I'd been to Flagstaff in 2011 and not made a reservation ahead of time, but this time I did at the Monte Vista.Why? It has a ginormous neon sign on the roof, I'm rather partial to that! Flagstaff has a nice vibe - the light is incredible, there are some excellent restaurants and coffee shops, attractive young people - thanks to Northern Arizona University - and the railroad runs through the middle of town. The Monte Vista is an excellent base - a classic American small town hotel dating from early in the last century. The room - 'Michael J Fox' on the door - was comfortable, the bar downstairs had a great glass of pinot noir, and the front desk team were excellent. No breakfast, so head out to 'Macy's' the other side of the railroad - I had dinner both nights at Criolla just a block from the Monte Vista, and fresh juice from the 'Juice Box' on a parking lot down the street. Downtown Flagstaff early in the morning resembles a Wim Wenders movie, and the Monte Vista fits perfectly. I drove down to Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon - possibly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been - the canyon, not Sedona!!

Sean, the manager of Hotel Monte Vista, not only would not credit me for a parking ticket which I incurred because of the ineptitude of Sara, a newly hired hotel clerk (she gave me a parking voucher that was only good for two hours and never told me I had to park in their parking lot for any longer stays), but also would not even talk to me on the phone to explain why nor reply to my email (yeah, probably because he knew he was morally and ethically wrong for not crediting my bill for the $33 ticket). BAD, BAD CUSTOMER RELATIONS!!!! Thanks to BofA's credit department for giving me credit for it because I am a long-standing good customer!

We have stayed at the Monte Vista several times while in Flagstaff. It is a funny, quirky place which we have enjoyed but can understand other visitors not being as easily entertained as we are. The Rendezvous Bar, located on the first floor corner of the hotel and looking out at the stores in the old part of Flagstaff, is a beauty! " A coffee bar by day and a martini bar by night" pretty much describes it. Something for everyone. Great views, good traffic, good service and a great martini ( Bombay Safire on the rocks, very dry, a lemon twist). What is not to enjoy. When we were in Flagstaff this past week for one night, we didn't stay at the Monte Vista but did make time to spend an hour in the Rendezvous.

Planned a day trip and got snowed in. This was the only choice I had being that the blizzard made it impossible to drive. The woman at the desk was so nice and hospitable, and got me their ''Betty White Room''(cali. King bed, 4 big windows, large space considering the turn of the century layout). Very enjoyable stay despite the situation. In the heart of old flagstaff, great thai restaurant two buildings down, and a cute cafe and fun arcade with a bar and pool tables adjacent to the lobby.