Haunted Monte Vista Hotel in Flagstaff, Arizona
Nestled along the historic stretch of old Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona, stands the venerable Hotel Monte Vista. A landmark since its grand opening on New Year’s Day in 1927, this meticulously restored hotel is a testament to a bygone era. Officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it continues to welcome travelers, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and modern amenities. However, the Monte Vista Hotel is more than just a place to rest your head; it’s a repository of history, a stage for celebrity encounters, and, according to many, a haven for restless spirits. Its storied past and reported paranormal activity have solidified its place as one of Arizona’s most intriguing and potentially haunted destinations.
The genesis of the Monte Vista Hotel is as unique as the legends that now surround it. Unlike many hotels built with private capital, the Monte Vista Hotel owes its existence to the collective efforts of the Flagstaff community. In 1924, recognizing the burgeoning tourism industry and the acute shortage of adequate lodging, a visionary named V.M. Slipher spearheaded a local fundraising campaign. Slipher’s persuasive efforts culminated in a city-wide vote that authorized a municipal bond, paving the way for the construction of the Haunted Monte Vista Hotel. This novel approach to financing made it one of the few American hotels built entirely with public funds, a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering tourism and economic growth.
The hotel’s early success was immediate and resounding. Beyond attracting tourists eager to explore the natural wonders of Northern Arizona, the Monte Vista Hotel quickly became a social hub for Flagstaff residents. The phrase "Meet me at the Monte V" echoed through the city streets, a testament to the hotel’s central role in the community. In its inaugural year, the hotel even hosted Mary Costigan’s daily three-hour radio show from Room 105. Costigan holds the distinction of being the first American woman to receive a radio broadcasting license, further cementing the hotel’s place in history. The Haunted Monte Vista Hotel quickly gained a prominent role in the local community and in history.
The Roaring Twenties, with their spirit of exuberance and defiance, also left their mark on the Monte Vista Hotel. Opening its doors during the Prohibition era, the hotel’s lounge boldly defied the law, operating a profitable bootlegging operation from what became Flagstaff’s most popular speakeasy. This illicit activity continued until a 1931 raid by local authorities forced its closure. However, with the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the lounge triumphantly reopened, resuming its role as a vibrant social center. For a five-year period between 1935 and 1940, the hotel lounge and lobby also offered its guests a unique form of entertainment: slot machines. These were the only slot machines ever legally operated within the city limits of Flagstaff, adding another layer of intrigue to the hotel’s colorful history. The Haunted Monte Vista Hotel not only served as an inn, but also as a speakeasy and gambling location.
The golden age of Western films in the 1940s and 1950s brought a new wave of glamour and excitement to the Monte Vista Hotel. With Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon serving as picturesque backdrops for over a hundred movies, the hotel became a favorite haunt for Hollywood royalty. Legendary actors such as Jane Russell, Gary Cooper, Spencer Tracy, John Wayne, and Bing Crosby graced its halls, seeking respite and camaraderie between takes. The hotel even served as a filming location for a scene from the iconic film Casablanca. It was during this era that the first whispers of paranormal activity began to circulate. John Wayne himself reportedly encountered one of the hotel’s resident ghosts in the late 1950s, describing the spirit as friendly and benevolent. The spirit briefly appeared in the movie star’s room. The Haunted Monte Vista Hotel has served as a home for movie stars and ghosts.
The Haunted Monte Vista Hotel‘s reputation for paranormal activity is not solely based on celebrity encounters. One of the most enduring legends centers around a tragic event that unfolded in the hotel lounge in the 1970s. According to local lore, three men robbed a Flagstaff bank near the hotel. During their escape, one of the robbers sustained a gunshot wound. Seeking refuge and celebrating their ill-gotten gains, the trio stopped at the Monte Vista Lounge for a drink. However, the wounded man’s injury proved to be more serious than they initially realized. Before he could even finish his drink, he succumbed to his wound and died in the lounge.
Today, both staff and guests believe that the spirit of this unfortunate bandit is one of the many entities that haunt the building. A former manager recounted regularly hearing an eerie voice greet him with "Hello" or "Good Morning" as he opened the bar each day. Others have reported feeling a ghostly presence while enjoying a drink in the cocktail lounge. While the identity of the ghostly figure remains uncertain, the hotel’s history is filled with tales of shootings, cowboys on horseback in the lobby, and drunken brawls, any of which could contribute to the paranormal activity.
Beyond the lounge, strange phenomena are reported throughout the Haunted Monte Vista Hotel. Spirits are said to make noise, move furniture, make sudden appearances, ring the lobby telephone, and knock objects down. Employees and guests alike have reported hearing band music emanating from the second-floor lobby, even when no band is present. The staff has reportedly become so accustomed to these odd occurrences that they have become a source of amusement.
Room 210, known as the Zane Grey room, is a particularly active hotspot. Many guests have been awakened in the night by a phantom bellboy who knocks on the door, announcing the arrival of room service. However, when the door is opened, the hallway is empty, with no sign of anyone having been there. Others have reported seeing the apparition of a woman wandering the halls outside this room. The hotel reportedly avoids placing guests with pets in this room, as dogs are said to become agitated and destructive, suggesting a strong and unsettling presence.
The second floor is a hub of ghostly activity, and Room 220 is another focal point. Legend has it that in the early 1980s, this room was occupied by an eccentric long-term resident who had a peculiar habit of hanging raw meat from the chandelier. After his death in the room, his body remained undiscovered for several days. Guests often report hearing coughing and other unexplained noises emanating from the otherwise empty room. On one occasion, after a maintenance worker had completed repairs, he turned off the light and locked the door. Returning just five minutes later, he found the light back on, the bed linens stripped, and the television blaring at full volume.
In the Gary Cooper Room, many guests have reported feeling as though they are being watched. The room is said to be haunted by the spirits of two prostitutes who were murdered by being thrown out of the window. These "painted ladies" have also been reportedly sighted in the pool hall and the lounge, adding to the hotel’s spectral tapestry.
Room 305 is another site of paranormal activity. Guests frequently report seeing the apparition of a woman sitting in the rocking chair. Furthermore, if the cleaning staff moves the chair, it mysteriously reappears next to the window the following day.
The Monte Vista Hotel holds the distinction of being the longest publicly held commercial hotel in American history. It was finally sold to a private individual in the early 1960s. Located at 100 N. San Francisco Street, the hotel’s tales of scandal and ghost stories continue to captivate and entertain visitors from around the world. Whether you are a history buff, a film enthusiast, or a paranormal investigator, the Haunted Monte Vista Hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience.