“The Haunted History of The Hotel San Carlos” takes you on a chilling journey through the paranormal experiences reported at the Hotel San Carlos in Phoenix, Arizona. Built in 1928, this iconic hotel has hosted famous celebrities and is renowned for its haunted reputation. Visitors and staff alike have witnessed strange occurrences, from sightings of a ghostly woman wandering the hallways to the sounds of children laughing and crying. While the hotel’s spooky past is attributed to various legends, the article explores the true story of Leone Jensen, the most famous spirit haunting the hotel. From the original well in the basement to unexplained incidents, this article will give you a thorough insight into the haunted history of the Hotel San Carlos.
History of the Hotel San Carlos
The Hotel San Carlos, located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, has a rich history dating back to its construction and opening in 1928. Since then, it has become a prominent fixture in the area and has hosted numerous celebrities and famous guests.
Construction and Opening in 1928
The Hotel San Carlos first opened its doors to the public in 1928. It was built in a convenient location on the corner of Central and Monroe in downtown Phoenix. At the time, it was considered one of the nicest hotels in the city and quickly gained a reputation as a luxurious and comfortable place to stay.
Famous Guests and Celebrity Visits
Throughout its history, the Hotel San Carlos has welcomed many famous guests and celebrities. Icons such as Marilyn Monroe, May West, and Clark Gable have all stayed at the hotel. These visits have cemented the hotel’s status as a place to see and be seen in the bustling city of Phoenix.
Paranormal Activities Reported at the Hotel
The Hotel San Carlos is known for its paranormal activities, which have been reported by both visitors and staff. These sightings and experiences add to the hotel’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in the area.
Sightings of a Wandering Woman
One common paranormal sighting at the hotel is the apparition of a wandering woman. This ghostly figure is often seen walking the hallways and then suddenly disappearing. Many guests and staff members have reported encountering this ethereal presence, adding to the hotel’s mysterious ambiance.
Sounds of Children Laughing and Crying
Another eerie occurrence at the Hotel San Carlos is the sound of children laughing and crying. These disembodied sounds have been heard by both guests and staff in various areas of the hotel. While no concrete explanation has been found, some speculate that it may be related to the hotel’s history as the site of Phoenix’s first school.
Strange Occurrences in Guest Rooms
Guests at the Hotel San Carlos have reported strange occurrences in their rooms. These incidents range from unexplained knocking on doors to objects moving on their own. While these experiences may be unsettling, they contribute to the hotel’s allure and reputation as a haunted location.
Connection to Phoenix’s First School
The Hotel San Carlos is closely connected to the history of education in Phoenix, as it is built on the site of the city’s first school. This connection adds an element of historical significance to the hotel.
Location of the Hotel
The hotel’s location on the corner of Central and Monroe was once home to Phoenix’s first school. While the original school buildings have been demolished, the Hotel San Carlos now stands as a testament to this early educational institution.
Original Well in the Hotel
One remnant of the first school remains in the basement of the Hotel San Carlos – the original well. This well, which played a crucial role in providing water to the school, now serves as a piece of history within the hotel.
The Legend of Children Falling into the Well
One popular legend surrounding the Hotel San Carlos is that children fell into the well and drowned, causing the paranormal activity experienced in the hotel. However, there is no supporting evidence to validate this claim. Despite its popularity, it is likely just a myth that adds to the hotel’s haunting reputation.
The Original Well and Water Spigots
The original well and water spigots within the Hotel San Carlos have played significant roles in its history.
Use of Well for Chilled Water
In its early years, the hotel utilized the original well to provide chilled water to all of its rooms. This unique feature added to the comfort and luxury of the hotel, ensuring that guests had access to refreshing water during their stay.
Switching to Air Conditioning System
In the 1970s, the hotel made the decision to switch from using the well for chilled water to an air conditioning system. This transition marked a significant change in the hotel’s infrastructure and further modernized its amenities.
Presence of Original Water Spigots
Despite the switch to an air conditioning system, the Hotel San Carlos still proudly retains the original water spigots in most of its rooms. These spigots serve as a reminder of the hotel’s history and add a touch of nostalgia for guests.
Strange Incidents and Experiences
The Hotel San Carlos has been the site of various unexplained incidents and experiences, adding to its reputation as a haunted location. These stories further contribute to the intrigue and allure surrounding the hotel.
