While the Stanley Hotel in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado may be famous for its old-world charm, it is also known as Stephen King’s inspiration for The Shining. King and his wife stayed the night in room 217 and The Stanley became the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in the book. The Stanley offers old-world charm in the form of impeccably decorated hotel rooms and common areas. But they also offer a ghost tour and several history tours. If you don’t believe in ghosts, there is probably no reason to read on, but if you do…
2021:
Advanced Reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased here.
Haunted Sophistication:
The Stanley is unquestionably haunted, and the hotel always was. There are numerous reports of visitors feeling the spiritual energy of previous guests and employees, as well as the hotel founders F.O. and Flora Stanley. Eerily, people often claim to hear someone (Flora Stanley, perhaps) playing the piano and hosting extravagant parties in the empty ballroom. The Stanley is known for being one of the most haunted hotels in the country.
The Stanley first opened in 1909 to rave reviews, you can find more on that here. People couldn’t believe that they were getting east coast sophistication in a small mountain town in the west. However, by the 1970s the hotel’s splendor had faded due to lack of care. Thanks to Stephen King’s stay and The Stanley’s inspiration for The Shining, it remained standing. It is gorgeous today!
Stephen King & The Shining:
Stephen King’s account of his stay at the Stanley can be found on his official website here. He recalls that he and his wife were the only guests at the Stanley as it was about to close for the winter. He found the empty corridors of the hotel the perfect setting for a ghost story. After having a dream of his son being chased through the corridors of the hotel, King awoke in a sweat about to fall out of bed. That was it. The idea for The Shining was forming in his mind immediately and the rest is pop culture history.
The Spirited Night Tour At The Stanley Hotel
Cost: $28 per person, $25 for hotel guests
The Spirited Night Tour offered at the Stanley is $28 a person for non-guests and $25 for hotel guests. It lasts about 75 minutes and is not recommended for children under 10. I’ve been on a lot of ghost tours and I’ve never seen things like I did at the Stanley.
Personal Experience:
If you don’t believe in ghosts then don’t read any further…
I had several encounters while on this tour. A door closed in a room that the entire tour group was in. My sister got a photo of the infamous ghost cat that hangs out in the basement of the hotel. I heard some audible sounds using an app that you could download before the tour. And I also got a ton of orbs in most of my photos.
Even if you don’t believe in ghosts or you think the entire thing (and ghost tours in general) was staged just to stay relevant, the Stanley Hotel is gorgeous. And it’s worth a visit or if you are lucky enough, a stay. If ghost tours aren’t your thing the Stanley also offers other tours as well.
Other Tours At The Stanley:
Historic Day Tour:
Advanced reservations are required, you can purchase tickets here.
$24 per person, $21 for hotel guests
On this tour, you get to completely immerse yourself in the rich story of the history of The Stanley Hotel. The tour takes about 60 minute, and is a walking tour. You will be introduced to Mr. F.O. Stanley, his wife Flora, Stephen King, and other noteworthy visitors since 1909. Each tour offers you opportunities to explore, ask questions, and perhaps even leave with a few stories of your own.
Dining Options:
There are an impressive 5 different dining options as The Stanley. Including a Whiskey Bar (named the best Whiskey Bar in Estes Park), Brunch & Co, and the Cascades Restaurant & Lounge.
Whether you visit The Stanley for a tour, get to stay in one of the gorgeous rooms, or dine in the hotel – it’s bound to be an amazing experience. If you are lucky enough to be in Estes Fall this October, I highly recommend the ghost tour for some spooky fun! Have you been to The Stanley Hotel? Did you stay or take one of the tours?
Like This Post? Pin It For Later!
Heading to Colorado? Check Out These Posts:
Rocky Mountain National Park In Fall
