Hotel Congress holds many claims to fame: the notorious location of John Dillinger’s capture, its ghostly apparitions, and its long-standing presence in downtown Tucson that reaches back through the town’s history yet continues to be a point of innovation within the community.
When we decided to check out what Tucson had to offer there was no question as to where we’d stay. It had to be Hotel Congress for its centrality, its rich history, its music venue and restaurants, and (perhaps most importantly) the lack of in-room television which allows you to focus on the actual events happening around town.
Make sure you call ahead for a reservation, the earlier the better. Without providing advanced enough notice I was left to the anxiety of wait-lists in hopes of securing a room at the popular rest spot while starting on my journey south. Thankfully, a room opened up with the attached warning that it might get a little noisy at night. Thrilled with this last minute save I jumped at the chance to spend a night in the Hotel Congress. Noise? Great. Maybe I won’t be scared by the sounds of ghosts moving through the hallways.
After a long day of trekking across, around, and underneath Tucson, those of us on the journey moved into an evening filled with shows at different venues. When staffers hit a city we want to see all that we can until we’re ready to fall over before calling it a day and heading back to the room for much needed rest.
Getting back to Hotel Congress was a welcome relief. Getting to sleep was a little more difficult. If you opt for the room directly above Club Congress commit yourself to a late night.
Admittedly, this makes the Hotel the perfect accommodation for attendees of Club events. No need to drive when the fun dies down at two (or half past two) in the morning. Secure a room upstairs and get the full Hotel Congress treatment: a day downtown, a show at Club Congress, a room upstairs, and delicious food to aid in recovery from the in-house Cup Café.
All the character and class one can expect of historic hotel minus the more obnoxious concessions to modernity. Add to that a healthy dose of rambunctious livelihood and you have the Hotel Congress. If you’re not fortunate enough to call Tucson home, they’ll allow you to borrow the name during your next visit.