Front Desk Clerk’s Experience
A front desk clerk at the Hotel San Carlos once had a mysterious encounter. While working alone, she heard a loud crashing noise and discovered broken glass beneath a framed collection of old hotel photos. Despite thorough investigation, she could not explain how the incident occurred, as there was no one else present in the vicinity.
Leone Jensen’s Spirit
Leone Jensen is considered one of the most famous spirits at the Hotel San Carlos. She is often seen as a wispy figure walking the hallways and occasionally spotted on the roof. Leone Jensen’s presence adds to the hotel’s haunted history and intrigues both guests and staff.
Marilyn Monroe’s Connection to the Hotel
Marilyn Monroe, a beloved Hollywood icon, favored the Hotel San Carlos during her visits to Phoenix. She would request a room on the third floor, granting her easy access to the rooftop pool. Monroe’s connection to the hotel adds a touch of glamour and celebrity to its rich history.
Narrator’s Unexplained Sound
During a stay at the Hotel San Carlos, the narrator of this article experienced a mysterious sound. Late at night, they heard what sounded like furniture being dragged in the room above theirs. However, this was puzzling as the upper floors of the hotel were carpeted, making it unlikely for such a noise to occur. The sound remains unexplained, adding to the hotel’s mystique.
The Mysterious Story of Leone Jensen
Leone Jensen holds a significant place in the history and folklore of the Hotel San Carlos. Her tragic tale has captivated the imaginations of those intrigued by the hotel’s haunted reputation.
Different Versions of Her Story
There are various versions of Leone Jensen’s story, each with its own details and circumstances surrounding her untimely death. These differing accounts are a testament to the mystery and intrigue that surround her tragic tale.
Leone Jensen’s Death and Suicide Letters
On May 7, 1928, Leone Jensen’s body was found on the sidewalk near the Hotel San Carlos. Three suicide letters were discovered, each addressed to specific individuals. These letters revealed a woman who had been suffering from health issues and had chosen to end her life due to the unbearable pain she was experiencing.
Leon’s Background and Marriage
Leone Jensen was born to Danish parents in Minnesota. At a young age, she married Seraphine Banyan, a Greek candy maker. However, their marriage was short-lived and ended in divorce within two years.
Theft Charges and Divorce
Mrs. Banyan, previously known as Leone Jensen, faced theft charges for allegedly stealing her husband’s suitcase. However, these charges were later dismissed. The divorce and subsequent legal issues in Leone Jensen’s life add layers to the complexity of her story.
Leon’s Declining Health
Leone Jensen’s health began to decline, possibly due to tuberculosis, as antibiotics were not readily available during that time. Seeking relief from her illness, she moved to a warm and dry climate, a common practice to combat tuberculosis.
Leone’s Stay at Hotel San Carlos and Death
Leone Jensen checked into the Hotel San Carlos just two days before her death. She stayed on the third floor and had access to the rooftop pool area, which adds to the speculation and mystery surrounding her final days.
Arrival and Room on the Third Floor
Leone Jensen arrived in Phoenix and made her way to the Hotel San Carlos, where she checked into a room on the third floor. This detail is significant, as it offers insight into her proximity to notable areas within the hotel.
Access to the Rooftop Pool
Staying on the third floor allowed Leone Jensen easy access to the hotel’s rooftop pool. This amenity provided her with a space to relax and enjoy the warmth of the Phoenix sun, perhaps offering a reprieve from her physical and emotional struggles.
Contradictions in Suicide Letters
The three suicide letters left behind by Leone Jensen contained contradictory information. One of the letters mentioned a boyfriend or bellhop, adding complexity to the circumstances surrounding her death. The conflicting details further deepen the mystery surrounding her life and tragic demise.
Funeral and Burial Location
After Leone Jensen’s death, her body was sent to Los Angeles, where a small service was held at a funeral parlor. She was eventually laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California. Visiting her grave allows individuals to connect with her past and reflect on the frailty of life.
In conclusion, the Hotel San Carlos holds a rich history intertwined with tales of paranormal activity and mysterious events. From its construction in 1928 to its connections with Phoenix’s first school and the haunting presence of Leone Jensen, this landmark in downtown Phoenix continues to captivate the imaginations of visitors and locals alike. Whether one seeks a glimpse into the city’s past or a brush with the supernatural, the Hotel San Carlos is sure to leave a lasting impression.