Hotel Monte Vista
Historic, allegedly haunted hotel on Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, known for its vintage charm and lively bars.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & lively bar scene
Hotel Monte Vista
Best Time
Live music & lively bar scene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic, allegedly haunted hotel on Route 66 in downtown Flagstaff, known for its vintage charm and lively bars.
"A historic gem with a lively bar scene, perfect for those who love character and a touch of the paranormal."
Clarify Room Amenities
Always confirm if your room has a private bathroom before booking to avoid surprises. :toilet:
Book Ghost Tours
Enhance your stay by joining a local ghost tour that often includes Hotel Monte Vista's stories. :ghost:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rendezvous Bar
First Floor
A historic cocktail lounge with a great vibe, live music, and excellent drinks. Perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.
Room 220: The Meat Man's Lair
Second Floor
Infamous room where a guest allegedly hung meat from the ceiling. A focal point for paranormal tales.
Phantom Bellboy Encounters
Throughout the Hotel
Reports of a spectral bellboy knocking on doors and appearing in hallways add to the hotel's spooky reputation.
The Robert Englund Room
Specific Room Number
A room dedicated to the actor famous for playing Freddy Krueger, adding a horror movie twist to the stay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History (and the Haunts!)
Room Amenities & Shared Spaces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Clarify Room Amenities
Always confirm if your room has a private bathroom before booking to avoid surprises. :toilet:
Book Ghost Tours
Enhance your stay by joining a local ghost tour that often includes Hotel Monte Vista's stories.
Embrace the Vintage Charm
Expect historic, not modern. The charm is in the age and atmosphere, not luxury amenities. :antique:
Noise Levels
The downtown location and downstairs bar can be noisy, especially on weekends. Consider earplugs if sensitive. :zzz:
Tips
from all over the internet
Clarify Room Amenities
Always confirm if your room has a private bathroom before booking to avoid surprises. :toilet:
Book Ghost Tours
Enhance your stay by joining a local ghost tour that often includes Hotel Monte Vista's stories.
Embrace the Vintage Charm
Expect historic, not modern. The charm is in the age and atmosphere, not luxury amenities. :antique:
Noise Levels
The downtown location and downstairs bar can be noisy, especially on weekends. Consider earplugs if sensitive. :zzz:
Explore the Bars
The hotel has multiple bars; the first-floor bar has a great vibe, while the basement lounge offers a different experience. :cocktail:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hotel Monte Vista offers a unique, historic stay in a prime downtown Flagstaff location, celebrated for its charming bars and lively atmosphere. While many praise the service and location, some guests find the rooms lacking in cleanliness and modern amenities, with shared bathrooms being a point of contention for some. The hotel's reputation for hauntings adds to its distinct appeal.
"First impression, great location. Staff was not welcoming, attentive or informative. Rooms were small & very dirty. No restrooms, sink or shower in the rooms. You have to publicly share with the whole floor. Having to do that I would expect cleanliness. The shared restrooms were filthy. Bedding was also dirty. The reviews were extremely inaccurate I was not told about the restrooms prior that's an important fact. Nothing is handicapped accessible. The nightlife downstairs is extremely loud, definitely not family friendly. Its great if you dont mind small dirty rooms or having a restroom. The location is great walking distance to everything but I would not recommend."
KVEEZY 602
"We absolutely loved our visit to the Hotel Monte Vista Bar! This charming, historic hotel is full of character and vintage flair—exactly the kind of place we adore. The bar was warm and welcoming with great service and a fun atmosphere.
The location is perfect, right in the heart of town, and surrounded by all the local energy. We only stopped in for drinks but wish we could have stayed there—it’s such a unique and memorable spot.
If you love historical places with soul and style, this one is a must-visit. Can’t wait to return!"
Anna Gindlesperger
"Hotel Monte Vista has a lot of charm, but the rooms left much to be desired. Ours felt musty and smelled weird. When we hung up decorations above the vanity, a bunch of dust came down, which made us question how well the room had been cleaned. The AC was also unreliable, it broke the first night and hadn’t worked well before that. The beds were fine, but the old quilted covering added to the musty feeling.
Service was the highlight of our stay. The woman at the front desk was kind, present, and genuinely helpful throughout the weekend. The towels and bathroom were clean, and we appreciated that each room had a private bathroom. That alone gave it a big advantage over nearby spots like the Weatherford, which has communal ones.
The location is excellent, right in downtown Flagstaff. I loved the entrance area and the smell of coffee when you walk in. The basement bar wasn’t really for me, though. It was hard to hear my friends. The first level bar had a cool vibe.
Overall, I’d give it 3 stars: 2 for the room, 4 for service, and 5 for location. Worth staying if you care more about charm and location than comfort."
Elly Gardev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hotel Monte Vista is conveniently located in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona, at 500 N San Francisco St. It's easily accessible by car and is a central point for exploring the city on foot. If flying, the nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about a 2.5-hour drive away.
Parking availability can vary. While the hotel is in a prime downtown location, street parking or nearby public lots are often the primary options. It's advisable to check with the hotel directly for the most current parking information.
Absolutely! Hotel Monte Vista's prime downtown location makes it a perfect base for exploring Flagstaff on foot. Many shops, restaurants, and other historic sites are just a short stroll away.
