Perched beside the majestic Rocky Mountains in the quaint town of Estes Park, Colorado, sits the iconic Stanley Hotel—a stunning Colonial Revival structure with a past as rich as its architecture. Whether you’re a history buff, paranormal enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, there’s something irresistible about this grandiose mountain resort. The Stanley Hotel is best known today as one of the most haunted places in America and the real-life inspiration behind Stephen King’s chilling novel The Shining. But beyond ghost stories and Hollywood fame, this historic site carries over a century of fascinating tales waiting to be explored. Let’s take a deep dive into the haunting beauty, storied history, and supernatural intrigue that gives the Stanley Hotel its enduring allure.
The History
Founding and Construction
The story of the Stanley Hotel begins with Freelan Oscar Stanley, a brilliant inventor and entrepreneur best known for co-creating the Stanley Steamer automobile. Diagnosed with tuberculosis in the early 1900s, Stanley was advised to seek the therapeutic mountain air of Colorado. He and his wife Flora fell in love with Estes Park during their visit, but found accommodations lacking. Determined to build a grand hotel that mirrored the elegance of East Coast resorts, Stanley constructed the hotel in 1909.
Designed by architect Henry Rogers, the Stanley Hotel featured electricity (thanks to Stanley’s own hydroelectric plant), telephones in every room, and luxurious amenities that were unheard of in such remote areas. It quickly became the go-to destination for the wealthy elite seeking a healthful and upscale mountain retreat.
High Society and Fame
Throughout the early 20th century, the Stanley Hotel attracted illustrious guests—from Hollywood stars to presidents and European aristocrats. The hotel flourished under Stanley’s management, who treated staff and guests with the same level of attentiveness. Yet over the years, as travel trends changed and newer resorts emerged, the hotel slowly fell into a period of decline by the mid-20th century.
That all changed in the 1970s when a certain horror author checked in.
Stephen King and The Shining
In 1974, Stephen King and his wife Tabitha spent a single night at the Stanley Hotel—reportedly one of the last guests before the hotel closed for the winter season. They stayed in Room 217. According to King, he had a nightmare during his visit in which his young son was being chased through the hotel’s endless corridors by a possessed fire hose. He awoke with the plot of The Shining fully formed in his mind. Although the 1980 Stanley Kubrick film was not shot at the Stanley Hotel, the building served as the direct inspiration for the fictional Overlook Hotel.
Since then, the hotel has fully embraced its haunted heritage, drawing in fans of horror and history from all over the world.
The Haunt
Much like its dignified architecture, the Stanley Hotel’s spiritual phenomena are nothing short of grand. Today, paranormal investigators, ghost hunters, and thrill-seekers travel far and wide to experience inexplicable occurrences within its walls. Numerous documented accounts suggest that the Stanley isn’t just inspired by ghost stories—it is one.
Room 217: The Most Famous Haunting
Room 217 isn’t just the room where Stephen King stayed. It’s also the site of one of the most persistent paranormal legends. In 1911, head housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson was severely injured when a gas explosion occurred during a lighting storm. She survived but has reportedly “never checked out.” Over the years, guests have claimed to experience lights turning on and off, luggage unpacked on its own, and visible apparitions resembling a matronly figure trying to “tidy up their things.”
The Fourth Floor: Children at Play?
The entire fourth floor of the Stanley Hotel is known for its particularly high levels of paranormal activity. This area once housed nannies and children of wealthy guests, and today, guests frequently report hearing laughter, giggles, running footsteps, and even the sounds of children playing. Rooms 401, 407, and 428 are frequently associated with ghostly sightings, shadow figures, and unexplained noises.
The Concert Hall: A Spirited Performance
The hotel’s historic concert hall, another favorite haunt, was a gift from F.O. Stanley to his wife Flora, a devoted pianist. Some staff and visitors have heard the sounds of piano keys playing late at night, particularly pieces that were Flora’s favorites. Others claim to see a woman in an old-fashioned dress either appearing near the piano or vanishing backstage.
The Vortex and Staircase
Located between floors, the central staircase at the Stanley Hotel is frequently referred to as a “vortex” or energy portal. Paranormal investigators consider it a hotspot for spiritual activity, with many visitors capturing strange light anomalies or orbs in photographs taken on the staircase. Some even report feeling sudden shifts in temperature or being overcome with emotion without explanation.
Ghost Tours and Paranormal Programs
Taking advantage of its haunted reputation, the Stanley Hotel now offers regular ghost tours, late-night spirit hunts, and immersive paranormal experiences. Experienced guides share the hotel’s rich history alongside detailed ghost stories. There’s even a dedicated “spirited” room category for guests hoping to encounter a little something extra during their stay.
Each October, the hotel also hosts special themed events and horror film festivals. Notably, the annual “Shining Ball” invites guests to don 1920s attire, echoing the eerie masquerade featured in The Shining.
Why You Should Visit
If you’re a ghost hunter looking for your next thrilling investigation, the Stanley Hotel promises a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in a historic and truly haunted location. Not only will you be walking the same halls as legends and literary icons, but you’ll also have the opportunity to experience—perhaps even document—one of the most famous paranormal hotspots in the United States.
Plus, with its picturesque views of the Rockies, elegant décor, and old-world charm, the Stanley offers a unique intersection of beauty, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. Whether you’re searching for empirical evidence or just enjoying the chill of an unexplained draft, this Colorado gem belongs at the top of every ghost hunter’s bucket list.
So pack your EVP recorder, your thermal imaging camera, and maybe a few sage bundles (just in case). The spirits at the Stanley Hotel are waiting—and they’re known to make quite the impression.