Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel was opened in 1909, and is located on the Eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. It is rich in history, mystery, and ghosts stories. First a few of the boring facts about the hotel from its official website need to be established so let’s get those out of the way.

It was built in 1909 in Estes Park. It has 4 floors, 138 guest rooms, and is 74 miles from Denver international airport. Hotel amenities include fax/photocopy service, room service, wake-up calls, safe deposit box, and maid service. Guests also enjoy the heated outdoor pool, tennis court, volleyball court, and playground. Onsite dining is available at the Cascades Restaurant. The MacGregor Room and Scenic Verandah feature Sunday Champagne Brunch. Photos of the Stanley hotel may be seen on the hotel’s official website.

OK, the facts are out of the way so let’s get down to what you have heard about this hotel. The Stanley has a reputation as being a haunted hotel. The haunted Stanley hotel is listed in the American Listing of Haunted Buildings. If you are a Stephen King fan, request room 217 when staying here. Room 217 was where Stephen King stayed in that inspired him to write "The Shining." The ABC miniseries was filmed at the Stanley Hotel as well.

The Stanley Hotel's original owners, F.O. and Flora Stanley, are said to haunt the hotel. Mr. Stanley plays the piano in the music room, and frequently visits the lobby. They have never been known to harm anyone. They just sit there and enjoy the hotel among the guests. A few guests have said to have seen them in the hallways or in the lobby.

No one knows why they haunt the building, but as the resident ghosts, the staff and guests seem to get along quite well with them. Several people claim to have taken pictures of the ghosts, but no conclusive evidence has been brought forth yet. There are skeptics among us, but the staff and those who have stayed in the hotel believe. They have seen something in the corner of their eye, or heard something they could not locate. They have seen things that could not be explained. They have felt their presence. That’s all the proof they need. They don’t need it proven to them. To them, the experience is worth the mystery. They will be back, they will bring a friend. They will question it, and then come again just to see if they were just imagining it. Either way, it makes for a really fun experience. You won’t soon forget your stay at the Stanley Hotel.