The Ghosts of Phoenix Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the tour cost?
A: The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children 8-12. We do not recommend bringing young children on this tour. The price includes a non-refillable soft drink, at the Copper Door Saloon.
We are not able to accept credit cards or checks, but if someone in your party forgets to bring cash, an ATM is available next door, at Seamus McCaffrey's Irish Pub.
Q: Should I tip the tour guide at the end of the tour?
A: Tips are accepted and appreciated by the tour guides,
but they are not required.
Q: What time does the tour begin?
A: Tour times vary. Your official reservation confirmation will include the start time for your tour.
Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes
before your scheduled start time, in order to park,
sign a liability waiver, and purchase tickets.
Q: I have to cancel a reservation. What should I do?
A: Call us, at 602-414-0004, so we can release the ticket.
Changes in group size can also be e-mailed to orbdodger@aol.com. Please give us as much notice as possible, so your spot can be given to someone on the wait list.
Q: How do I pick up my tickets?
A: Tickets may be purchased from a tour guide, in the lobby of the Hotel San Carlos, half an hour before the tour begins.
Look for ladies wearing shirts that say, "I've seen dead people."
They will be set up in a waiting area, east of the Front Desk.
Prior to buying your ticket, you will have to sign a liability waiver. So, don't forget to arrive at least 20 minutes early!
While you wait, please do not approach the Front Desk, unless you'd like to book a room. The Hotel San Carlos is open for business and we don't want to interfere or get in the way of guests. If you're able to be spontaneous, though, the hotel frequently offers great last-minute rates to people on the tour who decide to make a night of it!
Q: How physically fit do you need to be to take this tour?
A: If you can walk for an hour or longer and climb stairs, you should be fine. If you can't, this tour isn't a good match for you.
Q: May I bring a camera?
A: Absolutely! We hope you will! We recommend digital (because you can share the pictures with others on the tour), but bring whatever you have. Your pictures make our website more interesting! See the "Photos" page for some shots taken by past tour-goers. Bring extra batteries, too! Many times, cameras run through more power than usual, during the tour.
Many cameras have shut themselves off or refused
to take photos in certain rooms.
We can't guarantee that it will happen to you,
but you'll never know if you don't bring a camera!
Q: Where is the hotel? Q: Is there any way to get a spot on a sold out tour?
A: Hotel San Carlos
is located at
202 N. Central Avenue
The cross streets are Central Avenue and Monroe (just south of Van Buren), in downtown Phoenix. The hotel is located across the street from the Chase Building, the tallest building in Phoenix.
To find directions to the hotel from your point of origin, type both addresses into http://www.mapquest.com/ .
Q: Where should I park?
A: The hotel does not have a parking lot, so remember to arrive at least 20 minutes early, to find a space.
There is no charge after 6 p.m. for metered parking in the area.
There are several pay lots in the area, however, if you're unable to find on-street parking. A $5 lot is located at 2nd Avenue and Van Buren (enter from Van Buren). It is a very short walk to the hotel. A $3 lot is located at 5th Avenue and Monroe, a few blocks west of the hotel. Other lots are available, as well.
Many of these lots are unmanned, so bring exact change.
Tour guests are not able to use the valet parking service at the Hotel San Carlos unless they are also spending the night.
Q: If I'm not able to reach you, should I call the hotel?
A: No. They cannot take reservations for the ghost tour and will simply direct you back to us. If you cannot reach us, we are on other lines, prepping for tours, etc. Simply leave a message.
Or, you can use the "Contact Us" page, on this site. That may be more convenient, because it's available 24/7.
Q: Should I bring my children?
A: This tour is geared toward adults, rather than children or teens. Nothing jumps out at you. It's not a traditional
Halloween activity with costumes and make-up or games.
It does not always hold the attention of young children.
If your child is under the age of 8, we recommend getting a babysitter, so that you and others may
enjoy the tour without distractions.
Children 8 and above are welcome, as long as they are
well-behaved and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children who disturb others will be asked to leave, along with at least one parent. No refund will be given.
Nice children are always a valuable addition to the tour.
We use the brave ones as "bait" in the basement!
Q: Am I allowed to bring a drink on the tour?
A: Unfortunately, we are not allowed to bring food or drinks along on the tour. The cost of your ticket now includes a non-refillable soft drink from The Copper Door Saloon at the Hotel San Carlos. If you arrive early enough, you may get that prior to the tour, but will need to finish it in the bar. Those who arrive too close to the tour start time, may get their drinks after the tour. If you accept a soft drink from the Copper Door, you will need to tip the bartender. That expense is not included in the ticket price.
If there is a child in your party, you may be asked to enjoy your drinks on the patio.
After the tour, you will receive half price well drinks at the Copper Door, if you show your ticket stub at the time the order is placed.
A: Sometimes cancellations are made by people who have reserved tickets. If you're interested in a sold out date, feel free to call, the morning of the tour, to see if any slots have opened up. Office hours begin at 10 a.m. If we do not answer,
please leave your name, the desired tour time,
and the best way to reach you.
Due to the high volume of requests, we will only be able to return your call if something opens up. If we can't reach you
(in person) when we call, we will move to the
next name on the waiting list.
Q: Why do I have to sign a liability waiver?
A: The hotel does not own the ghost tour and is kindly letting us in, to discuss the guests who don't pay for their rooms. The only way that they are able to allow us access to the hotel, especially areas that are off limits to the public, such as the basement, is if we supply signed waivers for each guest on the tour. Every person 18 or older needs to sign the waiver, prior to exploring the hotel, regardless of who made the reservation or paid for the ticket. Every person under 18 needs to have his or her guardian sign the waiver.
If you are bringing your child's friend, let us know in advance. We can e-mail a copy of the waiver, for you to have signed by their parent. Similarly, if you are organizing a large group and would like to avoid standing in the waiver line, we can e-mail a copy to you, in advance. Bring it in with all of the signatures in place and you may skip the line and purchase tickets. Your signature must be legible.
We understand that many people are uncomfortable signing waivers of this nature. Those people should not make reservations, as we're not allowed to sell them tickets. Sorry! It's part of our contract.
Q: Has anyone ever been mortally wounded taking the tour?
A: Not yet. :)
Q: Why are reservations required? Why is tour size limited?
A: The hotel was built in 1928. The halls are pretty narrow. There are people staying in rooms which we will pass. We want reasonably sized groups of people who are all able to hear the guide and share the experience of touring paranormal hotspots, without interfering in the operations of the hotel (making too much noise in the hallways, etc.). We restrict tour size to groups of 40, in order to maintain a good relationship with the hotel and to ensure a better experience for those who are able to join us.
Q: Has anyone ever been kicked off of the tour?
A: Yes. We reserve the right to kick guests off of the tour if they are not following the rules and regulations established by the hotel and our staff. Anyone who disturbs others on the tour or guests of the hotel will be asked to leave.
No money will be refunded.
In the past, people have been asked to leave because they were inebriated, disruptive, rude, disrespectful of the hotel or its guests, or unwilling to stay with the group. This happens very rarely, but when guests are out of line, they will be asked to leave. We hate to disappoint somebody, but it's better than ruining the experience for everyone else on the tour...or losing permission to conduct ghost tours! Crowd management is part of our job. Without it, we will not be allowed access to the hotel. So, we take it seriously.
