Hotel Congress is a historic 40-room boutique hotel at the intersection of Congress Street and 5th Avenue in downtown Tucson, AZ, originally opened in 1919 and recognized as the longest continuously operating hotel in Arizona. Built in the Mission Revival style, it became nationally famous in 1934 as the location where FBI agents arrested John Dillinger and his gang after they were recognized by hotel staff. Meticulously preserved and regularly renovated, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and comprises multiple distinct venues: Club Congress (the main nightclub and live music venue, active since 1985), the Hotel Congress Plaza (a 750-capacity outdoor concert plaza launched in 2020, shaded by Chinese pistachio trees with two full bars, a food truck, and an Airstream green room), the Century Room (an intimate 85-capacity jazz and acoustic performance space), the Tap Room (lobby bar), the Cup Café (award-winning restaurant), and Copper Hall (banquet/events space). Former entertainment director David Slutes (of the Sidewinders) helped build its live music reputation over decades.
Club Congress hours: Tuesday-Saturday nights (hours vary by event, typically 9PM-2AM for club nights; all ages or 18+/21+ depending on specific show); Congress Plaza: outdoor events begin at various times, check individual event listings on hotelcongress.com; Century Room: Jazz performances on select evenings, doors at 6PM, shows 6:30PM and 7:45PM (free, all ages for jazz events); Club Congress is the premier live music venue in the complex, booking since 1985 (Nirvana and No Doubt played early career shows here); Hotel Congress also hosts the annual HoCo Fest (100 local acts) and regular themed events
On-site free parking available (per Meetings & Conventions directory listing; Hotel Congress confirmed free onsite parking for guests); additional public/metered parking available in the surrounding downtown Congress Street blocks
Located in the heart of downtown Tucson at Congress St & 5th Ave; Sun Link Streetcar stops nearby (Congress/5th Ave stop); multiple Tucson SunTran bus routes also serve the Congress Street corridor
Contact hotel at 520-622-8848 for specific accommodation requests
Non-professional cameras; food and beverage from on-site Cup Café and Tap Room
Marijuana smoking NOT permitted on premises (guests caught will be asked to leave with no refund)