The Mission Inn Hotel and Spa will soon be under new ownership.
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation announced Monday morning it was in the final stages of purchasing the iconic downtown Riverside hotel from the Roberts family.
“The Mission Inn holds a special place in our hearts,” Lynn Valbuena, the tribe’s chairwoman, said in a May 4 statement. “We recognize its historic, economic and cultural significance to Riverside and the region would be delighted to include The Mission Inn in our non-gaming hospitality portfolio.”
A spokesperson for the tribe said, in a phone call with The Riverside Record, they could not share further information about plans for the hotel yet, as the sale has not been finalized. However, the spokesperson said the tribe plans to continue hosting the annual Festival of Lights celebration.
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The sale was announced months after hotel owner Duane Roberts died November 1 at the age of 88. His wife, Kelly Roberts, along with hotel staff, held last year’s festival in his honor.
At the festival’s switch-on ceremony, District Court Judge David Bristow — on behalf of Kelly — decried that, at the time, the hotel was not for sale.
“I am incredibly proud of what we built together and deeply grateful to our team, the Riverside community and every guest who has walked through its doors,” Kelly said in a statement. “I have great confidence that Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation will carry this legacy forward with the same care, respect and vision.”
Councilmember Philip Falcone, who has worked with a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the hotel’s history, said in a statement he wished the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation great success.
“Their commitment and investment in our region also stretches back generations,” Falcone said. “As the councilmember who represents the Mission Inn and its surroundings, I look forward to working closely with San Manuel during this transition.”
The sale is expected to close in late-May, according to a press release.
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