Celebrating the Legacy of Phoenix's Hotel San Carlos

A Nod to the Past: Hotel San Carlos' Storied Beginnings

The Hotel San Carlos has long been a cornerstone of Phoenix's rich history. The site, once sacred to Native Americans as a place of worship, later became home to Phoenix's first school for Indigenous children in 1874. By 1893, a 16-room brick schoolhouse stood on the grounds, educating local youth for nearly 25 years before being replaced by the hotel in 1927.

The hotel's inception was a response to the burgeoning demand for tourist accommodations in the 1920s. When it opened its doors on March 19, 1928, the Hotel San Carlos was celebrated as one of the Southwest's most modern establishments, boasting amenities such as steam heat, elevators, and an innovative air cooling system. Its lobby was adorned with tapestries from medieval Italy, and the entrance featured a high molded ceiling, setting the stage for its grandeur.

Architectural Splendor and Social Hub

The seven-story Hotel San Carlos quickly became a social hotspot in Phoenix, offering card rooms, a dance floor, and a smoking lounge. Its French Café was a culinary highlight, renowned for its French onion soup. The hotel's Palm Room served as a cocktail area, frequented by state legislators and Phoenix's elite.

Hollywood's Desert Retreat

During Hollywood's golden age, the Hotel San Carlos played host to a constellation of stars, including Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Marilyn Monroe. Mae West, during her Orpheum Theatre run, famously requested champagne and privacy in her suite, adding to the hotel's glamorous anecdotes.

A Historical Landmark Recognized

On April 25, 1928, Governor Rose Mofford declared "Hotel San Carlos Day," acknowledging the hotel's significance and its inclusion in the Historic Hotels of America for its historical character and architectural quality. The Melikian family, owners for over three decades, have honored this legacy by establishing the San Carlos Hollywood Star Walk and naming suites after the illustrious guests who once stayed there.

Art and Tragedy: The Hotel's Rich Tapestry

The Hotel San Carlos' design evokes the Italian Renaissance, with terra cotta tiles and neoclassical columns. Artworks by renowned artists such as Frederic Remington and Albert Bierstadt line the corridors, transforming the path to each room into an art gallery experience.

Yet, the hotel's history is not without its darker moments. In 1928, Leone Jensen's tragic suicide left a haunting imprint, with reports of her ghostly presence and other paranormal activities, including the laughter of young children believed to be spirits from the past.

The Hotel San Carlos Today

The Hotel San Carlos remains a cherished destination for those seeking a romantic getaway or a touch of Phoenix's history. Its continued operation and preservation efforts ensure that the courtesies of a gentler era are not forgotten but celebrated and enjoyed by visitors and locals alike.

Interesting Stats and Data

While the article provides a rich narrative of the Hotel San Carlos, there are some fascinating statistics and data that are less commonly discussed:

• The hotel's original construction cost was $850,000, a significant investment at the time, equivalent to over $12 million today when adjusted for inflation. [Source: Hotel San Carlos history]
• The Hotel San Carlos is one of over 300 hotels recognized by the Historic Hotels of America program, which requires that member hotels are at least 50 years old and have historic significance. [Source: Historic Hotels of America]
• Paranormal investigations have become increasingly popular, with 45% of Americans believing in ghosts. The Hotel San Carlos has capitalized on this interest by offering ghost tours, tapping into a niche tourism market. [Source: Chapman University Survey on American Fears]

For more information on the Historic Hotels of America program, visit their official website. To explore the history of Phoenix and its landmarks, check out the Phoenix Historical Society.