This post is a chance for me to share my Mission Inn Riverside review! I have visited a few different times for dinner with family friends but this was my first time staying here. Thankfully, I follow The Mission Inn on social media. They tweeted about a sale they were having. Always make sure to follow any hotels that you do stay at or would like to stay at on social media. This is a great way to learn about sales and events. I really hope that this Mission Inn Riverside review helps you plan your visit.
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If you are just visiting the hotel I would recommend looking for street parking, or parking at one of the nearby parking structures. If you are staying at the hotel I feel like paying for valet parking is worth it. The earliest that you can check-in is 4 pm. I would encourage you to come earlier in the day if you can and take the tour of the hotel. It is so fascinating to learn the history of the hotel and see some places that otherwise you would not be able to.
This is one of the most beautiful hotels that I have ever stayed at.
We had to switch rooms due to an issue with the air conditioning. We were able to move to a nearby room and all was well. The room size is good and the beds are quite comfy. The book on the desk has information about the history of the hotel. There is even a list of some of the famous people that have visited the hotel. Nine U.S. Presidents and several celebrities have stayed at the hotel over the years. I was so happy to see my favorite actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, on the list. If only Leo and I could have been at the hotel at the same time.
I love bows so I really appreciated the way the tissues were set up in the bathroom. My Mom and I had a hard time finding the hairdryer as it was not visible in the bathroom. After a call to the front desk, we learned it is kept in the closet. If you stay here be sure to remember that in case you need it.
We had a view of the pool from our room which looked so relaxing!
Since I had previously taken a tour I knew where to take my parents to show them. I took them to the chapel and some of the other beautiful places to see.
One of the interesting things about the hotel is the architecture which varies depending on where you are. If you want to dine at any of the restaurants at the hotel, including the one in the courtyard pictured above be sure to make reservations as soon as you can.
A lot of Presidents have visited The Mission Inn over the years and the Presidential Lounge pays tribute to that. Outside of the lounge are portraits of each of the Presidents that have come here. They even made a special chair for President Taft who was known for being large. He reportedly refused to sit in the chair but they have it on display in the lobby. Look out for the picture of me in the chair at the bottom of the post.
For five weeks during the holiday season, The Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn takes place. This beautiful display showcases 5 million lights. You can read all about my experience here.
I was so happy to see that the lobby of the hotel had a display of the angel wings. The angel wings, by Colette Miller, can be found in a variety of places. They are always beautiful and a great photo spot. Please note that I saw the angel wings in 2016 and they may not still be there.
Whether you stay at The Mission Inn or are just visiting here are a few things I recommend doing.
♥ Check out Casey’s Cupcakes
♥ Sit in the chair made for President Taft
♥ Talk to the birds at the entrance
♥ Take a tour so you can see all of the incredible things this hotel has to offer
