Hotel San Carlos, Phoenix

Doing this from my iphone because I simply couldn't wait. First the good. The rate is very cheap, and since my rate was picked up by the Nurses convention that was taken place, I can't complain. The food downstairs, although it's expensive, it's actually a decent breakfast. The staff is indeed friendly, and the location and nostalgic feel are all great pluses. And now for the bad, which was all mentioned prior to my post, but I thought I'd add my contribution, rather i couldnt kerp myself from writing this review it was that rough. For starters, the climate control isn't in the room, but downstairs, as well as the room has radiant heat nor do the windows open, the only thing that can be controlled is the ceiling fan, lights, and TV. After a night's sleep a warm relaxing shower turns into a constant struggle to maintain the unstable water temperature. Because of the 19/20th century plumbing. Because it happens, and fast, there is a sticker posted in the shower warning the user that "A decrease in water pressure causes a (sudden) temporary increase in water temperature." meaning if ANYONE happens to be showering, brushing teeth, or flushing the toilet, you will feel the water get much hotter or colder very rapidly depending on the other residents. So basically you can either get really lucky and shower at 5AM, like our neighbor did, otherwise you'll constantly have to fidget with the temperature dial to get it to be reasonable, there is no set spot for the dial. I have no problem with the size of the rooms, beds, or bathrooms, but I did/do have major problem with the privacy of the rooms. I will have been here for a week when I leave, but have only been here for 5 days, and got only 1 great night of sleep. I am not exaggerating, first night the neighbors had a party until about 4AM and made just as much noise leaving around 8AM. 2nd night, Sunday night was great after the neighbors were through with their "romantic" night, i literally felt like I Monday, the neighbor was up at 5AM on the phone, I could hear her word for word until the conversation ended about 45 minutes later. Then I continued to hear showers, toilets, and just overall other patrons. I am up in the air about the light rail, it literally runs right in front of the hotel, sometimes I notice it, sometimes I don't, but it's convenient to ride as well as there's good food, drinks, and activity around to keep you away from that vintage cracker jack box for as long as possible. If you reading this, you've been warned. If I had to do it over, I would've requested either a different hotel, or offered to pay the difference because the sleep, time, and energy I gave up to just get through the week. 2.5 Stars at most.

Easy reservations. Freindly and welcoming bellmen and front desk! Clean and fit our every need during our stay in phoenix.

If you dont like romantic and clean rooms plus quiet atmosphere then don't stay here. At first I was scared reading the reviews but decided to give a try anyways for one night. We were to a concert at the Dogde Theater is like 4 blocks walking from this Hotel(we walked) Our room was very, very CLEAN i was impressed because that's the first thing i like in a room and I'm very PICKY of the places when i travel. I did NOT have any problem with the HOT water at all and took a shower of 15 mns.(bathroom very small) I did NOT see any crackings or smell bad odors. Is all antique and vintage if you don't like this escenario then DO not stay here, is an old (1920' hotel, not a Hilton) but is very lovely, very quiet, me and my husband had a very romantic night. The pool at the 3rd deck is very relaxed place. YES, the rooms are small and I do not recommend it for families with kids. Just for a casual one or two nights and for couples or people in bussiness especially at Dowtown Phoenix. I asked for extra stuff when i booked and got them at my room. The beds are firm and great to sleep on plus the pillows too. A bad thing? there's nothing to do around downton after 5pm. restaurants are closed everywhere, not a night party place. but the hotel has a Italian restaurant very nice, plus there is a Sonoma casual dinning restaurant the corner. (the only places open after 5pm) Another point less? NOT breakfast!

I could not wait to get home to my computer to write this review. I won't say this is the worst hotel I have ever stayed in but very close. First I will give you the good news, the room was clean and the staff was friendly. Now for the bad news, the room was the smallest I have ever seen, you can not control the air conditioning in your room, it is controlled down stairs by the staff, the walls are beyond paper thin. We literally felt like we were in the room with the people next door for 3 nights. You could hear every word that was said. The bath tub did not drain. We informed them of this after the first night but it was never checked. You have to pay $10.00 a night for parking and the parking is a block away. In my opionion, pay the higher rate and enjoy your stay.

This hotel has gets bad reviews, but I understand why. You have to set yourself a bit back in time. We are used to modern facilites with big rooms and fancy things. We stayed this past Saturday and overall, I would stay here again. Trust me I am a hotel snob, but I took myself back and really enjoyed the stay. The place was very clean and the staff was extremely friendly. Yes the room was small and the bathroom even smaller, but again go back to that era. They do charge $10 for parking, which is one block over, but the Hyatt around the corner charges $22. Besides the walk won't kill you. The bar area was a nice place to chill. Great staff and cheap top shelf drinks. So, if you are open minded, stay here. Not a bad place for being 100 years old. GK

Downtown location was the best thing.Room was very small.Bath- room was smallest I have ever been in.Plumbing was antiquated. This room was equivalent to a $30/nite motel room, except we were charged $89 and not informed that we would have to pay $10/nite to park our car in a garage that was 3 blocks away. The information binder in the room failed to mention that there was a charge for all phone calls made from the room. We were treated dishonestly and ripped-off. Never again!

The location was very convenient to the civic plaza, but the hotel left much to be desired. The rooms are very small and the walls are paper thin. No thermostat in room and the bathroom faucets leak. The fitness room that they claim to have is about 2-3 blocks away at the YMCA and it is not free. I don't mind the oldness of the hotel, but it definitely needs updating and it can be done without losing the historical uniqueness to it.

The Hotel San Carlos is step back to the time of glamourous movie stars and decedence. The hotel is unique and historically correct to its hey-day. Rooms were comfortable. The dining was elegant and excellent. Service from the check-in counter to the bar area was supurb. I would stay at the Hotel San Carlos anytime I have to stay downtown Phoenix.

Let’s just say that you have to like surprises if you stay at the San Carlos Hotel. Do not use the water bottles in order to make the complimentary coffee/hot chocolate as you will get a surprise when you check out by being charged $4 per bottle – even though there is no posting to this effect in their price manual. Since you have to provide your credit card as security when you check in, this is deemed as authorization by the credit card company. The other surprises are: noise from the demolition & construction of a new building at the back of the hotel (there is no mention of this on their web site), being waken up by trucks/bulldozers early in the morning, and you do have to like dust as the pool area in the back of the hotel is covered by it. The rooms are small and the noise from the vents will keep you awake at night. The rooms are not soundproofed and expect to hear noise from the next room therefore, avoid the weekends as the ball game party continues all night. Also watch out for hot water surges when taking a shower. Do not expect the ice machine to work and the TV reception is snowy. If you want a downtown location, I recommend that you either stay at the Hyatt or at the Wyndham (less than 5 minutes away) otherwise, try the Camelback area – it’s much nicer.

My filet migon? Like eating a leather ball. I would not recommend the food. Hotel has wireless, high speed access, but it drops you like a hot cake, especially when you have something important to do. I was here durning the CIS conference May 14-19 and I could not access the net for no more then 5 minutes at a time (DHCP problem). I would pay the extra money and get the real deal.