The Shining Hotel

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, inspired Stephen King’s novel “The Shining” after a stay in 1974. The hotel is genuinely haunted, with the ghosts of its founders and numerous other spirits wandering its halls.

The History

F.O. Stanley, inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, built the hotel in 1909 after moving to Colorado for his health. He and his wife Flora lived there until their deaths. They never left.

The Founders

F.O. Stanley’s ghost is seen in the billiard room and bar. Flora Stanley plays the piano in the ballroom; the piano keys move on their own while music fills the air. The couple seems happy in their eternal residence.

Room 217

This is the room where Stephen King stayed in 1974. He experienced a nightmare about his son being chased through the halls and began writing “The Shining.” The room remains active, with reports of spectral children and a phantom maid.

The Fourth Floor

The fourth floor, originally servants’ quarters, is extremely active. Children are heard running and laughing. Balls bounce down the hall. The spirits seem playful rather than threatening.

The Investigation

The Stanley embraces its reputation, offering ghost tours and investigation packages. It has been featured on numerous paranormal television programs. The hotel consistently produces evidence of activity.

Assessment

The Stanley Hotel combines literary fame with genuine haunting. Its founders never left. Its servants’ children still play. The hotel King visited for inspiration provided exactly what he was looking for.