The Mission Inn

On Thursday I drove about 60 miles west of L.A., after breaking through horrendous "Obama traffic" as we call it (the President had just arrived in L.A. for George Clooney's fundraising party).

But my destination was well worth the three hour and then some drive -- I went to The Mission Inn. It's a gorgeous castle-like hotel and National Historic Landmark in Riverside near Palm Springs.

I'm now working with the hotel, and wow, I love its stunning hybrid architecure that goes from mission revival-style to gothic and features such cool elements as spiral staircases, bell towers, romantic balconies, a Spanish patio, flying buttresses and even two chapels. It's a kid's dream!

A favorite moment of the overnight visit was a docent tour at 10 AM where I explored the hotel's nooks and crannies with a knowledgeable guide while learning about its fascinating history. It has hosted royalty, titans of industry and big stars like Bette Davis and Clark Gable. President Richard Nixon got married there and President Ronald Reagan honeymooned at the hotel.

If only these walls could talk!

It looks like Europe!

President Nixon was married in front of this very fireplace

The chapel is beyond stunning