About the Mission Inn
Explore Our Heritage and Legacy of Hospitality
The historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa began as a quaint adobe boarding house in 1876, becoming a full-service hotel in the early 1900s. Opened by Frank Miller, it expanded in 1903 with over 200 guestrooms and the addition of the Mission Wing, built in Mission-Revival style while incorporating architectural features from more than 20 different California missions. Three more wings materialized as demand grew, including the Cloister, Spanish Wing and the Rotunda Wing, completed in 1931. Miller filled the hotel with valuable items from across the globe, including artwork, furniture and religious relics. Mission Inn still houses the oldest bell in Christendom, dating back to 1247.
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has been lovingly restored under the stewardship of Kelly and Duane Roberts, preserving its original grandeur while welcoming visitors from around the world. Expanding from its humble beginnings to now encompass an entire city block, this AAA Four Diamond hotel offers luxurious boutique accommodations just a short drive from Los Angeles and Orange County.
The Mission Inn features multiple upscale dining options, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the Conde Nast award-winning Kelly’s Spa, a lushly landscaped outdoor pool, and opulent rooms that immerse guests in history and elegance. In recognition of their dedication to historic preservation, Kelly and Duane Roberts, on behalf of their Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, were honored with the 2024 Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award, accompanied by an official proclamation. The hotel also proudly secured the fourth position on the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Literary Hotels list for 2024.
Guests are transported to California’s bygone eras as they explore the hotel’s enchanting architecture, featuring awe-inspiring archways, soaring domes, and magnificent towers.
History
With a nearly 150-year legacy, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has welcomed U.S. Presidents, Hollywood stars, and cultural icons. Its storied guest list includes Roosevelt, Taft, Reagan, Amelia Earhart, Albert Einstein, and Tom Hanks, while its grand halls have served as backdrops for films like The Vampire (1915), Idiot’s Delight (1938), and Man in the Iron Mask (1997).
Originally operated by founder Frank Miller until 1935, the hotel later faced decline until Duane and Kelly Roberts rescued it in the late 1980s. After a $55 million restoration, they reopened the hotel in 1992, with Kelly Roberts leading as Vice Chairman and COO. Under her vision, the Mission Inn evolved into a premier California destination, home to the beloved Festival of Lights, the award-winning Kelly’s Spa, and a renewed legacy of luxury.
Stewardship of the Hotel
Looking Ahead
The Mission Inn and San Manuel Investment Authority have entered into an agreement for sale of the property to San Manuel with an expected close date as soon as the end of the month. The inn will remain open during this transition period. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring you have a seamless guest experience.