The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel, nestled in the Colorado Rockies, is world-famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining” after his stay in room 217.

The Stanley Hotel

Location: 333 Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado, USA

Historical Background: Opened in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, co-founder of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, The Stanley Hotel was designed as a luxurious resort for affluent guests. Its majestic Georgian architecture and panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains have attracted visitors for over a century.

The hotel gained widespread fame as the inspiration for Stephen King’s 1977 novel, “The Shining,” after the author stayed in Room 217. This connection has solidified its status as a cultural landmark.

Reported Paranormal Activity: The Stanley Hotel is renowned for its numerous reports of supernatural occurrences:

• Room 217: Site of a 1911 gas explosion that injured chambermaid Elizabeth Wilson. Guests have reported items being moved, lights turning on and off, and even apparitions of a maid. Unmarried couples have felt a cold presence between them in bed, suggesting Wilson’s lingering spirit enforces old-fashioned morals.

• Room 401: Believed to be haunted by an unfriendly male ghost. Women have reported being inappropriately touched while in the room’s closet, and one man claimed his wedding ring moved inexplicably from the bathroom counter into the sink drain.

• Room 407: Associated with Lord Dunraven, the land’s previous owner. Guests have seen his face in the window, even when the room was unoccupied.

• Room 418: Known for children’s laughter and apparitions. Guests and staff have reported hearing playful noises and seeing ghostly children.

• Grand Staircase: Believed to house a paranormal portal due to facing mirrors, allowing spirits to enter the living world. This area has been a hotspot for various supernatural sightings.

Visiting Information:

• Tours: The hotel offers daily history and ghost tours, providing insights into its storied past and reported hauntings.

• Accommodations: Guests can book rooms, including the infamous haunted ones, for an immersive experience.

• Dining: On-site restaurants provide a range of culinary options in a historic setting.

Scare Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) With its rich history of hauntings and direct connection to “The Shining,” The Stanley Hotel offers a profoundly eerie experience for those intrigued by the paranormal.

Additional Legends and Myths: Beyond the well-known hauntings, the hotel is said to be visited by the spirits of its founders, Freelan and Flora Stanley. Flora’s ghost is often heard playing the piano in the ballroom, while Freelan’s apparition has been spotted in various areas of the hotel.

Visitor Experiences: Guests have recounted a range of paranormal encounters, from unexplained noises and moving objects to full-body apparitions. The hotel’s haunted reputation has been featured in numerous television shows and documentaries, attracting both skeptics and believers.

Official Website: The Stanley Hotel

Note: Due to the hotel’s popularity, especially among paranormal enthusiasts, it’s advisable to book tours and accommodations in advance.

For a visual exploration of The Stanley Hotel’s haunted history, you might find this video insightful: