"Come Stay and Play With Us: Hotels & Resorts of Arizona"
Commercial Hotel, ca. 1887. CP LFPC 1650 |
Since territorial days, Arizona has been a mecca for visitors and tourists. With a well-deserved reputation as a destination location, the hotels and resorts of Arizona have provided lodging, comfort, recreation and respite for millions of visitors since before the turn of the century. The "Come Stay and Play With Us" exhibit represents over 20 Arizona hotels and resorts from the 1880's to the latter half of the twentieth century. |
Of particular interest are images of the Commercial Hotel (later the Hotel Luhrs) and the Arizona Biltmore. The Commercial Hotel was owned and operated by George H.N. Luhrs and family from 1887 to 1976. At the time it was razed in 1982, it was the oldest hotel in Phoenix. The Arizona Biltmore, built in 1929, was for many years the epitome of a resort destination. As the exhibit's images show, the rich and famous from throughout the country flocked to the varied entertainments offered by this desert landmark.
Also included in the exhibit are hotels serving the Phoenix area for more than 70 years. These are the San Marcos Hotel, now the Sheraton San Marcos Resort, Chandler; the Hotel Westward Ho, Phoenix; the Adams Hotel, now the Omni Adams, Phoenix; the San Carlos, Phoenix; and the Wig-Wam, Litchfield Park. The Phantom Ranch and the Grand Canyon Lodge, also exhibited, represent the continuing romance of staying at the Grand Canyon.
Re-live the excitement, glamour and adventure that greeted and still greet the millions who have "come to stay and play" in Arizona.
