Haunted Hotels in Riverside
In the heart of Riverside, California, the majestic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa stands as a breathtaking masterpiece of Spanish Revival architecture and a cornerstone of local ghost lore. Since its opening in 1876, the hotel has hosted presidents, celebrities, and perhaps a few spectral guests who never departed.
Visitors and staff have reported mysterious figures drifting through candlelit corridors, sudden temperature drops, and the faint chiming of bells when no one is near. Some say the spirit of founder Frank Miller still roams the grand halls, guarding his life’s work. With its ornate courtyards, stained-glass windows, and rich history, the Mission Inn offers a captivating mix of beauty and mystery, making it one of Southern California’s most elegant haunted destinations.
Haunted stay options in Riverside, CA
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Address: 3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 784-0300
Website: missioninn.com
Price range: Average rate: $250–$400 per night.
Notable Paranormal Signs: Apparitions of former owners, phantom cigar smoke or perfume, cold spots on the 4th floor, disembodied voices, feeling of being watched.
History and Hauntings:
Begun in 1876 as a modest adobe boarding house by Frank Miller, the Mission Inn evolved over decades into a sprawling, labyrinthine masterpiece of eclectic architecture, incorporating Mission Revival, Spanish Gothic, and Moorish styles.
A National Historic Landmark, this unique hotel reflects Miller’s vision and houses countless artifacts. Its long, complex history has given rise to numerous ghost stories, with the Miller family themselves often cited as spectral residents.
Frank Miller’s presence is reportedly felt throughout, sometimes accompanied by the scent of his cigars, particularly near the former family quarters.
His daughter, Alice Miller, is said to haunt Room 401 or the 4th floor, sometimes appearing as a misty figure or leaving the scent of her perfume.
Guests also report disembodied voices, cold spots, apparitions in period attire, and eerie sensations in the subterranean “catacombs” and the St. Francis Chapel.
Amenities: Free WiFi, Outdoor pool, Spa, Multiple restaurants, Haunted tours.
Haunted Rating: 4 out of 5 Ghosts.
Best Time to Visit: Best visited during Halloween for Festival of Lights and hauntings.
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