Where to Stay in Riverside: From Historic Mission Inn to Cozy Airbnbs Near UCR

Let's start with the crown jewel of Riverside accommodation—The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa. This isn't just a hotel; it's a National Historic Landmark and a destination unto itself. Walking through its arched doorways felt like stepping into a Spanish colonial monastery crossed with a European castle.

Built in 1876 and expanded over decades, the Mission Inn showcases an architectural medley that would make any history buff weak at the knees. During my stay, I spent hours exploring its winding staircases, hidden gardens, and ornate chapels. The Presidential Lounge (named for the numerous US presidents who've stayed here) became my evening retreat after long business meetings.

My room in the Spanish Wing featured exposed wooden beams, wrought-iron details, and a surprisingly comfortable four-poster bed. While the room decor honors the historical setting, modern amenities haven't been overlooked. The high-speed Wi-Fi handled my video conferences without a hitch, and I appreciated having multiple power outlets for charging my travel tech organizer full of devices.

The hotel restaurants deserve special mention—particularly Duane's Prime Steaks & Seafood, where I treated my business associates to an impressive dinner. The wine list would satisfy even the most discerning oenophile from my European travels.

Fair warning: this historical luxury comes with a price tag to match. Rooms start around $250-300 per night, placing it firmly in the upper mid-range category. However, for business travelers with a decent expense account or those looking to splurge for a special occasion, the experience justifies the cost.

For those attending events at the Riverside Convention Center, location becomes paramount. Fortunately, several solid options sit within easy walking distance of both the convention facilities and downtown restaurants.

The Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center proved to be my second home during a previous logistics conference. The rooms are exactly what you'd expect from the Marriott brand—clean, comfortable, and designed with business travelers in mind. The work desk actually had enough space for my laptop and documents (a surprisingly rare feature in many hotels), and the ergonomic chair saved my back during late-night proposal writing.

What impressed me most was the hotel's 24-hour business center. When my portable printer decided to throw a wobbly (as we'd say back in New Zealand) before an important presentation, the business center's laser printer and helpful staff saved the day.

The Hyatt Place Riverside Downtown offers another reliable option with its spacious rooms and separate living areas—perfect for impromptu meetings with colleagues. Their complimentary breakfast buffet deserves special mention; the made-to-order omelets fueled many productive mornings during my stay.

Both hotels hover in the $150-200 range per night, making them reasonable options for business travelers with standard corporate allowances. The convenience factor of rolling out of bed and being at your conference in under five minutes cannot be overstated—especially if you're battling jet lag as I was after flying in from Bristol.

My work in Riverside included several meetings at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), so I spent time investigating accommodation options in this area as well. While not as centrally located as downtown properties, these options offer practical benefits for anyone with university business.

The best traditional hotel option near campus is undoubtedly the Comfort Inn University. While lacking the architectural character of the Mission Inn, it delivers on its promises: clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and a location just a 10-minute walk from the university entrance. The included breakfast is standard American fare—waffles, eggs, cereal—but saves both time and expense when you're rushing to morning meetings.

What I found particularly interesting in this area was the robust selection of Airbnb options. Many UCR professors and staff rent out guest houses or converted garages, creating accommodation that feels more personal than a standard hotel room. During my extended stay, I spent three nights in a charming garden cottage owned by a literature professor. The bookshelf-lined walls made me feel right at home, and having kitchen facilities allowed me to prepare simple meals rather than eating restaurant food for every dinner.

For those considering the Airbnb route, prices range from $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities. Look for listings that specifically mention business-friendly features like work spaces and reliable internet. My host had thoughtfully provided a proper desk, task lighting, and even a lap desk for working comfortably from the cozy armchair—a touch I particularly appreciated.

The university area feels distinctly different from downtown—more residential and relaxed, with several casual dining options catering to the student population. If your business brings you specifically to UCR, these accommodations will significantly reduce your daily commute stress.

Not every business trip comes with a generous accommodation allowance, and sometimes practicality must trump luxury. Riverside's Market Street corridor offers several reliable chain hotels that won't break the bank while still providing the essentials for business travelers.

The Fairfield Inn & Suites became my temporary office for two days when a scheduling change extended my trip. While lacking the character of my previous accommodations, the practical amenities were spot-on: free parking (a significant saving compared to downtown), breakfast included, and a small but functional fitness center that helped me maintain my morning exercise routine.

Similarly, the Hampton Inn Riverside offers dependable comfort at reasonable rates (typically $110-140 per night). Their rooms feature the brand's signature clean design and surprisingly comfortable beds. The work desk was adequate, though I found myself gravitating toward the small sofa and coffee table for spreading out documents.

What these properties lack in charm, they make up for in consistency and value. Both offer rewards programs that business travelers can leverage across future trips, and both provide the expected amenities: in-room coffee makers, hairdryers, irons, and basic toiletries.

One practical consideration: these hotels sit about 3 miles from downtown Riverside, making transportation a factor. I ended up using rideshare services rather than renting a car, which proved economical for my needs. However, if your meetings are scattered across the city, factor transportation costs into your budget calculations when considering these slightly peripheral options.

When my initial four-day visit unexpectedly stretched to a full week, I began investigating extended-stay options that might better accommodate a longer business presence. Riverside offers several solid choices in this category that would be ideal for project-based work requiring weeks rather than days in the area.

Staybridge Suites Riverside stands out for its apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens and separate living spaces. After several days of restaurant dining, I was craving the ability to prepare a simple meal and relax in a space that felt less like a hotel room and more like a temporary home. Their evening social hours (Monday-Wednesday) provided an unexpected networking opportunity with other business travelers, and the complimentary laundry facilities would be invaluable for stays exceeding a week.

For truly extended projects, I discovered several corporate housing options managed by local real estate companies. These fully-furnished apartments require typically a two-week minimum stay but offer significant savings over hotel rates for longer periods. One colleague who regularly visits Riverside for month-long consulting projects swears by these arrangements, noting that having a full apartment with separate bedroom, living area, and kitchen dramatically improves quality of life during extended business travel.

During my reconnaissance for future trips, I was particularly impressed with the packing cubes I used to keep my business attire organized throughout the trip. When moving between accommodations, these simple organizers kept my suits from becoming a wrinkled mess and made living out of a suitcase significantly more manageable.

Prices for extended-stay properties typically start around $140-160 per night, with substantial discounts for weekly or monthly commitments. The additional space and amenities make these compelling options for any business stay exceeding five days.