RIVERSIDE, CA — One of Riverside’s most recognizable landmarks is changing hands, with the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa set to be sold to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.
Officials announced Monday that the San Manuel Investment Authority, through affiliated entities, has reached an agreement to acquire the property at 3649 Mission Inn Avenue. The purchase price has not been made public, but the deal could be finalized as early as the end of May.
Tribal leaders emphasized that the property will remain a non-gaming destination. “The Mission Inn holds a special place in our hearts,” said Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “Generations of our family have enjoyed its unique atmosphere and the memories created there. We understand its importance to Riverside and the broader region and look forward to continuing its legacy as part of our hospitality portfolio.”
For years, the inn has been closely associated with Kelly Roberts and her late husband Duane Roberts, who helped transform the property into a premier destination. When the couple purchased it in the mid-1990s for a reported $15.6 million, the building had been closed for years and faced possible demolition.
Since then, the property has undergone extensive restoration while maintaining its historic character. Today, the 238-room hotel carries a AAA Four Diamond designation and remains one of the region’s most visited attractions.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to care for The Mission Inn,” Kelly Roberts said in a statement. “Duane and I dedicated ourselves to preserving its history while preparing it for the future. I’m proud of what we accomplished and grateful to the team, the community and every guest who has been part of its story. I’m confident the San Manuel Nation will continue that legacy with care and vision.”
The inn traces its origins back to 1876, when it began as a small adobe boarding house. Under founder Frank Miller, the property expanded significantly in the early 1900s, evolving into a full-service hotel with more than 200 rooms. Its design incorporates Mission Revival architecture along with elements inspired by over 20 California missions.
Additional expansions followed over the years, including the Cloister, Spanish Wing and Rotunda Wing, which was completed in 1931. Miller also curated an extensive collection of artifacts, artwork and furnishings from around the world, many of which remain on display today. Among its most notable features is a historic bell dating back to 1247.
Over the decades, the Mission Inn has welcomed numerous high-profile guests, including U.S. presidents, entertainers and state officials, further cementing its place in California history.
The acquisition adds to the growing portfolio of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, which includes luxury and resort properties across the country such as the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, and Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in San Bernardino County, among others.
