and big events in its smaller meeting rooms and large conference room.






One of several lounges on
the main floor of the Inn.





I imagine guests gathering at the
piano for a singalong.







This is where I'd like to stay the next time Eric and I visit Riverside.  

No comments: