Ghosts along the Route: Hotel Monte Vista

 

The Monte Vista Hotel, located in downtown Flagstaff, AZ has been a prominent stop along Route 66 since its construction in 1926. Offering weary travelers food and swanky accommodations, this hotel has scene a lot over the last 100 years. Its location is ideally situated between the midwest and the West Coast, making the Monte Vista a destination hotel, as opposed to the many motels that line the Mother Road which are often stumbled upon during travel. The hotel is complete with 73 rooms on three floors, and has given rest to the likes of John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, and Anthony Hopkins amongst many other celebrities.

Today, the Monte Vista Hotel continues operation, attracting tourists who want to experience a piece of history … but with that history come ghosts from the past. It is believed that this hotel is one of the most haunted sights not only along the DBH but in all of America. Here is a list of the creepiest sightings at Hotel Monte Vista.

1. The Bellboy. Patrons have reported receiving knocks at the door late at night by a phantom known as “Billy.” Often described as friendly but mischievous, he can be heard muttering “room service” from the hallways. Some have claimed that he has helped with their luggage or even tucked them into bed. John Wayne claimed to have had an interaction with Billy when he spent time in the establishment. The most common sightings of the bellboy occur late at night outside of room 210. Billy’s presence is so intense, many guests will actually leave an extra tip for him.


2. The Women in Red. Back in the 1940s, there was a red light district a few blocks from the hotel. Two working women followed a man back to his room on the third floor only to be brutally murdered and thrown out the window down to the street below. Today, patrons – especially the men – staying in room 306 claim to feel hands on them, attempting to harm them in the night. Some have even seen apparitions of a woman in a red dress wandering the halls or sitting bedside. Maybe these ladies were never able to leave the brutal scene and are attempting to get revenge on their assailant. Unfortunately the identities of these women have never been discovered.


3. Room 305. Another hotspot for the paranormal. Guests say they feel strange, hear odd sounds, see strange shadows and experience the feeling of being watched while sleeping in room 305. Some have experienced objects moving on their own, lights flickering, and the television turning on by itself in the middle of the night. The scariest part about this room is the rocking chair placed next to the window. Staff have moved the chair only to find it back in its original position the next day. Others claim to see an elderly woman rocking back and forth staring out the window. Room change, please!

If you’re visiting Flagstaff, make sure to include a ghost tour in your itinerary. The Monte Vista is rich in history and the paranormal, making it a perfect destination for travelers and ghost hunters alike. Let us know what you’ve experienced during your stay here.