One of San Francisco’s longtime hotels and music venues is preparing to shut its doors for good. Phoenix Hotel, a rock ‘n’ roll spot serving the Tenderloin community, is set to close on January 1, 2026. Despite hosting names like David Bowie and Neil Young, it will close following an expiring lease.
Highlights
- The Phoenix Hotel will close its doors permanently at Eddy St. on January 1, 2026.
- The hotel and music venue have hosted David Bowie, Nirvana, and others.
- The Phoenix Hotel will stay open for the Tenderloin community through the end of this year.
San Francisco’s Phoenix Hotel Calls It Quits
Phoenix Hotel has announced the closure after serving the Tenderloin community as a rock ‘n’ roll-themed hotel for almost 40 years. Located at 601 Eddy St., the San Francisco establishment will stop operations on January 1, 2026.
Through the past decades, Phoenix Hotel served as a creative sanctuary on the edge of San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. It offered a welcoming escape to multiple touring artists like David Bowie and Kurt Cobain. The San Francisco-based motor lodge hosted Red Hot Chili Peppers and many other rock ‘n’ roll names.
Operations to Continue Through the End of 2025
Despite its scheduled closure in 2026, the Phoenix Hotel will serve residents through the end of this year. Its beloved dining restaurant, Chambers Eat + Drink, is currently open for multiple events. The restaurant will shut its doors after the final New Year’s Day 2026 event.
Expiring Lease, Pandemic Struggles Drive Closure
The founder and co-owner of the Eddy St.-based establishment, Chip Conley, cited several reasons behind its permanent closure. Conley said the longtime fixture had been struggling since the pandemic. As the lease neared its end, the owners decided to shut down.
Looking Back at the Legacy of the Phoenix Hotel
The San Francisco-based fixture was originally set up in 1956 as the Caravan Lodge. Conley reconceptualized it in 1987 as the Phoenix Hotel. He was later joined by Isabel Manchester and Jamie Flanagan. The Eddy St. building then emerged as a rock ‘n’ roll spot and hosted countless artists.
With 44 rooms and a courtyard pool, Phoenix Hotel presented visitors with album launches, art events, and all-night hangs. The Tenderloin community loved the place and its midcentury architecture as well.
Conley shared his thoughts on the longtime San Francisco establishment. He said the hotel and its four restaurants have redefined the city’s art, party, and music scene for 40 years. The names include Miss Pearl’s Jam House (from the early 90s), Backflip (1997), Bambuddha Lounge, and Chambers Eat + Drink.
Along with hosting Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and others, it arranged weddings. One of these included JFK Jr. as the best man. Michael Franti’s wedding took place at the Phoenix Hotel as well.
As of now, Phoenix Hotel has not shared details about its comeback. No information has been shared about the site’s future. The longtime hotel and music venue leaves a void after hosting legendary rock icons for decades. While its future is uncertain, the Tenderloin community will remember the place for generations.
