3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, CA 92501; 951-784-0300;
Rates: Deluxe rooms with one king or two queen beds start at $190 a night and go up to $1,400 a night for presidential suites. Valet overnight parking is $15, or self-park for $7 daily.
Stay here if you: love the spa or want a dose of a European-style hotel and a historical setting. The castlelike inn dates back to 1903 and has hosted many presidents and celebrities.
It’s close to: San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles attractions and beaches — all within an hour’s drive.
The rooms are: unique and individual in style and design, with architectural details that include leaded stained-glass windows, hand-carved pillars, domed ceilings, wrought-iron balconies and windows that open up to stone patios.
They put all of the money into: restoring the historical property to its original splendor, complete with four separate wings, a clock tower, a four-story, circular wrought-iron staircase, the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel embellished with an 18-karat-gold-leafed Raya’s altar that dates back to the mid-18th century, Kelly’s Spa and four fantastic restaurants, including Las Campanas and Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood.
The bottom line: The 239-room hotel, built in the Mission Revival style and crafted with elements of California’s 21 missions, was on the brink of demolition when the current owners purchased and beautifully restored it 16 years ago. The multimillion-dollar renovation was artfully done and creates a relaxing oasis in the middle of Southern California. This is a great getaway from a busy life, from its eucalyptus steam bath and pool to its inviting and delicious Sunday brunch and proximity to attractions like Disneyland and Laguna’s beaches — if you want to venture out.
