Location and building are gorgeous, everything else was WAY below expectations. My wife has asthma so can’t tolerate polyester bedding (can’t breathe and thus sleep) so asked at least for one cotton sheet to get by through the night, front desk completely ignored the issue and said they use only those throughout the hotel. Hotel is a 4 star hotel and that happened to us for the first time ever especially considering they use “luxurious” 650 thread sheets in the description of the suite on their website. Yes, it’s not mentioned it’s cotton per se, however it’s the cheapest sheets you can find that you just don’t expect in a 4 star hotel and in a better room. A lot of things seem cheap and hotel staff just don’t care about their guests anymore. Maybe because of the sale of the hotel.
The honest to God's truth.
We been visiting here for over 25 years now and its been steadily declining.
The Jr. King suite was nice and clean, besides the black mold under the tub hand rail.
Bring a lighter if you plan to sit by the outdoor fire pit on the 4th floor.
The pool was cleaner then our last visit. The drinks there were very inconsistent.
DO NOT EAT THE FOOD. Room service food was horrible. The steak and eggs were barely edible with the fat content. The breakfast burrito as well.
The Presidential lounge is not at all like it used to be. No more smoked old fashions. The bar tender was rude and claimed that happy hour was over 30 minutes early and never apologized when he was proven wrong. The nachos were terrible and lacking real cheese.
Very bad stomach ache followed.
ME
Mathryn Eversole
May 10, 2026
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a beautiful place filled with charm, character, and rich history. We stayed in the Junior Suite, and it was spacious, comfortable, and perfect for relaxing after exploring the area.
Right across the street is a antique and merchandise marketplace that’s definitely worth visiting if you enjoy unique finds and vintage pieces. The hotel also has several restaurants onsite, which makes dining very convenient, though there are plenty of nearby restaurants within walking distance if you’re looking for more affordable options.
The pool area was nice, although a bit small considering how many guests the hotel accommodates. Still, the overall atmosphere and vibe of the property made up for it. The staff was friendly and welcoming throughout our stay.
One of the most fascinating parts of this hotel is the history surrounding it. I didn’t personally get to see them, but there are said to be nearly 20 miles of catacombs beneath the hotel. Riverside itself has a deep and interesting past, and if you enjoy haunted history and spooky storytelling, this place adds another layer of intrigue. Many people say the hotel is haunted, so it’s worth researching before your visit if that interests you.
Also nearby is Mount Rubidoux, which is absolutely worth visiting for the views and history. If you enjoy local legends and historical stories, look into the history of the priest connected to the cross placed at the top of the mountain in remembrance. It adds even more character to the area.
Overall, this is a beautiful historic destination with plenty to see, explore, and experience around Riverside.
MV
Monica Valle
May 5, 2026
I want to start by saying that I called ahead on Thursday to confirm whether it would be okay for my daughter to take her college graduation photos at the Mission Inn on Saturday, 05/02/26. I spoke with the receptionist, who told me it would be fine as long as the photography was not professional. I explained that my sons would be taking the pictures using their cameras, and she assured me that this would not be a problem.
Based on that information, we made plans and arrived at the Mission Inn on Saturday. Almost immediately upon arrival, we were stopped by security and told we had to stop taking photos. Respectfully, I went to the front desk to clarify the rules and understand why we were being stopped. I was told that because my sons’ cameras “looked professional,” photography was not allowed. However, we were told we could go up to the 4th floor and take pictures with our phones instead.
We appreciated the accommodation, thanked them, and proceeded to the elevators. Unfortunately, as we entered the elevator, security followed us, watched us closely, and spoke to us in a way that made us feel very uncomfortable—almost as though we were being treated like criminals.
We tried to ignore the situation and not let it ruin my daughter’s special day. However, when we reached the 4th floor and made sure to stay out of the way of guests, security once again appeared—this time standing on the 3rd floor below us, watching us closely. Once again, we felt as though we were being monitored in a very unsettling way.
At that point, it became too uncomfortable to continue, and ultimately, my daughter’s special day was negatively affected. Throughout the entire process, we made every effort to follow the rules and respect the property. I even offered to rent a room or book multiple dinners for our group just so we could take photos, but I was told that wasn’t necessary.
We truly tried to do everything right, but unfortunately, the way security handled the situation completely overshadowed what should have been a joyful and memorable day.
CB
Claudia Borrayo
Apr 18, 2026
This is more about the Easter buffet-
I absolutely love staying at Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. It’s a truly special place with so much history and character. If you appreciate older, historic hotels, this one is a gem. The rooms are good and comfortable, I know some people mention hearing the pipes or noise, but honestly, that comes with the charm of a building like this and doesn’t bother me at all.
One of my favorite things is simply walking around the property. It’s beautiful, unique, and full of little details to explore. And during Christmas, it is absolutely stunning, a must-see experience.
However, I do want to be very honest about the Easter brunch, because it was extremely disappointing and something I would never do again. The price was about $89 per adult and around $70 for kids, and they also put a time limit on your table. For that price, I expected something much more elevated.
The buffet itself was underwhelming. Yes, there were crab legs and shrimp, but overall the food felt very basic. A lot of it was sitting in warming trays, and much of what we tried was actually cold. The waffles were cold, the meat station gave very small portions and the meat was dry, and overall the quality just didn’t match the cost.
My son basically only ate chicken strips, which cost around $70, and they were completely overcooked and dry, like beef jerky. That alone was frustrating. The dessert selection was also lacking, and for the price, it felt like they could have done so much more. Even something as simple as having someone making fresh waffles would have made a big difference.
The omelet bar was oddly hidden, so if you didn’t already know to look for it or ask, you’d completely miss it. That added to the overall feeling that the experience wasn’t well thought out.
Honestly, for that same price, you could dine at Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood and get a freshly prepared, high-quality meal served to you. This buffet just didn’t come close.
Lesson learned, I would absolutely return to the hotel because I love it, but I would never do the holiday brunch again.