For our anniversary, we went to The Mission Inn in Riverside, California. This hotel is a jewel and one of the most beautiful places I have ever
seen here in California.
I took over 200 photographs of it. She is that photogenic!!
Hushed beauty on the inside
Della Robbia Plaques
surround the inside courtyard...
Two parrots reside at the entryway into the hotel.
There have been two parrots since the opening
of the hotel......
The original parrots are shown here in a tile floor
that is on the entry to one of the many beautiful
restaurants.
Ironwork, Sconces, trompe l'oeil, tiles...it has it all
in quality and quantity....
Some rooms have these great balconies...
Fountains? Oh yeah, we've got those..
One of the many of thousands of features in this beautiful, historic hotel.
Italy? ... Southern California Baby!
the many stained glass windows
Another beautiful Tile Mural...
The Mission Inn is located in Riverside, California. From Long Beach it is about 57 miles east or an hours drive without traffic. Riverside was famous in its heyday for orange groves and it was also a stop for trains. Many US presidents stayed at this hotel. It has about seven different restaurants. We had lunch in a pretty little outdoor one that featured delicious Italian food. We then walked around the town and stopped in a delightful little museum, a University of California museum of Photography and saw countless other beautiful buildings including a church on every corner.
As the sun was setting, we went back to the hotel for tea and dessert. We found the most
elegant and romantic spots in the hotel. Plush velvet armchairs...Fine bone china tea service...Beautiful Linens... You are treated like visiting royality here. Impeccable service. And the dessert I had was one of the best I've ever had and I have had a few in my time! Worth every sinful, decadant bite. Sorry, the lighting was so low the photo I took of it did
not turn out so great. You will just have to trust me on this one...
We did not spend the night this time. Can I now say that I wish we would have? We did spend a night a few years ago. It was heaven on earth. You never have to leave the property. They give tours and you get to see areas that people just walking in cannot see. Many weddings are held here in the most romantic little Chapel and the lucky bride and groom are able to have their photography done on the grounds..
This hotel was nearly torn down. At one point it was boarded up and left for ruin. Someone with lots of money and a vision restored it.
Next time you are in Southern California make it a point to see this beautiful hotel. It is well worth the drive. And make sure you spend the night... I assure you, this place will blow your mind.
