May 4, 2026, 4:03 p.m. ET
The historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Southern California, a destination especially popular for its holiday-time Festival of Lights, is set to be sold.
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation’s investment arm, the San Manuel Investment Authority, “through its affiliated entities,” entered into an agreement to purchase the more than century-old landmark in Riverside.
The tribe, located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation in Southern California, made the announcement on Monday, May 4. It comes months after the hotel stated there were no active plans to sell the property following the death of owner Duane Roberts.
“The Mission Inn holds a special place in our hearts,” said Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena in a statement. “Generations of our family love the inn for its charming ambience and for the memories we’ve made there over the years. We recognize its historic, economic and cultural significance to Riverside and the region and would be delighted to include The Mission Inn in our non-gaming hospitality portfolio.”
It’s a portfolio that includes the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point.
What we know about the sale, any changes to Mission Inn
The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation said the transaction is expected to close as early as the end of May in its announcement. A spokesperson for the tribe was unable to share any financial details when reached by the USA TODAY Network to learn more about the hotel’s price tag.
While details about whether there could be any changes to the hotel and its programming weren’t being shared on May 4, “the tribe does intend to continue the Festival of Lights,” according to the spokesperson. The holiday-time Festival of Lights is a long-running tradition for the Mission Inn.
“For decades, Kelly Roberts, alongside her late husband Duane Roberts, served as visionary stewards of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, elevating the property into one of California’s most iconic and celebrated historic hotels,” the tribe said in its announcement.
In a statement, Kelly Roberts said it’s been the “honor of a lifetime to serve as stewards” of the hotel.
“Duane and I poured our hearts into preserving its legacy while evolving it for future generations,” Kelly Roberts said. “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. I have great confidence that Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation will carry this legacy forward with the same care, respect, and vision.”
The hotel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977. Less than two decades later, it was purchased by Duane Roberts, according to the city of Riverside.
Following his death last November, the Mission Inn said in a statement on social media that it “regularly receives interest and inquiries from a variety of parties” due to it being a “treasured” and “historic” property. However, there were no active plans to sell the property, according to the statement.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
