Mission Inn Foundation & Museum — Attraction in Riverside

I would have to divide my rating for this place into three sections:

1. The place itself. The Mission Inn is truly amazing!!! If you like historical buildings with amazing architecture and let's say, every room being unique and great, then this place is for you. They do a lot of wedding venues and events but just to explore it. It took us two days to find some of its secrets. I would definitely come back.

2. The front desk staff are RUDE!! I cannot emphasize enough (and I heard it from another guest also) that the front desk people need to learn some customer service. I mean, being elegant and being rude are two very different things. I don't know who is training these people but ALL OF THEM are rude. I spoke to five different front desk agents and they all made me feel unwelcome. They never explained the wifi, the amenities, made any recommendations, called me by my name "Mr...", nothing! Also, when I called the desk to ask about the tours they rudely said "you have to call the number".

The housekeeper people, however, were very friendly. They brought me water and they always greeted me "good morning", "good evening", etc.

3)The place may be haunted? We experienced some very strange noises inside of our room the first night. I also was able to go down to the basement (is that where the catacombs are?) and heard some noises of chains being dragged on the floor away from where I was standing. In our room, there was a bread wrapper and we heard it being squeezed and making noises at night. Also, we had a light that turned on by itself. Overall, that was very interesting, and wasn't even the reason we came here.

Overall, I would give it a 5 stars if the front desk people were not so rude, but everything else would be great. Ohh, btw, be prepared to wait until the last minute cause when I first called they told us to come and give our name for an early check in list but we were never called and were rudely dismissed every...

I took their haunted tour that takes you around the neighborhood near the Mission Inn, where museum docents share ghostly tales, true crime lore, and strange bits of local history. One of the things I really enjoyed is how many of the stories connect Riverside to pop culture. For example, the tragic case of Gloria Ramirez, known as the “Toxic Lady,” inspired an actual television show episode. Along the route, you’ll stop by spots like the former police station, the old opera house site, and the library tied to the death of Cheri Jo Bates, which some believe may have been connected to the Zodiac Killer. The tour isn’t just about listening—you also get to try out ghost-hunting equipment like EMF detectors and dowsing rods along the way. Plus, everyone received a limited-edition pin as a keepsake, which was such a thoughtful touch. Our guides, Patti and Sandy, clearly love what they do and kept the group engaged with stories that were equal parts spooky and fascinating. One of my favorite little details came right at the end, when we stopped outside the Mission Inn itself. They showed us a vent that connects down to the Mission Inn’s catacombs. It was the perfect eerie note to close out the evening. If you’re into local history, ghost stories, and true crime with a spooky twist, this is a really fun way to spend a night in Riverside. Enjoy the storytelling and a chance to experience the city...

The Mission Inn Museum, located in Riverside, California, is housed within the historic Mission Inn Hotel, which is renowned for its unique architecture and rich history. The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of the Mission Inn, which has hosted numerous notable guests and events since its opening in the late 19th century.

Visitors to the Mission Inn Museum can explore exhibits that highlight the hotel's history, its architectural features, and the stories of the individuals who have played a significant role in its development. The museum also showcases artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia related to the hotel's past, including its connection to the arts, culture, and social movements.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum often offers guided tours of the Mission Inn, providing insights into its history and architectural significance. The picturesque setting of the hotel, combined with its fascinating history, makes the Mission Inn Museum a unique destination for those interested in architecture, hospitality, and local history. If you have specific questions about visiting the museum or its exhibits, feel...