The Ghost of Hotel Monte Vista: Spirits and Stories from Flagstaff’s Historic Haunt



Nestled in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, the Hotel Monte Vista is more than just a charming vintage hotel it's a portal to the past, wrapped in eerie tales and ghostly encounters. Opened in 1927, this iconic landmark has hosted celebrities, cowboys, drifters, and perhaps most famously, ghosts. With nearly a century of stories behind its brick walls, the Monte Vista has earned a reputation as one of Arizona’s most haunted hotels.

A Brief History of the Monte Vista

Originally built with funds raised by the citizens of Flagstaff, the Hotel Monte Vista was envisioned as a modern, stylish addition to the booming railroad town. Over the years, it welcomed an eclectic mix of guests Hollywood stars like John Wayne, Prohibition-era drinkers, and long-term residents. The hotel also featured a speakeasy, a radio station, and allegedly, a few mob connections during the 1930s and 40s.

But beneath the glitz and charm lies a darker, stranger legacy one where whispers echo in the night, lights flicker for no reason, and unseen hands knock at your door.

Most Famous Ghost: The Phantom Bellboy

The most legendary spirit at the Monte Vista is the Phantom Bellboy. Numerous guests especially those staying in Room 210 have reported a young man in a bellhop uniform knocking on their door. When they open it, no one is there. Some even claim to see the figure inside the room, standing silently, before vanishing into thin air.

This apparition is so well-known that even John Wayne himself reported an encounter during a stay in the 1950s, describing a mysterious knock and an unseen presence.

Room 306: The Hanging Specters

Room 306 is reportedly haunted by the spirits of two sex workers who were murdered there in the 1940s. Legend says they were killed and their bodies thrown from the window. Guests who stay in the room often report an uneasy feeling, objects being moved, and an overwhelming sense of not being alone.

The Meat Man – Room 220

Room 220 is said to be haunted by a former long-term guest known as the “Meat Man,” a strange individual who hung raw meat from the ceiling and was eventually found dead in his room. Today, guests report strange smells, TV interference, and the feeling of being watched while staying there.

The Rocking Chair Ghost

In a room on the third floor, an antique rocking chair is believed to be haunted by the spirit of a woman who waits endlessly for someone who never returned. Staff and visitors have seen the chair rocking on its own, often accompanied by cold spots and a heavy, melancholic presence.

Paranormal Activity in the Lobby and Halls

Even outside of the rooms, the hotel has its share of chilling moments:

• Disembodied voices in the hallways
• Lights flickering or turning off and on without explanation
• Furniture shifting without human intervention
• A ghostly bartender who’s said to tell drunk guests they’ve had enough whether they’re alone or not

Visit If You Dare

Today, the Hotel Monte Vista remains a working hotel and a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It offers a unique blend of classic charm and spooky thrills, with themed rooms, old-school décor, and nightly ghost tours in the area. Whether you’re chasing spirits or just want a brush with the unexplained, the Monte Vista delivers sometimes quite literally to your door.

From silent bellboys to haunted rocking chairs, the ghosts of the Monte Vista seem intent on checking in... and never checking out.