History isn't usually something you find in the middle of a desert suburb, at least not the kind you can actually touch. Most of Arizona is "new." It's stucco, strip malls, and 1980s developments. But then there's the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort in Chandler.
Honestly, it’s a weirdly beautiful anomaly.
When you walk into the lobby, you're not just entering a hotel; you're stepping into the literal foundation of the city. Dr. A.J. Chandler—the guy the town is named after—didn't just want a place for people to sleep. He wanted a statement. In 1912, while Arizona was barely becoming a state, he was planning a luxury oasis. It officially opened in 1913, and since then, it’s been the anchor for everything that happened in downtown Chandler.
The First "Green" Golf Course in the Desert
You've gotta realize how insane the concept of a grass golf course was in 1913 Arizona. Back then, "golf" in the Southwest mostly involved hitting balls into the sand and hoping you didn't step on a rattlesnake.
The San Marcos Golf Course changed the game. It was the first green grass golf course in the entire state. Dr. Chandler seeded it with Bermuda grass in 1914, and suddenly, the wealthy elite from "snow-covered Chicago" (as the local papers called it back then) had a reason to hop on a train and head west.
It wasn't just a local hobby. We're talking heavy hitters.
- Herbert Hoover stayed here.
- Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable lounged by the grounds.
- Al Capone reportedly had a soft spot for the place, though he likely wasn't there for the golf.
- Jimmy Stewart and even Ronald Reagan were part of the guest list over the decades.
Today, the course is a par-72, 6,640-yard parkland-style layout. It doesn’t look like the "target golf" courses you see in North Scottsdale where if you miss the fairway, your ball is gone into a cactus. Here, you get lush, tree-lined fairways with century-old tamarisk and palm trees. It’s walkable, it’s shaded, and it feels like a piece of the Midwest dropped into the Sonoran Desert.
What’s it Like to Stay There Now?
If you’re expecting a generic, cookie-cutter Hilton Garden Inn vibe, you’ll be surprised. The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort underwent a massive renovation recently—mostly finishing up around 2021—to blend the "New Modern" IHG style with the historic Mission Revival architecture.
The rooms are huge. Like, actually huge.
Most of the 249 guest rooms come with private balconies or patios. If you can, snag one facing the interior courtyard. The courtyard is the heart of the property, filled with fountains and lush greenery that makes you forget you're a few blocks away from a busy intersection.
The Food Situation
You don't really have to leave the property to eat well, which is nice if you've spent four hours roasting on the back nine.
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- AJ’s Restaurant: This is the go-to for breakfast. It’s named after the founder, obviously. It’s got that classic resort feel where you can sit outside and watch the sun come up over the palms.
- 1912 Bar & Lounge: This is the spot for a post-round beer. They’ve kept a lot of the historic charm but updated the cocktail menu. It’s intimate, slightly dark, and perfect for hiding from the Arizona heat.
- Crust Pizzeria: Located on-site, this place is a local favorite. It’s Italian-American comfort food—huge portions, great pizza, and it actually has a speakeasy vibe in the evenings.
Why the Location is the Real Secret Weapon
One thing most people get wrong about "resort life" in Arizona is thinking you have to stay in Scottsdale to be near the action. Downtown Chandler has quietly become one of the best food and drink hubs in the Phoenix metro area.
Because the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort is the literal "anchor" of the downtown square, you can walk out the front doors and be at SanTan Brewing Company or Murphy’s Law Irish Pub in three minutes. You don't need an Uber. You don't need a car. You just walk.
There’s a weirdly cool mix of high-end galleries (like the Vision Gallery) and gritty-but-great comedy clubs like Mic Drop. You’re in the middle of a "City Beautiful" urban plan that Dr. Chandler dreamed up over a century ago, and it actually works.
The Logistics You Actually Need to Know
Let's talk brass tacks for a second. If you're planning a trip, here's the reality:
- Parking: It’s free and on-site. In a downtown area, that’s basically a miracle.
- The Pool: It’s heated, has cabanas, and a Jacuzzi. It’s not a "Vegas party pool," which is a blessing. It's for relaxing.
- Event Space: If you're here for a wedding or a tech conference (Intel is just down the road), they have about 32,000 square feet of meeting space. The San Marcos Ballroom is the big one—it can hold about 700 people and has those original architectural flourishes that make for great photos.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, you can bring your dog. There’s a fee, usually, but they are accommodating.
What Most People Miss
The history isn't just in the lobby. If you look at the construction of the building, it was one of the first reinforced cast-in-place concrete structures in Arizona. At the time, it was considered "fireproof," which was a big deal when most of the town was made of wood and luck.
You can still see the original Terrazzo floors in parts of the clubhouse (redesigned in 1959 but keeping the 1913 soul). It’s these little textures—the vaulted wooden ceilings and the way the shadows hit the arcades—that make it feel authentic.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just book a room and sit in it. To get the most out of the San Marcos experience, do this:
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- Book a "Courtyard View" room. The street-facing rooms are fine, but the courtyard is where the magic (and the quiet) is.
- Tee off early. If you’re playing golf in the summer, 6:00 AM is your friend. If it’s winter, the 11:00 AM slots are usually the sweet spot for temperature.
- Explore the "Secret" Speakeasy. Ask the staff at Crust about the basement. Chandler has a history of hidden spots from the Prohibition era, and while I won't spoil the surprise, it's worth a look.
- Use the Shuttle. They have a local shuttle that runs within a five-mile radius. It’s great for hitting the Chandler Fashion Center or getting to some of the tech campuses without dealing with traffic.
The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort isn't trying to be the flashiest new thing in the desert. It doesn't have a giant LED screen or a DJ by the pool at 10:00 AM. It's a place that knows exactly what it is: a historic landmark that invented the Arizona golf vacation.
If you want a mix of "Old Hollywood" vibes and modern comfort, this is basically the only place in the East Valley that delivers that without feeling like a museum. It’s a living piece of Chandler history, and it’s still the best place to grab a drink and watch the desert sun go down.
Next Steps for Planning Your Stay:
Check the tournament schedule if you're a golfer, as the course can get booked up for charity events. If you're traveling for business, verify the shuttle availability ahead of time, as it's a first-come, first-served perk that can save you a ton on rentals.