Located in Estes Park, the iconic Stanley Hotel is famous for its history, Georgian Architecture, and mesmerizing setting in The Rocky Mountains. It is not only known for its old-world charm and excellent service, but it is also known for the “active” paranormal phenomena and spirit folklore.
Short History
This old hotel was built in the early 1900s by Freelan Oscar Stanley. The majestic Georgian style hotel opened opened on July 4, 1909 as a resort for upper-class Easterners and a health retreat for sufferers of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Everything started when Freelan Oscar Stanley and his wife, Flora, traveled west to Colorado in 1903. Stanley suffered from tuberculosis so his doctor advised him to seek fresh mountain air. In 1906, construction started on the Stanley Hotel. In 1909, the luxury hotel was completed, with no expense spared. Equipped with running water, electricity and telephones. The only amenity the hotel lacked was heat, as the hotel was designed as a summer resort.
The Shining
The Shining is a horror novel written by Stephen King published in 1977. The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King to write this book. In 1974, King and his wife Tabitha spent a night in Room 217 while on vacation during their short residency in Boulder, Colorado. Upon arrival, they discovered that they were the only overnight guests. The book checks a lot of boxes, in terms of being scary. It has ghosts, telepathy and physical isolation and marital discord and a fun little trip into madness.
Just three years later, inspired by the book, the movie came out. In the movie, Jack and his family move into an isolated hotel with a violent past. Living in isolation, Jack begins to lose his sanity, which affects his family members.
- Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 22m
- Director: Stanley Kubrick
- Producer: Robert Fryer, Stanley Kubrick
- Writer: Stephen King, Stanley Kubrick, Diane Johnson
- Release Date (Theaters): May 23, 1980 Wide
Ghost Stories
Stanley's figure is mostly seen in the Billiard Room, which was his favorite when he was alive. Bartenders and other staff members report having seen him stroll through the bar, disappearing when they try to cut him off at the kitchen. His wife, Flora Stanley haunts the ballroom. Employees and guests have reported hearing music coming from the room, and when they take a peek in there, they can see the piano keys moving.
Room 418 gets the most reports of haunting activity from children’s’ spirits. One couple reportedly checked out of the hotel early in the morning, complaining that the children in the hallway kept them up all night. However, there were no children booked in the hotel at the time.
The Stanley Hotel Folklore Night Tour
Immerse yourself in the history of The Stanley Hotel after dark with this 60-minute walking tour that will take you through the dark edges of the hotel. This way you will experience the hotel's paranormal folklore with a knowledgeable storyteller under the ambiance of nighttime in the Rocky Mountains. For $28 you can ask questions, explore and perhaps leave with a few stories of your own.
If you are interested, you can book your tour on their website or email stanleytours@stanleyhotel.com for more information. Share your experience with us in the comments!