From friendly spirits to mirrored rooms, there’s more than one surprise lurking around the corners of Downtown.
So, put on your adventuring shoes, it’s time to discover our favorite hidden gems.
Ghost Tours of Hotel San Carlos

From underground tunnels to starlets and untimely deaths, the famous infamous hotel has quite a history. Spend an hour in the belly of San Carlos with Ghosts of Phoenix and you might just meet a few of the paranormal characters that hang around the place. Rumors are that Bob is the friendliest while the children keep the spirit of the hotel lively. Tours are $13 and require reservations through Ghosts of Phoenix. http://www.ghostsofphoenix.com/
Hanny’s Bathrooms
When are bathrooms a best-kept secret? When those bathrooms resemble a carnival fun house, that’s when. Navigating these mirrored relief stations becomes increasingly difficult after two or three house martinis so citizens are urged to use the Buddy System.
Sheraton’s Rooftop Garden
Lots of restaurants talk green and squawk organic but District American Kitchen & Wine Bar walks the walk, using fresh herbs and vegetables from the hotel’s rooftop garden to create delicious New American fare.
Ambassador Tours
The Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors are roving troves of knowledge ready and willing to answer questions, find your car or just make your day. But they’ll also give you a walking tour of Downtown. From historical buildings to public art, they’ve got the low down on just about everything. Stop by their Information Center or call 602-495-1500 to request a tour.
ICON at Renaissance Phoenix Downtown
Maybe it’s the brightly lit bar top, or maybe it’s those delicious Mojitos. Whatever brings you into this charming hotel lounge, the impeccable service and affordable prices are sure to keep you coming back.

The Kax Stage at Herberger Theater Center
When the Herberger underwent a $16 million facelift in 2010, one of the coolest additions was The Kax, a black box theater and meeting space that has its own entrance, box office, a full bar and catering services.
Friday’s Front Row Banquet Room
Hosting a banquet during a ball game has never been so suite! The intimate space, which can seat up to 40 people at round tables, is within the full restaurant inside Chase Field. During game days, the room rental includes up to 50 seats, 11 of which are individual stadium seats. During non-game days it’s only $50 to rent out the space – perfect for a meeting, funky dinner or party.
Chess Tables at Civic Space Park
Along 1st Ave directly across from the Lincoln Family Downtown Y sit four green and white chess tables. Affectionately called “Chess Corner” but aficionados, the tables are often shaded and provide a welcome space to enjoy the game.
Back Room at Arrogant Butcher
A super cool spot for private parties or that guy or gal you’re trying to impress, the back room walls at Sam Fox’s eatery at CityScape are covered with eclectic framed prints featuring everything from local celebrities, landmarks and politicians to random signs, strangers and kitty cats.
Cotton Club at Majerle’s Sports Grill
This little mirrored-room sits just behind an inconspicuous metal door in the second dining room at Majerle’s. Word is that it’s used for private events. Private, indeed.