The Hotel San Carlos is often noted for the famous figures said to have stayed there during the early and mid-20th century, when it was one of Phoenix’s premier hotels. Among those most commonly associated with the hotel are Mae West, Clark Gable, and Marilyn Monroe, who reportedly stayed there while traveling through or working in Arizona. The hotel has also been linked to visiting politicians, entertainers, and musicians passing through Phoenix during its rise as a regional hub. Over time, these associations have become part of the hotel’s lore, adding to its reputation as not just an architectural landmark, but a place where culture, performance, and history briefly intersected.