Hotel San Carlos - Downtown Convention Center rates, Phoenix

Check your stay

Choose the matching dates and guests, or use the current-price link above for another stay.

Axel's take: 7.0/10

Choose it for downtown convenience and history, not modern comforts. A historic, no-frills 3-star in downtown Phoenix, scored for what it is.

Hotel San Carlos is a historic, no-frills 3-star whose downtown location is more compelling than its facilities. We'd consider it for a short, car-free stay if character matters more than polish: restaurants, light rail and the convention center are close by. Recent Expedia guests repeatedly praise helpful staff and clean rooms, while Tripadvisor feedback is more mixed. The original details give it personality, but worn furnishings aren't everyone's idea of charm.

The compromises go beyond decor. Guests on both sites mention air-conditioning without individual room controls; Tripadvisor reviewers also flag noise carrying between rooms. Some bathrooms are cramped, and cleanliness feedback isn't uniformly positive. The swimming pool remains closed for renovation, with Expedia listing work through December 2026. Parking means using nearby paid facilities. We'd skip it for a pool holiday, dependable remote working or a reliably quiet night's sleep.

• Best for: History-minded travelers; Car-free downtown weekends; Convention visitors comfortable with basic rooms

• Watch out for: Swimming pool closed for renovation; Sound carries; no individual AC controls; Nearby paid parking rather than hotel parking

• Location: Walkable downtown base near dining, light rail and the convention center.

• Rooms: Vintage and sometimes worn; some small bathrooms, shared cooling controls and noise complaints.

• Cleanliness: Recent Expedia feedback is mostly positive, but Tripadvisor includes significant complaints.

• Service: Friendly, helpful staff are a recurring strength, though complaint handling receives mixed feedback.

• Amenities: The hotel lists a gym, sundeck and dining options; the swimming pool is closed for renovation.

• Fees and surprises: Nearby public parking costs extra; Expedia also lists a credit-card payment surcharge.

Axel's opinion of Hotel San Carlos - Downtown Convention Center, from the hotel's website and recent guest reviews. Sources: Hotel website · Expedia · Tripadvisor · Booking.com · historichotels.org · phoenixmag.com. Reviewed Oct 23, 2026.

About Hotel San Carlos - Downtown Convention Center

• Property type: Hotel
• 3-star hotel
• 202 N Central Ave, Phoenix
• Amenities: ATM, Shopping on site, Air conditioning, Elevator/lift, Smoke-free property, Heating, Security guard, Gift shop, Express check-in/check-out, Terrace, Reception desk, Non-smoking rooms
• Check-in from: 15:00:00
• Check-out by: 12:00:00
• City page: Hotels in Phoenix

More hotels in Phoenix

• Hotels in Phoenix
• Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport North by IHG
• GreenTree Hotel Phoenix West
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Phoenix I-10 West
• Legacy Golf Resort
• AC Hotel by Marriott Phoenix Biltmore
• AC Hotel Phoenix Tempe/Downtown
• Aloft by Marriott Tempe
• Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts
• Baymont by Wyndham Phoenix I-10 near 51st Ave
• Best Western Downtown Phoenix
• Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
• Comfort Inn I-10 West at 51st Ave
• Hotels by destination