Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of Marriott’s 198 Autograph Collection hotels which are independent, one-of-a-kind experiences of vision, design, and craft.
Proudly embracing San Juan Capistrano history, Inn at the Mission offers 125 hacienda-inspired style guest rooms and luxury suites, a variety of dining experiences, and an outdoor patio overlooking the Great Stone Church at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Designed by Kay Lang + Associates, the 40,000 square foot property emulates old Spain with three distinct types of architecture - Adobe, Monterey, and Spanish Revival.
Upon entering the hotel lobby, guests are greeted by iconic Cliff Swallows, thick corbel ceiling beams, and glass bells that represent a modern interpretation of the Mission's bells. Its historic and modern twists of artwork throughout the property create a balance between old and new with a sense of romance and Spanish legacy.
Located in the heart of historic downtown San Juan Capistrano, just steps away from historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, Inn at The Mission features a beautiful outdoor resort-style pool and spa, master-planned indoor and outdoor event space with an Olive Grove, and multiple dining options with scenic outdoor seating.
Anticipated to open in early 2021, the Spa at the Mission will offer space for guests to relax and unwind in its various gardens or soothing wall of chiming bells for meditation. Rejuvenating body treatments will utilize natural oils infused with on-site herbs such as lemon and basil and olive oil-based body scrub. The private club-like men's and women's lounges provide a complete spa experience with individual or couple's massage, Ayurvedic treatments, body scrubs and wrap, facials, foot bath, manicures/pedicures, Paraffin hand treatments, fitness classes, steam room, and its own spa restaurant.
The property is an ideal wedding and meeting venue with generous indoor and outdoor event space and a sunny patio deck overlooking the ruins of the Great Stone Church.
“There’s truly something magical about our hotel and this scenic and historic location that intimately connects guests to the history and culture of San Juan Capistrano,” said general manager Pam Ryan.
Ryan also explained that safety comes first, “As part of Marriott International's family of brands, the hotel is committed to making the amenities and services at our property available to guests while complying with local regulations, including guidance on reducing capacity in public spaces and reinforcing social distancing.”
Visit innatthemissionsjc.com for more information.
Hacienda Hospitality
At the end of the grand hotel lobby, guests will discover Ysidora’s Bar - a welcoming space of upscale elegance. The bar’s wood-carved design harkens to the past with copper paneling and comfortable high-backed leather bar stools.
Adjacent to the bar is the main living room of Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge with a Spanish inspired fireplace and original art depicting its orange groves. Additional landscapes of the local area frame the walls while French windows and doors allow guests indoor/outdoor dining options.
Ysidora was inspired by the legacy of Ysidora Pico de Forster, dueña of Mission San Juan Capistrano from 1844 to 1864, and known throughout the region for her unwavering generosity to travelers who needed respite and nourishment for their continued journeys.
Ysidora Pico de Forster’s spirit extends ‘hacienda hospitality’ with delicious fare influenced by the very dishes she delighted in serving others. Its authentic Spanish menu includes tapas, wood-fired grilled meats, seafood, and seasonal paella.
Executive Chef Aaron Obregon carefully crafted the culinary program driven by locally sourced ingredients to create a modern twist on classic Spanish favorites. The cuisine models the Mediterranean climate of Southern California mirroring that of Spain, making the translation of locally sourced produce, meats, and seafood ideal.
An extensive wine list emphasizes Spanish and exceptional local offerings while Ysidora’s cocktail list features Spanish vermouths, farmer’s market sangria, handcrafted cocktails with ingredients such as local honey and freshly pressed juices along with a selection of Spain’s king of cocktails - the gin tonic.
For a casual breakfast or lunch experience, the El Café Real coffee house features communal tables with La Colombe craft coffee, grab and go market style goods, and freshly baked pastries. Other specialties include Spanish pintxo and gazpacho, free-flowing cava, and locally-made gelato.
Both Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge and El Café Real offer expansive open-air outdoor seating to enjoy meals, drinks, and good company among citrus trees, the Olive Grove, and verdant foliage surrounding the hotel.
History-Inspired Olive Grove and Olive Oil
Nestled among four acres of lush landscaping and scenic walking paths, Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano is home to seventy-two Mission olive trees which inspired its signature olive oil. The Mission olive was an important fruit for the Spanish missionaries that founded Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The presence of the grove is felt throughout the property with olive oil tastings, an olive oil-based body scrub at the spa, or the grove itself where the trees are adorned with twinkling lanterns among ample seating and fire pits. With its beautiful water feature, the Olive Grove can accommodate up to 200 guests - an ideal location for outdoor events.
