Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel: History, Hauntings & the Spirit of the City

Right in the heart of downtown, towering over the city like it owns the place, sits the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel. If ever a building captured the spirit of Phoenix—resilient, unapologetic, and a little flashy—it’s this one.

This spot has been through it. In 1910, the original Adams Hotel burned to the ground in a blaze that lit up the night sky. The rebuilt version stood for decades before meeting a spectacular end in 1973 with an implosion you could feel in your bones. And then—like its namesake bird—this place rose from the ashes once again, reopening in 1975 as Arizona’s largest hotel.

Rooted. Rising. Ready for Anything.

Fast-forward to today, and the Renaissance has reinvented itself yet again. Its Rooted Rising makeover blends modern elegance with a wink to Phoenix’s history. Step inside and you’ll be surrounded by desert-inspired art, bold colors, and sleek textures that practically hum with energy. Think Grand Canyon-inspired sculptures, playful nods to local wildlife, and design details that whisper “We know we look good.”

This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a love letter to the city’s grit and glamour.

The History Isn’t the Only Thing That Stays Here

Of course, buildings with this much past tend to hang onto a little… extra. Guests talk about strange noises in empty halls, flickers of movement in their peripheral vision, and that prickling feeling on the back of your neck when you’re absolutely sure you’re alone.

But I’m not giving it all away here. Some stories? You’ve got to hear—and maybe feel—for yourself.

Want the full story? You know where to find me. We’ll stroll past the Renaissance on our haunted and historic tour, and if you’re lucky (or unlucky), you just might meet one of its long-term… residents.

Go Beyond the Lobby

The Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel isn’t just a stop on our route—it’s one of the rare places we actually go inside on our Phoenix History, Mystery & Ghosts Tour. Hear the untold stories, feel the atmosphere, and see why some guests never really check out.

Book now and experience it for yourself. www.getghostedphx.com