In 1912 Dr. Alexander J. Chandler founded a small town just southeast of Phoenix. The Resort opened in 1913 as the "jewel in the desert" with 35 guest rooms, a lobby, dining room, ballroom, and a full range of resort amenities like golf, horseback riding, and polo.
The San Marcos Resort became a desert playground for the rich and famous. Some of the Hollywood stars known to have stayed at the Resort include legends such as Fred Astaire, Joan Crawford, Bing Crosby, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Gloria Swanson, Cher, President Herbert Hoover, Christian Dior, Gene Tunney and Margaret Saner. |