Towering above the corners of Aspen and San Francisco Streets, The Hotel Monte Vista stands just off historic Route 66 as a true touchstone for all of Flagstaff and her citizens. With the mountains and nearby canyon countries, The Hotel Monte Vista is your place to relax while you explore all of the natural wonders Northern Arizona has to offer. The Hotel Monte Vista remains the centerpiece for Historic Downtown Flagstaff. Staying here can give you a true glimpse into the spirited lifestyle of the Great American West.
Breaking Ground
When tourism was on the rise during the mid-1920’s, local residents agreed that Flagstaff needed first-class accommodations. Existing hotels were old and outmoded. Fundraising began in April of 1926, and within one month, investments of prominent citizens and funds donated by the novelist Zane Grey, totaled approximately $200,000. Ground was broken on June 8.Construction plans for the 73-room hotel incorporated the local Post Office (1917-1927) and the structure, no the Monte V Cocktail Lounge, housing the newspaper company, Coconino Sun. The new hotel opened for business on New Year’s Day, 1927. Originally named the Community Hotel, in honor of the townspeople who contributed to its existence, the name ‘Monte Vista’, meaning mountain view, was chosen by a 12-year-old contest winner.
The Monte Vista continued to be the longest publicly held commercial property in Arizona until it was sold to a private investor in the early 1960’s. It continues to be one of the oldest hotels in Flagstaff and is listed on the U.S. Registrar of Historic Places. The Hotel Monte Vista is truly one of Northern Arizona’s unique treasures.
Historic Radio Station
Mary Costigan was the second woman in the world to be granted a radio broadcasting license in 1927. Hailing from Detroit, Costigan relocated to Flagstaff to help her brother, John, and his business partner, John Weatherford, run the Majestic Opera House.After years of assisting with the family business, Mary took over due to John’s deteriorating health. She then became a licensed commercial radio broadcaster and set up a 25-watt station backstage at the Majestic Opera House, now the Orpheum. In 1929, Mary moved KFXY to the Monte Vista Hotel. More than four hundred residents showed up for her maiden broadcast kicking off the powerful 100-watt show airing three hours a day.
The Underground Tunnels
A system of underground tunnels, rumored to have been built by Chinese immigrants, snake their way from Northern Arizona University up through downtown Flagstaff. Businesses including the Weatherford Hotel, Babbitt’s Backcountry, and the Monte Vista have access to these basement tunnels. In the early 1900’s a devastatingly large fire damaged many buildings in downtown Flagstaff. Chinese migrant workers were blamed for the fire because of their cooking and cleaning practices. After that, the Chinese began to use these systems to get around town without being harassed. Now used for storage and piping, it is said the larger alcoves of the tunnels have been home to more suspicious activity. Opium dens, moonshine distilleries, gambling machines and other relics have been discovered in depths of Flagstaff’s underworld.Bootlegging and Prohibition
The Cocktail Lounge opened during the prohibition era under the guise of a newspaper publishing house. Rumor has it that during this time there was a major bootlegging operation and speakeasy in this space. Local officers put an end to it in 1931. The popular speakeasy was forced to shut down only to reopen two years later when prohibition ended in 1933.Community Watch
A light atop the hotel served as an emergency signal for Flagstaff in the 30’s. Flashing, it would alert local authorities and citizens of hazards and catastrophes in and around town. The hotel’s current neon sign is still a beckoning light for locals and travelers alike.Famous Guests
- Mary Costigan (105, office)
- Bob Hope (203/204)
- Michael Stipe (205)
- Zane Gray (210)
- Bing Crosby (213)
- Michael J Fox (216)
- Siouxsie Sioux (220)
- Esther Williams (224)
- George Babbitt (301)
Ghost Stories
The Monte Vista has always been known for rumors of hauntings. As with nearby buildings of similar age, there are spirits haunting some of the rooms and the halls. With such a colorful history, it is no surprise some spirits stick around for an eternity. We encourage communication with the ghosts if you are looking for an extraordinary experience. If you would like to hear about some of the phenomena, feel free to ask the employees around the building. Our wonderful housekeeping staff has some of the most intriguing tales.
Thanks Hotel Monte Vista!
