Looking for a slice of Arizona history wrapped in opulence, mystery, and maybe even a few ghostly whispers? Welcome to the Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix, where timeless elegance meets spooky lore. This historic hotel isn’t just a charming old building—it’s considered one of the most haunted places in the Southwest. With nearly a century of activity, the Hotel San Carlos has seen it all: celebrities, politicians, scandals, and stories from beyond the veil. Whether you’re a history buff, paranormal investigator, or curious traveler, this storied hotel offers an unforgettable experience. Strap in and get ready for a deep dive into the past—and the paranormal—as we explore what makes the Hotel San Carlos a true Arizona legend.
The History
An Oasis Rises in the Desert
The story of the Hotel San Carlos began long before its grand opening in the roaring ’20s. The hotel officially opened its doors on March 19, 1928, but the plot of land it sits on had already earned its place in Phoenix history. In fact, it was originally home to the city’s very first schoolhouse. Once the school was torn down in 1916, the land sat vacant for nearly a decade—until visionaries Dwight B. Heard and Charles Harris decided to build a luxury hotel that would rival anything found in cities like Los Angeles or New York.
The project was ambitious. At a cost of over $850,000 (an astronomical sum for the time), the San Carlos was designed with modern luxuries like air conditioning, elevators, and a rooftop garden with panoramic views of the valley. It boasted 128 guest rooms, each equipped with private bathrooms—an unusual and luxurious feature for the time. Architect George Whitecross Richie infused the building with elements of Italian Renaissance design, giving it the rich, elegant look it still maintains today.
A Celebrity Hotspot
In its heyday, the Hotel San Carlos was the place to stay in Phoenix. The hotel’s prime location in the heart of downtown made it a magnet for visiting socialites, diplomats, and Hollywood elites. Silver screen luminaries like Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Ingrid Bergman all stayed at the San Carlos while filming in or passing through Arizona.
Then there’s the hotel’s most iconic guest—perhaps even a spiritual one—actress Carole Lombard. Although her connection to the hotel is somewhat blurred by time and myth, it’s widely believed she stayed at the San Carlos shortly before her tragic death in a plane crash in 1942. Some say she has never truly checked out.
The San Carlos Through the Decades
As Phoenix grew, so did the significance of the Hotel San Carlos. The hotel weathered the Great Depression, World War II, and the ever-shifting cultural landscape of the latter 20th century. While newer, larger hotels sprang up throughout the city, few could match the San Carlos in terms of historic charm.
In recent years, the hotel has undergone several renovations aimed at preserving its vintage appeal while adding modern comforts. Although the San Carlos no longer takes in the same volume of A-listers it did in the early 20th century, it remains a beloved local landmark—and a beacon for those interested in the supernatural.
The Haunt
With nearly 100 years of history—and a few centuries of mystical energy beneath its foundation—it’s no surprise that the Hotel San Carlos comes with its share of spectral rumors. Ghost hunters and paranormal investigators have long considered the hotel one of Arizona’s most haunted places, attributing numerous paranormal experiences to its long and layered past.
The Tragic Tale of Leone Jensen
Perhaps the most well-known and spine-chilling story tied to the San Carlos is that of Leone Jensen, a young woman who met her untimely end shortly after the hotel opened in 1928. According to reports, Leone checked into the hotel and jumped from the rooftop, falling seven stories to her death. Some believe she was driven to suicide by a broken engagement or abusive relationship; others whisper of foul play.
Regardless of the truth, many guests and staff claim to have seen a woman in white roaming the hallways and staircases, her expression sorrowful, her presence cold. EVP (electronic voice phenomena) sessions in Room 720—believed by many to be where Leone spent her final hours—have yielded chilling results, including whispered pleas and unexplained banging sounds. Paranormal investigators often report anomalous readings on EMF meters and sudden temperature drops in this part of the hotel.
The Children Beneath the Streets
Before the San Carlos stood tall, the land beneath it was home to Phoenix’s first public school. In one of the eeriest cases of residual hauntings, guests have reported hearing the ghostly laughter of children in the basement and service corridors. Staff have even claimed to spot child-sized shadows darting just beyond view—disembodied giggles and footsteps echoing when no one else is around.
Some investigators believe these sounds are echoes from a time long past, tied to the spiritual energy of the children who once learned within the walls of the schoolhouse that predated the hotel. The combination of youthful energy and strong historical resonance makes this part of the property a hotspot for EVP and shadow figure sightings.
The Phantom Bellboy and Elevator Anomalies
A phantom bellboy has been seen on multiple occasions, reportedly offering to help with guests’ bags before vanishing into thin air. Witnesses almost always describe him the same way: dressed in old-fashioned uniform, courteous, and eerily silent. When hotel employees are questioned about the helpful young man, guests are told no such bellhop exists on staff.
Even stranger, the hotel’s elevator system has a mind of its own. It’s not unusual for elevators to activate without cause, doors opening and closing to empty corridors. One long-time staff member recounted an experience where the elevator refused to stop at a called floor, instead delivering him to the rooftop—where he was met by an overwhelming chill and the sense of someone watching him.
Guest Experiences and Paranormal Reports
The sheer volume of ghost stories associated with the Hotel San Carlos is staggering. From flickering lights and TV sets turning on by themselves to full-on apparitions appearing in mirrors, the occurrences are both frequent and varied. Some guests check in for the ghostly reputation alone, hoping to capture ghost photos or communicate with spirits using everything from digital recorders to Ouija boards.
Paranormal groups from across the country have conducted investigations here, many walking away with compelling evidence: cold spots measurable by thermal cameras, sensor triggers with no physical stimulus, and Class A EVPs that clearly feature names and phrases. If you’re a ghost hunter—amateur or experienced—this is one hotel where you won’t need to dig too deep to encounter the unexplained.
Conclusion: Check In—If You Dare
The Hotel San Carlos is not just a beautiful, historic gem tucked away in the streets of downtown Phoenix—it’s a living (and perhaps haunted) museum of Arizona’s past. With nearly a century of luxury, celebrity visits, tragic tales, and reported hauntings, it’s a dream location for history lovers and fans of the paranormal alike.
Whether you’re there to soak up the vintage vibes and art deco charm or investigate the various spirits said to walk its halls, the San Carlos offers a one-of-a-kind stay. For ghost hunters, the hotel is essentially an open invitation to step into a world where the boundary between the living and the dead is potentially very thin.
So pack your gear—don’t forget the EMF detector and digital recorder—and check in to Room 720 if you dare. The spirits of the Hotel San Carlos may just be waiting to say hello.