The Hotel That Inspired The Shining

In 1974, Stephen King stayed at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. That night, he experienced a nightmare that became the basis for “The Shining.” The hotel is genuinely haunted, and its ghosts may have contributed to King’s inspiration.

The Stay

King and his wife were nearly the only guests in the hotel as it prepared to close for winter. They stayed in Room 217. That night, King dreamed of his young son being chased through the halls by a fire hose. He began writing immediately.

The Founders

F.O. Stanley built the hotel in 1909 and lived there until his death. His ghost is seen in the billiard room. His wife Flora’s ghost plays the piano in the ballroom; the keys move on their own while her music fills the air.

Room 217

King’s room remains the hotel’s most requested. Guests report feeling a presence watching them sleep. The covers are pulled off. Shadows move in corners. The room that inspired the Overlook Hotel’s horrors has its own.

The Children

The fourth floor, once servants’ quarters, echoes with the sounds of children running and playing. Balls bounce down hallways. Laughter rings out. The ghosts seem playful but persistent.

The Tours

The Stanley Hotel offers ghost tours and investigation packages. It has been featured on numerous television programs. The hotel embraces its haunted reputation.

Assessment

The Stanley Hotel provided Stephen King with more than inspiration. Its genuine ghosts may have reached into his dreams to create one of horror’s most famous novels.