Laguna Beach residents Duane and Kelly Roberts have brought on a new operator for their most prominent local investment, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside.
The Roberts family originally purchased the property for $13.5 million in 1985, saving the hotel in downtown Riverside from demolition, and reopened it in 1992 after a reported $55 million renovation.
Kelly Roberts has since held the roles of vice chairman and chief operating officer for Mission Inn, which says it “has hosted not only presidents but also European royalty, media celebrities, and illustrious corporate magnates.”
Virginia-based Crescent Hotels & Resorts recently added the 238-room Four-Diamond resort to its luxury management portfolio dubbed Latitudes: Lifestyles by Crescent.
“Crescent’s proven dedication to maintaining the unique character of their portfolio hotels, combined with their commitment to exceptional service, ensures that the magic of The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa will not only continue but flourish,” the Roberts said in a statement.
Duane Roberts, who made an initial fortune by laying claim to the first frozen burrito, has been a frequent member of the Business Journal’s OC’s Wealthiest list over the years.
The Business Journal estimates his wealth to be in the $1 billion range, just below the $1.25 billion cutoff point for inclusion on this week’s list.
Viv Ties
Crescent oversees more than 120 hotels in the U.S. and Canada and works as a third-party operator for Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt. Thiry-nine different properties are included in the firm’s Latitudes collection, which according to its website is meant to “redefine modern hotel management.”
The Viv Hotel, Anaheim was also added to the Latitudes portfolio in 2022.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the Roberts to elevate the unmatched elegance of this historic property to a new audience of contemporary travelers,” founder and President Michael George said.
Mission Inn’s daily rates currently start at around $220.
More Food & Wine
The Roberts own all six restaurants at the property, such as Las Campanas Mexican Cuisine & Tequila Bar and Duane’s Prime Steaks & Seafood. The last addition was The California Lounge two years ago and was designed by the couple.
The Roberts also own The Kelly Belle Chateau and Vineyard in Ashland, Ore. Their namesake label “Roberts Reserve” is sold at the hotel’s wine bar and tasting room.
Duane Roberts started his career by joining his family’s meat business in the l950s and built it to reach $80 million in annual sales by introducing frozen burritos to the restaurant industry in California.
Roberts sold the company in 1980 and then leapt into real estate investment.
