The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel is a massive Georgian hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. From Colorado Springs, it's just a 2.5 hour drive northwest.

It overlooks the Rocky Mountains, and served as the inspiration for The Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s novel The Shining.

Built by F.O. Stanley (famous for creating the Stanley Steamer steam-powered motorcar) the hotel was created as a Rocky Mountain escape for the rich and famous.

The Georgian architecture was styled after the sprawling resorts of the East Coast.

No expense was spared during the creation of The Stanley hotel, which supposedly cost almost $500,000. That’s a lot of change, especially back in 1909 when it first opened.

This was the first all-electric hotel, and was considered very high-tech, even though it didn’t have heating due to its being a summer resort.

With 138 rooms, this multi-building estate has plenty to explore.

I spent a couple of days there for a business conference, and was happy to investigate its spooky hallways, sprawling patio, and music hall.

But most especially the ballroom, where staff and guests have reported mysterious sounds and apparitions.

The haunted rooms cost extra.

The hotel makes no secret of the Stephen King connection, giving ghostly tours and selling mugs that say “Redrum” on the side.

You can buy multiple versions of the novel in the gift shop.

The TV mini-series version of the novel was partially filmed at The Stanley Hotel in 1997.

There is a picture board in the basement with photos of the event, including King's cameo as a band conductor.

Also, for your viewing pleasure, the motion picture of The Shining plays 24/7 in the hotel rooms.

I must admit, I genuinely enjoyed coming back to my room knowing I could always check in on Jack, Wendy, and little Danny Torrance. Forever…and ever…and ever.

But sometimes, walking down the hallways was a bit creepy, as I kept watching for those spooky twins around every corner.

Also, wildlife lovers and/or photographers will get plenty of opportunities to see elk herds milling about town, or even hear the elk bugling in the fall.

Several times we had to wait for the elk to move across the parking lot to find a space of our own.

The little town of Estes Park has a lot to do in the summertime, but if you visit off-season, it’s pretty quiet. Unless you stay in a haunted room, which I understand has a tendency to get a little rowdy.

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