California Lounge

Tried initially to go order drinks at the Presidential Lounge, but for some reason they were closing an hour and a half before the closing time listed on the website and told me to try the California Lounge instead. I'll admit, I didn't give the California Lounge much of a chance to give me an impression one way or another in regards to either food or service (though we did sit for a few minutes without even being greeted). Why I'm writing this review is because the aesthetics of this lounge are, well, very wrong. It looks awkwardly contemporary, which I suppose is tolerable in many other applications, but entirely out of place in the Mission Inn. This building is one of classic opulence and grandeur, and really should not abide such a tastelessly slapped together minimalist room such as the California Lounge. The walls are almost featureless and white, there is a large open space feeling with trendily bland furniture, and what other furnishings they have seem very forced and out of place. Even walking through this room to get somewhere else in the hotel does a disservice to the effect of charming antiquity.

We had the opportunity to visit the mission inn lounge both prior to and after our meal at the mission inn restaurant. Both Therese and Citlallina (unsure on spellings!) were great bar tenders. It was very busy and not only did they take care of us, but we watched as they served every patron with speed whenever they would come up. They were very busy with visitors due to all the traffic from the light festival. I as well as other patrons were checked on frequently. Very impressed and will be back and pass our great experience on to our friends in the area. We made sure to let the Bar Manager know and will be letting some…other people…know too…
Thank you so much!

Avoid. After 20 minutes of waiting for one of the three bartenders to turn their attention to us we were asked if we were ready. We ordered and waited for the worst food available at the mission inn. Crab cakes have little to no flavor. The burger is simple and flavorless unless you like an obscene amount of ketchup which they take the liberty to put on for you. There was more lettuce than meat. The Cesar was tasteless as well. Also, the rim of my water glass was covered in lipstick. Nice music playing.