HIGHLAND, Calif. (May 4, 2026) --- Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation today announced that the San Manuel Investment Authority, through its affiliated entities, has entered into an agreement to purchase the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in downtown Riverside, California.
“The Mission Inn holds a special place in our hearts,” said Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena. “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.”
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. Through their shared commitment to preservation, restoration, and innovation, they transformed the Inn into a world-class destination while safeguarding its architectural integrity and rich cultural heritage.
Under their leadership, The Mission Inn has received widespread recognition and acclaim, including distinctions as a AAA Four Diamond hotel and consistent honors for excellence in hospitality, dining, and guest experience. Their stewardship redefined the guest experience through thoughtful enhancements, including the award-winning spa, curated culinary concepts, and the continued expansion of its museum-quality collections and artifacts.
Kelly and Duane Roberts are also credited with elevating the Inn’s signature Festival of Lights into one of the most celebrated holiday events in the country, drawing millions of visitors annually and cementing the property’s role as a cornerstone of the Riverside community and Southern California tourism.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as stewards of The Mission Inn,” said Kelly Roberts. “Duane and I poured our hearts into preserving its legacy while evolving it for future generations. 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 Mission Inn is Riverside’s landmark historic hotel, recognized for its famous Mission Revival architecture, curated gardens and courtyards, one-of-a-kind guestrooms and suites, award-winning dining, and extraordinary collection of artifacts. Originally established in 1876 and expanded in the early 1900s by founder Frank Miller, the property now spans an entire city block and remains a defining symbol of the region’s history and charm.
Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close as early as the end of May.
About Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation:
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. The Tribe, formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, proudly reclaims their ancestral name —Yuhaaviatam (pronounced "yu-HAH-vee-ah-
tahm") — honoring the deep-rooted heritage and enduring legacy of their people. Exercising their inherent sovereign right to self-governance, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is committed to providing essential services to their citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services, and promoting social, economic, and cultural development.
As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains, and high deserts, the Yuhaaviatam have called this region home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region. For more information, visit http://www.sanmanuel-nsn.gov.
About The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa:
A National Historic Landmark and the crown jewel of Riverside since 1876, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa has been lovingly restored under the stewardship of Kelly and Duane Roberts, preserving its original grandeur while welcoming visitors from around the world. Expanding from its humble beginnings to now encompass an entire city block, this 238-room hotel offers luxurious boutique accommodations just a short drive from Los Angeles and Orange County.
The Mission Inn features multiple upscale dining options, the Conde Nast award-winning Kelly’s Spa, a lushly landscaped outdoor pool and opulent rooms that immerse guests in history and elegance. In recognition of their dedication to historic preservation, Kelly and Duane Roberts, on behalf of their Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, were honored with the 2024 Steward of History and Historic Preservation Award, accompanied by an official proclamation. The hotel also proudly secured the fourth position on the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Literary Hotels list for 2024. Guests are transported to California’s bygone eras as they explore the hotel’s enchanting architecture, featuring awe-inspiring archways, soaring domes, and magnificent towers.