Yes, Hotel Monte Vista is situated right on the historic Route 66, adding to its nostalgic charm and appeal for travelers interested in the iconic highway's history. +1
Most visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and then rent a car or take a shuttle to Flagstaff. Alternatively, Amtrak offers train service to Flagstaff, which is a scenic option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need tickets to enter the public areas like the lobby or the bars. However, if you plan to stay overnight, you'll need to book a room. +1
Standard check-in and check-out times typically apply, usually around 3 PM for check-in and 11 AM for check-out. It's always best to confirm these directly with the hotel when making your reservation.
While you can book a room known for paranormal activity, dedicated tours of specific haunted rooms aren't typically offered by the hotel itself. However, local ghost tours often cover the hotel's history and legends.
Generally, you need to be at least 18 or 21 years old to book a hotel room, depending on the hotel's policy. It's recommended to check with Hotel Monte Vista directly for their specific requirements.
No, there is no entry fee to visit the bars and lounges at Hotel Monte Vista. You can enjoy the atmosphere and live music without booking a room. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hotel Monte Vista is most famous for its historic charm and its reputation as one of Arizona's most haunted hotels, with numerous reported paranormal encounters. +2
Popularly cited haunted rooms include Room 220 (the 'Meat Man' room) and Room 305, known for various ghostly phenomena. Guests often report strange occurrences in many of the hotel's older rooms.
Expect a vintage, historic atmosphere with a touch of spookiness. The hotel retains much of its original character, offering a unique glimpse into the past, especially with its lively bars. +1
Yes, the Rendezvous Bar often features live music on weekends, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and making it a popular spot for both guests and locals. +1
The hotel boasts underground tunnels, a historic cocktail lounge, and rooms with unique stories, like the 'Meat Man' room. Its architecture and preserved interiors offer a deep dive into early 20th-century lodging. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the hotel is known for its bars, it doesn't typically feature a full-service restaurant. However, its prime downtown location means numerous dining options are just steps away.
Drink specials can vary, but some visitors have noted good deals, like a $4 Ranch Water. The bars are known for their atmosphere and good service.
Yes, the entrance area often has a pleasant aroma of coffee, suggesting it's available, though it might be from a nearby vendor or a small in-house offering.
Absolutely. Downtown Flagstaff has a wide array of restaurants catering to all tastes, including many family-friendly choices just a short walk from the hotel.
The Rendezvous Bar is praised for its outstanding cocktail program, offering well-crafted drinks in a historic and lively setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic lobby, the exterior architecture, the Rendezvous Bar with its vintage decor, and even the unique room details offer great photo opportunities. Capture the essence of its Route 66 heritage.
Yes, you can take photos inside the bars, especially the Rendezvous Bar, to capture its ambiance and live music. Be mindful of other patrons' privacy.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photoshoots or commercial filming may require prior permission from the hotel management.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for the exterior. Evenings are great for capturing the lively atmosphere of the bars.
The vintage signage, the unique interior design of the bars, and the historic architectural details are all highly 'Instagrammable' and capture the hotel's character.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family enjoys history and a bit of spooky fun, it could be an adventure. Consider booking a room with a private bathroom for added convenience. Be mindful of the noise from the bars, especially if staying on lower floors during the evening.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
+2To enhance your experience, consider booking a local ghost tour that often includes the hotel's chilling tales. Staying overnight, especially in a room with a known history, is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the hotel's spooky reputation.
🚶♀️ Budget-Conscious Travelers
Take advantage of the hotel's bars for a lively evening without needing to venture far, and enjoy the free exploration of downtown Flagstaff on foot. Look for weekday stays for potentially lower rates and fewer crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Haunted History of Hotel Monte Vista
Several specific spirits are said to inhabit the hotel. The most famous is the 'Meat Man' in Room 220, who allegedly hung raw meat from the chandelier. Other reported entities include a phantom bellboy who knocks on doors and two female ghosts. These stories contribute significantly to the hotel's allure for paranormal enthusiasts.
+2Many guests specifically book rooms like 220 or 305 hoping for an encounter. While not all guests experience paranormal activity, the pervasive legends and the hotel's historic, sometimes eerie, atmosphere create a unique and memorable stay for those seeking a thrill.
Exploring the Bars and Lounges
Beyond the main bar, the hotel also has a basement lounge, which offers a different, perhaps more intimate, setting. While some find the basement lounge harder to converse in due to noise levels, others appreciate the distinct vibe. The variety of spaces allows visitors to choose their preferred setting for drinks and socializing.
These bars are more than just places to grab a drink; they are integral to the Hotel Monte Vista experience, offering a taste of Flagstaff's nightlife and a chance to soak in the hotel's storied past. The friendly bar staff and good drink specials further enhance the appeal.
Room Experiences and Amenities
Reviews indicate a range of experiences regarding room cleanliness and comfort. While some guests find the rooms adequate and appreciate the private bathrooms available in certain rooms, others have noted issues with mustiness, dust, or unreliable air conditioning. The beds are generally described as fine, but the overall impression can be influenced by the age of the building.
For those prioritizing location and historic character over cutting-edge amenities, Hotel Monte Vista can be a rewarding choice. The hotel's central downtown Flagstaff location is a major draw, allowing easy access to local attractions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit