The Lady in White of Phoenix: The Real Story Behind the Hotel San Carlos Haunting

The Hotel San Carlos in downtown Phoenix is one of the city’s most talked-about haunted locations—and the story of Leone Jensen is at the center of it.

If you’ve ever walked through downtown Phoenix at night, you’ve probably passed one of the city’s most talked-about haunted locations without even realizing it. The Hotel San Carlos isn’t just a historic hotel—it’s the center of one of Phoenix’s most persistent ghost stories.And it all traces back to a woman named Leone Jensen.

Who Was Leone Jensen?

Leone Jensen was only 22 years old when she died at the Hotel San Carlos in 1928.

According to the most repeated version of the story, Leone had been struggling emotionally after her boyfriend ended their relationship. Heartbroken and depressed, she went to the roof of the hotel and jumped.

But because this is Phoenix—and because no good ghost story stays neat for long—another version has lingered over the years.

Some believe Leone may not have jumped at all. Some believe she was pushed.

That part has never been proven, but the rumor has become part of the mystery surrounding the Hotel San Carlos. What we do know is that Leone died tragically at the hotel, and her story became tied to one of downtown Phoenix’s most famous hauntings: the Lady in White.

Today, guests and staff have reported seeing a woman in white near the elevators, upper floors, and other areas of the hotel.

The Haunting of the Hotel San Carlos

Built in 1928, the Hotel San Carlos has built a reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in downtown Phoenix.

Reported activity includes:

• A woman in white seen near the elevators

• Unexplained sounds and movement on upper floors

• Sudden cold spots and uneasy feelings

• Guests reporting they’re not alone

Some believe these experiences are connected to Leone Jensen. Others aren’t so sure.

But the stories haven’t stopped.

Experience Leone’s Story on Central Phoenix Screamix

Leone Jensen’s story is one of downtown Phoenix’s most chilling legends, but reading about it only gets you so far.

On our Central Phoenix Screamix Tour, you’ll visit the outside of the historic Hotel San Carlos, hear the story of Leone’s tragic death, and learn why the Lady in White remains one of Phoenix’s most talked-about hauntings.

We’ll also explore other haunted stops in downtown Phoenix, blending real local history, ghost stories, and the kind of strange details that make you look over your shoulder a little longer than usual.

👉 Book your Central Phoenix Screamix Tour here!

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