Hotel San Carlos - Phoenix, Arizona

Andy B.

If you want a comfortable, cool and clean place to stay, don’t stay here. If you want to stay at a really cool supposedly haunted place, this might be the place for you. Staff were incredibly friendly but we ended up checking out after our first night because we don’t enjoy sleeping on bricks for mattresses and pillows. There is AC but there is no AC you can control and it was too hot to sleep. It was weirdly humid in the hotel and there was a smell…. Due to the age of the place and it being a historic site I can’t say this was entirely unexpected but still just outside of what I might consider acceptable. Overall I guess it’s a cool spot to look at but definitely skip the stay. Did not encounter and ghosts.

Jesús M.

The building and rooms are dated, the room I was in had a tiny bathroom. Room was clean. Staff were helpful, in a minimal way. Location is close to the conference center, that's a major plus. Stay here if you like old, historical holds.

Derek B.

I was attending a medical conference at the convention center. This hotel was a quick and convenient walk to the center. Staff was friendly, checking in and out was easy and fast. The area and hotel felt safe. If you are in to the haunted aspect, or if you are looking for an older hotel because you like that aesthetic then I would recommend staying here, otherwise I would not. The rooms are tiny, everything is very outdated. Air conditioning could not keep up with the heat and it was quite toasty in our room. There was no climate control in the workout room which made it a sauna. The pool area could be really nice, but is not open. Unless you want to stay in an old hotel I would look elsewhere.

Curt F.

This is a charming hotel with almost a tower of terror hotel feel due to the age. The first night was warm(read all the other reviews about the AC). The room was too small to comfortably work or eat from. The bathroom had no counter space so it was challenged to get ready. If you have kids you couldn’t give them a bath because there was no stopper for the drain. Also if the sound of the shower changes move fast because you’re about to get burnt! There is a vent/window above the room door that lets the hall light through so if complete darkness is a requirement you won’t get it here.

As for the pool it was closed and I wasn’t aware of that when I made the reservation. But the patio was half open.

On to the good stuff: the staff is amazing and friendly. And the location is great for the convention center.

Jennifer

Positive: The location was perfect to attend a scientific meeting at the convention center and the price was in line with my budget. Negative: I liked the historic character of the hotel, but the smell of old, probably from carpets, is not the most inviting. The chair for the desk definitely needs re-upholstering, as it was not comfortable at all. The bed and pillows were okay.

Chelsea P.

We recently had the pleasure of touring the historic San Carlos Hotel, and it was an unforgettable experience. The manager, Tony, was absolutely fantastic—his passion and extensive knowledge of the hotel’s rich history made the tour truly special. It’s refreshing to meet someone who cares so deeply about preserving the legacy of such an iconic building in downtown Phoenix. While the hotel could use some updates, its long-standing history and charm more than make up for it. If you’re a history lover or simply curious about one of Phoenix’s most storied landmarks, a visit to the San Carlos is a must!

Paul M.

Quaint older building. Not exactly dirty, not spotless but with lots of character. No thermostat for AC but the room was comfortable. Shower spikes to scalding every 3 - 5 minutes., maybe when someone flushes a toilet in the motel. Overall a cool place to stay.

WIFI is worthless. Can not even download your email. Staff said the motel was full causing the problem. Problem is antiquated set up. Each floor has a different SSID. If you need to do any business online, this is not going to work for you.

Mark M.

Look the rooms aren’t big and fancy, but they are clean and the bed was comfortable. For the price the location was excellent with lots of amenities nearby. As long as you don’t need the Ritz, this place works. Staff was great also.