The Stanley Hotel is a Colonial Revival hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, about five miles from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. It opened in 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stephen King stayed here in 1974, and the hotel inspired his novel The Shining. Visitors can take historic and ghost tours, see the Stanley Steamer car museum on site, and enjoy mountain views from the grounds before or after a day in the park.
From the Stanley Steamer to the 1909 opening
F.O. Stanley and his brother Francis invented the Stanley Steamer automobile in 1899. Stanley settled in Estes Park in 1907 and started a Stanley Steamer shuttle service from Denver.
He built the hotel in 1909, and it opened that year as a resort for upper-class travelers and a health center for people with tuberculosis. The town grew quickly around it, drawing East Coast vacationers who came to see the mountains.
The hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stanley gave the hotel to his wife Flora as a gift.
Stephen King and The Shining
King stayed at the hotel in 1974, in room 217. He spent the night exploring the building, which was then largely empty, and the stay led to his novel The Shining.
A 1997 television miniseries of the novel was filmed at the hotel, and the hotel played the Overlook there. Room 217 is in the main building, in what used to be the Music Room.
Tours and the stories behind them
The hotel offers historic, Shining and haunted tours. A Night Spirit tour is also offered around the property. A 60-minute walking tour runs on select evenings.
The ghost stories tied to the building include a former housekeeper who died in 1911 and is said to help guests in room 217 with their belongings. Other stories describe the Stanleys walking through the lobby, Mrs. Stanley's piano playing in the music room, and children's laughter on the fourth floor.
Ghost tours run year-round, and the hotel's haunted reputation is strongest around Halloween.
Rooms, dining and the grounds
The historic buildings do not have air conditioning. Guests who want modern, apartment-style rooms with air conditioning can book Aspire, the hotel's sister property. The Lodge building pairs a refined look with updated interiors, Tesla charging stations and iHome clocks.
Cascades Restaurant is a traditional steakhouse that focuses on local and sustainable ingredients. Its cocktail and whisky menu is extensive, and the dishes include Colorado Game Meatloaf, filet mignon and grilled elk loin.
A small underground theatre below The Post Restaurant hosts magic performances. The grounds are large and include the views of the peaks that frame the skyline.
FAQ
Is the Stanley Hotel haunted?
The hotel is known for alleged paranormal activity, and it offers ghost tours throughout the year. Stories about the building include a former housekeeper who is said to help guests in room 217.
How far is the Stanley Hotel from Rocky Mountain National Park?
The hotel is about five miles from the park entrance in Estes Park. It sits above the town with views of the mountains.
Does the Stanley Hotel have air conditioning?
The historic buildings do not have air conditioning. Aspire, the sister property, offers air-conditioned apartment-style rooms.
How long is the ghost tour?
A 60-minute walking tour is offered on select evenings. Ghost tours run year-round.