In partnership with California-grown Nuvo Oil, Inn at The Mission San Juan Capistrano proudly produced its own olive oil “Reverence,” a private label EVOO crafted by a special blend of olives - Mission and Arbequina.
The delicate extra virgin olive oil is buttery and fruity with subtle floral flavors and a flourish of herbaceous/olive notes. Very light in pepper and almost imperceptible bitterness on the finish, the Mission olive is perfect for dressings or marinades which require a pronounced yet light touch.
Reverence is used in preparing many of Ysidora’s Spanish influenced menu items and crafted drinks. It is available in the hotel gift shop along with Nuvo’s balsamic vinegar, fresh olives, and assorted jams and jellies.
Mission San Juan Capistrano Open for the Holidays
The birthplace of Orange County and the seventh of 21 California missions established by Saint Serra on November 1, 1776, Mission San Juan Capistrano is a California landmark and home to the indigenous Acjachemen people and the iconic Cliff Swallows that make their annual return.
Following 90 days of closure (the first time in 100 years), Mission San Juan Capistrano reopened transforming its online education and in-person visitor opportunities.
For the first time, guests can book private tour experiences for small groups of up to eight. Guests will tour the wine vat, the private sacristy in the Ruins of The Great Stone Church, and get an up-close look at the historic Mission bells.
Led by an experienced tour guide with a special transmitter to ensure safe touring, VIP guests will each receive a special gift package.
Mission San Juan Capistrano has taken all necessary safety precautions following sanitation procedures directed by the CDC, state, and local governments. Private tours are available by reservation only and on days the Mission is closed to general admission.
And no trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano is complete without a visit to the Mission Store open on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Thursdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate this season with handmade nativities from around the world, an assortment of collectible ornaments, and other holiday items.
Shoppers will find gifts for children and educational resources for parents, teachers, and students.
A special devotional room offers inspired religious items including Bibles, devotional items to St. Peregrine, unique and artisan rosaries, and a selection of prayer cards.
For the home, there is swallow-themed tableware, handcrafted pottery (staff favorite is Gorky Gonzales holiday ceramic pottery) religious statues, hand-carved crosses, and one-of-a-kind wall-hanging mosaics.
Other gift items include traditional and contemporary religious and swallow-themed handmade jewelry from local and international artisans, Mission branded items and specialty food products.
Shop instore or online at missionsjc.com/store-tickets. Mission members receive a 10% discount and free gift wrap.
Net proceeds from purchases protect the religious and historic significance of Mission San Juan Capistrano and further educational programs, exhibits, and preservation efforts, while hand-crafted artisan gifts from around the world support disadvantaged communities. Owned by the Diocese of Orange, Mission San Juan receives no church or state funding
For more information, call (949) 234-1300 or visit missionsjc.com
Capistrano Lights at Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano (220)
Mission San Juan Capistrano proudly presents its popular Capistrano Lights tradition this holiday season from December 3 - January 3, 2021. While scaled back to adhere to safe distancing practices, visitors can enjoy the nightly 30-foot tree lighting and nativity scene (circa 1806) in the Ruins of The Great Stone Church.
Capistrano Lights features the historic Mission in lights, uplifting holiday music, and an opportunity to light a candle with a prayer or wish for goodwill and peace.
The Front Courtyard will feature a 10-foot wreath (perfect for photo opportunities) and guests can view a variety of festive community Christmas trees as they stroll through the scenic Mission grounds.
Capistrano Lights is available to a limited number of attendees on select days in December and January 1-3, 2021. Visit capistranolights.com for details.
During Capistrano Lights, Mission grounds will close at 3:30 p.m. for general admission and will reopen at 4:00 p.m. for Capistrano Lights ticket holders. Guests must be onsite by 5:00 p.m. and the grounds close at 6:00 p.m. The Mission Store will remain open until 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are $3 for Mission members and $5 for the general public and must be purchased in advance at capistranolights.com. Medical or cloth face masks are required and social distancing will be enforced.
After visiting Capistrano Lights, enjoy one of San Juan’s many restaurants and shops!
