Nestled in the lovely town of Estes Park, Colorado, the Stanley Hotel is not just a relaxing retreat with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains—it’s a legendary site steeped in mystery and the paranormal. For horror fans, this iconic hotel is most famously known as the inspiration behind my favorite Stephen King novel, “The Shining.” (SIDENOTE: I think the Stanly Kurick movie is a masterpeice too, but I understand why King wasn’t happy with it.)
Anyway, the hotel has an interesting history.
A Grand Beginning
The Stanley Hotel owes its existence to Freelan Oscar Stanley, an inventor and entrepreneur who, alongside his twin brother Francis, founded the Stanley Motor Carriage Company. In 1903, Stanley was diagnosed with tuberculosis and, seeking the health benefits of fresh mountain air, moved to Estes Park, Colorado. Enchanted by the area’s natural beauty and invigorating climate, Stanley decided to build a grand hotel to attract wealthy Easterners and transform the small mountain town into a high-society resort destination.
Construction began in 1907, and the hotel officially opened its doors on July 4, 1909. Designed in the Colonial Revival style, the Stanley Hotel boasted 48 rooms, each outfitted with modern amenities that were rare for the time, such as electricity, telephones, and indoor plumbing. The hotel quickly gained a reputation for its elegance and the opulent lifestyle it offered.
The Golden Age
During its early years, the Stanley Hotel was a hub of activity and a favorite retreat for the wealthy elite. Guests could enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including horseback riding, fishing, hiking, and tennis. The hotel’s orchestra provided entertainment, and the on-site casino offered a place for guests to socialize and gamble.
Stanley’s influence extended beyond the hotel itself. He was instrumental in developing Estes Park’s infrastructure, including the establishment of the town’s first bank, the construction of a hydroelectric plant, and the improvement of local roads. His efforts helped lay the foundation for Estes Park’s growth and its eventual incorporation as a town in 1917.
Decline and Revival
Despite its initial success, the Stanley Hotel faced challenges during the mid-20th century. The Great Depression, World War II, and changing vacation trends led to a decline in tourism, and the hotel struggled to maintain its former glory. By the 1970s, the once-grand establishment had fallen into disrepair, with many of its original features and amenities deteriorating.
The King Connection
In 1974, Stephen King and his wife, Tabitha, checked into the Stanley Hotel, looking for a brief respite before the hotel closed for the winter. Surprisingly, they were the only guests in the sprawling, isolated building. King was given Room 217, where he experienced a vivid nightmare about his young son being chased down the hotel’s long, empty corridors by an evil force. This unsettling dream, combined with the eerie, deserted atmosphere of the hotel, sparked the idea for what would become one of his most famous works, “The Shining.”
Room 217: The Heart of the Haunt
Room 217 is the epicenter of the Stanley Hotel’s ghostly legends. The room’s haunted reputation dates back to 1911, when a massive explosion occurred due to a gas leak. Elizabeth Wilson, a housekeeper, was thrown through the floor but miraculously survived. She continued to work at the hotel until she died in her sleep in 1951. Since then, guests have reported strange happenings in Room 217, attributing them to Wilson’s spirit. Stories include lights turning on and off, personal belongings being unpacked or rearranged, and the sensation of an unseen presence sitting on the bed. Some have even claimed to see Wilson’s apparition hovering in the room.
The Fourth Floor
Because of Stephen King’s stories most assume that room 217 is the most haunted room at the hotel, but the fourth floor is the actual focal point of its haunted reputation, with numerous guests and staff reporting eerie and inexplicable experiences.
Ghostly Children
One of the most common reports from the fourth floor involves the sound of children playing. Guests have frequently heard the unmistakable sound of giggling, running footsteps, and even playful whispers in the hallway, often late at night when no children are staying in the hotel. These sounds are typically described as light and joyful, yet the fact that they occur in an otherwise empty corridor adds an unsettling element.
Room 428: The Cowboy
Room 428 is one of the most notorious spots on the fourth floor. Guests staying in this room have reported seeing the apparition of a cowboy standing at the foot of the bed or even sitting in the corner of the room. One guest recounted waking up to find a tall figure in a cowboy hat looming over the bed, only for it to vanish moments later. This spectral cowboy is believed to be the spirit of a former hotel worker or a visitor from the past who had a deep connection to the hotel.
The Vortex
The staircase leading to the fourth floor is known as “The Vortex,” believed to be a whirlwind of spiritual energy. Guests and paranormal investigators have reported feeling sudden cold spots, dizziness, or a tingling sensation while ascending the stairs. Photographs taken in this area often show strange anomalies, such as orbs of light or misty shapes, which some interpret as evidence of the paranormal.
Housekeeping Encounters
Even the hotel staff have their share of ghostly tales from the fourth floor. Housekeepers have reported finding rooms in disarray shortly after cleaning them, with furniture moved, bedcovers ruffled, and items scattered. Some have also mentioned hearing their names called out when no one else is around, or feeling as if they are being watched while they work.
A Modern-Day Haunt
Today, the Stanley Hotel embraces its haunted heritage. It offers ghost tours and paranormal investigations, drawing visitors from around the world eager to experience its spooky charms. The hotel also celebrates its connection to “The Shining” with themed events and memorabilia. For those brave enough, staying in Room 217 is a bucket-list experience, blending luxury with the thrill of the supernatural.
Whether you’re a fan of Stephen King’s masterful storytelling or a seeker of paranormal encounters, the Stanley Hotel offers an intriguing blend of history and hauntings. Its grand architecture and scenic beauty contrast starkly with the eerie tales that echo through its halls, making it a must-visit destination for any horror enthusiast. Who knows? You might experience your own brush with the otherworldly during your stay.
Photo by Fern M. Lomibao on Unsplash