Hotel Monte Vista

If you’re looking for a stay with a side of spirits—both kinds—Flagstaff’s Hotel Monte Vista is the place to be. This historic hotel, built in 1927, has seen countless Route 66 travelers, ghost hunters, and thrill-seekers come through its doors. It’s one of the most haunted hotels in the country, making it the perfect spooky stopover before heading off to the Grand Canyon or continuing your Route 66 road trip.

Opened on New Year’s Day in 1927, the Monte V was built to meet the surge of travelers flocking to the area. Locals pitched in to fund its construction, and it was originally named the Community Hotel in their honor. Later, a local 12-year-old won a naming contest, giving it the name Monte Vista—or “mountain view”—which perfectly captures Flagstaff’s scenic appeal.

This 73-room hotel incorporates pieces of the past, including the former post office and Coconino Sun newspaper building, now home to the Monte V Cocktail Lounge. Over the years, the Monte Vista has racked up some unforgettable stories, like being a prohibition-era speakeasy and hosting the first radio broadcast in Arizona by Mary Costigan. And it’s had its share of famous visitors too, from John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart to Debbie Reynolds and even Harry Truman. Its motto, “Meet me at the Monte V,” has called many to its doors—living or otherwise.

But what truly makes this hotel stand out are the spirits that never checked out. The ghost stories are as rich as the hotel’s history, and it was even spotlighted on the Travel Channel’s Most Terrifying Places. Here are just a few of the hauntings guests might encounter:

• The Meat Man (Room 220)
  This long-term guest had an unusual habit of hanging raw meat from the chandelier. After his death, strange occurrences started up—like the TV turning on by itself and linens mysteriously shredded. Visitors still report the TV acting up and feeling a chilling presence.
• The Rocking Chair (Room 305)
  Known as the most active room, 305 hosts the spirit of an elderly woman who once sat by the window for hours. Guests claim to see the chair rocking by itself, hear knocks from the closet, and even catch glimpses of her ghostly figure gazing out.
• Women of the Night (Room 306)
  In the 1940s, two women were murdered here and thrown from the window. Since then, men have reported waking up unable to breathe, feeling a heavy presence watching them.
• The Phantom Bellboy (Room 210)
  Guests often hear a knock and a muffled “Room service,” only to find no one there. Some have spotted a bellboy in an old red coat, while housekeepers have had their own spooky run-ins with this mischievous ghost.
• The Baby in the Basement
  Staff hear unsettling cries of an infant from the basement, though no child has ever been found. The eerie sound has sent more than one employee rushing back upstairs.
• The Dancing Couple (Cocktail Lounge)
  In the lounge, patrons have seen a ghostly couple, joyfully dancing together as if they’re frozen in a moment of bliss.
• The Bank Robber
  After a bank robbery in 1970, an injured thief had his final drink in the lounge before succumbing to his wounds. To this day, people hear a cheery “Good Morning!” and see barstools shifting on their own.

With rooms ranging from luxury suites with jacuzzi tubs to hostel-style Traveler’s Rooms with shared bathrooms, the Monte V offers something for every budget—and a chance to sleep surrounded by legends. Whether you’re here for the ghosts or just a historic stay, Hotel Monte Vista promises a Flagstaff experience like no other.