San Carlos
When the San Carlos Hotel opened on March 20, 1928, it was heralded as the region's premier luxury establishment. Designed by architect George Whitecross Ritchie, the hotel featured 121 rooms, each with a private bath—an exceptional amenity for the era. The Italian Renaissance architecture, with its imported marble staircases and ornate wrought-iron railings, marked it as an architectural gem.
Guests enjoyed rare luxuries such as ice-cold drinking water and advanced air-cooling systems, groundbreaking for Phoenix's desert climate. Among its many celebrated visitors were Hollywood legends like Mae West and Marilyn Monroe, with rooms now bearing their names. The San Carlos also holds a place in cinematic history, featured in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho."
Notably, the hotel is reputed to be haunted by the spirit of Leone Jensen, a young woman who tragically ended her life by leaping from the roof shortly after the hotel's grand opening. Her presence is said to linger within its walls.
**Early History and Significance**
The Hotel San Carlos stands on a site rich in history. Originally, Native Americans worshipped the God of learning here. Phoenix's first school, a small adobe building, was built on this site in 1874. By 1893, the school had expanded to a 16-room structure, serving the city's children for nearly 25 years. However, by 1916, the school was condemned, making way for a planned but never completed nine-story hotel.
**Construction of the Hotel San Carlos**
In 1927, construction began on what would become the Hotel San Carlos, meeting the rising demand for luxury accommodations in Phoenix. Upon its completion in 1928, it was hailed as one of the most modern hotels in the Southwest, offering innovations like steam heat, elevators, and air-cooling systems. The Arizona Gazette proudly announced its grand opening, marking a significant moment in Phoenix's development as a tourist destination.
**The Hotel's Social and Architectural Impact**
The San Carlos quickly became a hub for Phoenix's elite, offering luxurious amenities and spaces for social gatherings. Its Italian Renaissance design, complete with circulating ice water and air-cooling in every room, set it apart from other hotels. The Palm Room, with its cocktails and French onion soup, became a fashionable spot for locals. The hotel also attracted Hollywood stars like Clark Gable and Mae West, adding to its allure.
**Haunting Legends**
The hotel is famously rumored to be haunted, most notably by the spirit of Leone Jensen, who tragically ended her life by jumping from the roof in 1928. Other ghostly reports include the sounds of children, possibly linked to the old schoolhouse that once stood on the site, and the spiritual aura of the historic water well in the hotel's basement.
**Preservation and Legacy**
The San Carlos has undergone several renovations over the years, including a significant remodeling in 1955 and a restoration of its historic elements in 1999. Today, it remains the only historic hotel still operating in downtown Phoenix, preserving its rich history while continuing to serve as a reminder of the city's past.
Bistro San Carlo Mc Caffrey´s Irish Pub and Restaurant Purple Cow Deli, light meals and entertainment
rooftop pool and sundeck,