Allisson Williams This beautiful destination hotel began its life in 1876 as a 12-room adobe and soon grew into one of the West’s grandest getaways.
It would take owner Frank Miller 30 years to realize his vision, as he traveled the world, bringing back souvenirs and inspiration from the Orient, Europe, and Spain. The California Missions were also a huge influence. The six-bell campanario gracing the entrance is modeled after San Gabriel Mission, the arches are based on those found at Mission San Juan Capistrano, and the wood beams inside the Music Room were inspired by Mission San Miguel.
The vine-and-lantern draped pergola, which still graces the front entrance, originally led guests on the 1-mile path from the railway station to the hotel in grand style.
Today, the Mission Inn remains one of California’s premiere destination hotels, hosting four fine restaurants, an upscale jazz lounge, and a luxurious Tuscan spa. If you can, book a stay in the Glenwood rooms, which overlook the Spanish Patio.
You’ll have a great view of the 16th-century Glockenspiel, which rotates every 15 minutes with figures of an Indian, Junipero Serra, Juan Baptista De Anza, and a Franciscan Monk.
If you decide to visit the Mission Inn, I highly recommend the 75-minute walking tour, offered by docents at the Mission Inn Museum.
It’s a great way to see parts of the hotel that aren’t open to the general public and learn a little bit more about the Mission Inn history.
One of the most mysterious sights inside the hotel and along the roofline are tiny 4-foot doors, seemingly leading to nowhere. Word has it that Frank Miller would escape into these rooms to escape from his sister Alice, who was a very large woman. (Alice managed the hotel until her death in the 1940s.) Part hotel, part museum, the Mission Inn’s antiques have an estimated worth of at least $7 million.
The St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, the site of countless destination weddings, is home to seven Tiffany stained glass windows and a gold-leaf Rayas cedar altar from the 1700s.
The Inn is also famous for historic bell collection (including the oldest dated bell on record from A.D. 1247 and the Nanking Temple Bell), and the only complete set of Henry Chapman Fords California Mission paintings. Look closely into the cupola and youll see tiny scenes from Helen Hunt Jacksons book, Ramona, in each window.
In 1891, President Benjamin Harrison became the first U.S. president to visit Frank Miller’s famous hotel. You can see portraits of other visiting presidents on the walls outside the Presidential Lounge, and even sit in President William Taft’s large chair, which was commissioned by Miller for a banquet.
Whether you come for the day or sneak away for a long weekend, you’re sure to enjoy this historic piece of Americana.
