History

The story begins in 1956 with the Caravan Motor Lodge. Legend has it that Neil Young lived here with his pet bush babies while recording Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s seminal album Deja Vu. It fell into disrepair in the 70’s and 80’s until the party really began in 1987 when Chip Conley, then a fledgling entrepreneur, bought the place and built his first boutique hotel with the idea that the large parking lot would be perfect for bands on tour who needed a place to park the bus for the night. Legendary nights ensued and the stories that have accumulated are a testimony to the Phoenix’s place in rock n’ roll history. Like the time Debbie Harry and JFK Jr. were accidentally checked into the same room, or the note on Phoenix stationery found in Kurt Cobain’s pocket after his death.

Today, the Phoenix continues to offer a temporary home to musicians and other artistic vagrants.