In 1919, Hotel Congress was built to serve the growing cattle industry & railroad passengers of the Southern Pacific Line. The Congress of the 1920s was the perfect shelter for genteel travelers and high-rollers fresh from the East. Hotel Congress could have continued its charming existence as just another place of lodging for road weary guests, except that the date of January 22, 1934 has forever stamped its historical mark upon this edifice. A fire started in the basement of the hotel and spread up the elevator to the third floor. This fire led to the capture of one of the country’s most notorious criminals — John Dillinger.

After a series of bank robberies, the Dillinger gang came to Tucson to “lay low”. The gang resided on the third floor under aliases. After the desk clerk contacted them through the switchboard, (still in operation), the incognito gang escaped by aerial ladders. On the urgent request of the gang, and encouraged by a generous tip, two firemen retrieved their heavy luggage. It was later discovered that the bags contained a small arsenal and $23,816 in cash. Later, this astute fireman recognized the gang in True Detective Magazine. A stakeout ensued and they were captured at a house on North Second Avenue. In the space of five hours, without firing a single shot, the police of small town Tucson had done what the combined forces of several states and the FBI had tried so long to do. When captured, Dillinger simply muttered, “Well, I’ll be damned!”

Ghosts
Ghost stories and legends also help keep the past alive at Hotel Congress. A gentleman in an old-fashioned gray suit named T.S. has been seen peering out the windows of the 2nd floor. He may have been the victim of a gunfight over a card game. A female ghost wearing Victorian clothing and smelling of roses enjoys the limelight of the stairwell and lobby. Then there is the hotel’s beloved Vince, who was a permanent resident for 36 years until his passing in 2001. Hotel staff members have been finding butter knives from the Cup Cafe, like the one he used for a screwdriver, in various locations around the 2nd floor

The Tap Room has been popular with the locals since its inception in 1919. In the late 1930s and 1940s, the Tap Room was given its touch of western class. Pete Martinez was a famous artist and rodeo cowboy. While he roped & bucked with the best in New York, his artwork was featured in art exhibits, including the lobby of the Garden & Woolworth Galleries. He retired in Tucson with his wife. Though it’s been suggested that Martinez painted pictures to pay for his keep here at Hotel Congress, they are just rumors. His paintings grace the walls of the Tap Room for one simple reason — it was his watering hole. He enjoyed the company and the drinks so much that he bestowed some of his art to show his appreciation. Many celebrities and regular folk collect Pete Martinez’ work — in fact, we are regularly asked to sell his work to collectors. We always smile and say “No”. We want his work to remain where he felt at home.

Club Congress came to life in 1985. From the beginning, Club Congress was progressive, unique, and the most happening nightspot in town. At one time, the club was a white linen & silver dining room — it’s now a showcase for national and local bands, performance artists, poets, and DJs. Its accolades include being named one of the top clubs in the United States by several magazines and publications, including Entertainment Magazine and Playboy.

The Lobby was painted by wandering artist Larry Boyce. Boyce traveled throughout the West selling his wares. While wandering artists of yesteryear traveled by horse, Boyce arrived on bicycle in the spring of 1989 and offered to decorate the lobby in “Southwest Deco.”

Copper Hall is the Hotel’s banquet facility. It originated in the fall of 2000. Its historical edge, combined with classic Congress elegance, provides a signature touch to any event.

Over the past several decades, the hotel seems to have attracted a regular and international clientele, drawn by the elegance of the building and affordable rates. Many guests find the refurbished yet original rooms refreshing. We welcome you and encourage you to partake in our history.