Did you know the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s classic horror novel The Shining is in Estes Park, Colorado? I’m a huge Stephen King fan and have always wanted to spend a night at the supposedly haunted Stanley Hotel. Earlier this year, my husband and I finally had the chance to stay at the property, and it was incredible!
The historic Stanley Hotel has a rich and storied past, opening in 1909 as an upscale destination for visitors to the Estes Valley. Its reputation was beginning to falter in the 1970s until King’s fateful stay. After having a vivid nightmare while spending the night at the hotel, he was inspired to write The Shining, and the rest is history.
Nestled among Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel is a beautiful property. You’ll begin to understand the spooky legends surrounding the hotel as soon as you step foot into the lobby. It boasts plush furnishings and dark wood accents that pay homage to its over 100-year-old legacy. Upon check-in, my husband and I were given a sheet detailing some of the hotel’s most famous paranormal encounters, such as a ghostly cowboy spotted in Room 428 and an unwelcoming male presence in Room 401.
We had an attic room on the fourth floor that was comfortable and chic, with cozy, vintage-inspired furniture and large windows. After settling in, we decided to explore the property, which features a miniature hedge maze and a pet cemetery. It’s also home to the world’s first Cryonics Museum, which was sadly closed during our visit. Of course, we had to swing by Room 217, where King stayed during his visit.
Like King, we were also there during the offseason (in February), so the hotel was fairly quiet and partially snow-covered. The grand staircases, elegant rooms, and long hallways definitely have an eerie atmosphere after dark. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the hotel and imagine you’ve stepped back in time to when it first opened.
After grabbing dinner in Estes Park, we stopped by the hotel’s Whiskey Bar for a nightcap. We had fun chatting with the bartender, and he created some custom drinks for us which were uniquely tasty. The lobby had a roaring fire and ample seating, adding to the cozy vibes. Sadly (maybe luckily), we didn’t encounter any spirits that night…
The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at Brunch & Co., located in the Lodge next door to the main hotel. It has a stunning dining area overlooking the mountains, and the food was delicious—you must try the sourdough hotcakes! Then, it was time to head home and return to reality.
I loved staying at the Stanley Hotel. Even if you aren’t a fan of King or The Shining, it’s a beautiful place to spend a night or a weekend, and it’s conveniently located near Rocky Mountain National Park. I highly recommend visiting next time you’re in town!
Wandering the Gap 