The Stanley Hotel is rumored to be one of the most haunted hotels in America and was Stephen King’s inspiration for the book The Shining. Our experience at The Stanley Hotel did not disappoint.
However, there is more to this sensory packed place than just the guests who never checked out. Here’s our list of the top ten reasons why this historic hotel needs to be on your bucket list.
1. The Location
Tucked high up in the snowy peaks of the Colorado Rockies, it clocks in at over 7,500 feet in elevation with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding town of Estes Park. If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a while then this stunning setting is unmatched by all but a few hotels in the US, and is just outside the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. After a long night of ghosting hunting, wake up with a brisk mountain hike and stunning scenery.
2. The Scent
Outside the hotel is an all-encompassing fresh pine scent with floral notes due to the meticulously cared for landscaping. The grounds even have the beginnings of a hedge maze (reminiscent of the maze from the movie The Shining). While inside, the hard to describe yet enjoyable smell of 107 years of history permeate the halls and rooms. It smells old, but comforting.
3. The Fireplace
Four large black leather couches flank a toasty, constantly flickering fireplace. A perfect spot to sit back in good conversation or to people watch the patrons coming and going while your drink of choice is in hand.
4. Drink of Choice
With over 150 scotches and an incredible stock pile of beers, wines and distilled spirits to choose from you can be assured that your favorite selection will be on hand and in yours shortly. With a “Red Rum” Shining-inspired cocktail, and a cold, refreshing local IPA on tap, we sat back and took in the grandeur of the bar with a backdrop that felt straight out of the movie. Sadly, the bartender was not Lloyd.
5. The Rooms
They are original rooms constructed in the early 1900s, and you can be certain the floors, ceilings and walls have seen a lot of history. Our room was 401. It was very old meets new, with clean, modern amenities, but an old opulence to it with ornate wooden furniture, plush carpet and latched windows. The windows still opened by dumb counter weights while only seven feet away from a large HD TV showing two versions of The Shining on a continuous loop. It was quite an experience, especially as we listened to hotel guided ghost tour after tour stop outside our room in discussion of just how very “active” the ghosts in our room like to be. Yikes!
6. The Hallways & Elevators
Described in a word…creepy! Probably enhanced by our imagination and the recalled Hollywood movies scenes. We walked the four floors numerous times during the day and well into the evening after midnight. Contrary to what I was expecting, there were no sinister twin children to be found, nor did blood flow from the elevator, but it really wasn’t needed as the setting has a natural way of raising goosebumps and making you extra aware of things that go bump in the night. We even watched as the amateur ghost hunters walked around the hotel late at night with their fancy detection equipment looking for a sign of activity.
7. The Ghosts
They are said to be seen everywhere on the grounds and its buildings, however two rooms in particular see more than their share of experiences according to the hotel. Room 217 and 401.
217 is rumored to be haunted by a female ghost who tidies up the room while guests are not there as well as folds and puts away clothes for weary travelers. Nice ghost!
In our room, 401, a ghost rumored to be Lord Dunraven enjoys breaking glasses, holding parties in the linen closet and throwing men’s wallets, rings and accessories down the toilet. He is also said to push down on men’s chest as they sleep to make it hard for them to breathe. Not cool! He’s apparently not a fan of males, but IS a fan of the ladies. He likes to touch their hair and put an unseen arm around them. However, we didn’t experience any of these things.
We did have two unusual events take place though. Before we left for dinner, I left two windows open for fresh air. When we returned, one of those windows was closed and bolted shut. How this happened I have no idea, but it certainly was unexpected.
The second event actually took place at exactly 4:32am while we were sound asleep. We had no idea something odd occurred until a few days later when we were watching the videos we took throughout the hotel. The last photos or videos we took were around 12:30am, but we had a video on our phone at 4:32am. The ghost decided to record a video in the room. Funny thing was that there was no visual, only a pitch black screen with audio. Somehow, the phone was unlocked, turned to camera mode, switched to video mode, and the record button pressed to start and stop the video. The audio from the roughly 20 second clip is that of something walking around the room on the creaky floor boards over by the window that had been shut earlier that day as birds can be heard chirping and it finished with a low muffled noise towards the end that we could not decipher. Take a look/listen for yourself…
Cool as hell to stumble upon yet still crazy! On a side note, the next morning an older gentleman staff member (who laughed ominously when we told him the room we were staying in) told us of an event that happened to him downstairs while closing up the gift/coffee shop. Apparently, his phone had turned on across the room, and though he heard no sound, a voice text appeared on his screen that said, “scary…isn’t it” Needless to say it freaked him out.
8. The Dining
We enjoyed a late night snack of ghost pepper wings and truffle fries but it was the breakfast that really stood out. The hotel has delicious menu choices all homemade by trained chefs in a kitchen known to have paranormal activity. If you’re looking to hear real life stories, not just in the movies, simply ask your waiters or bartenders. They all have experiences and are not shy about telling you all about them. We started to ask our server which room was the most haunted and mid-sentence she cut us off and blurted out 401!
9. The Elk
Known for having a large population of Elk, Estes Park has laws protecting these horned beasts, and so they roam all over the town. We drove by one that was bigger than a horse with a rack that could easily pick up and engulf a full grown man. Majestic creatures they are, and in this town you can get up close and personal with them…just be sure to maintain a safe distance. They are wild animals after all.
10. The History
Every wall is covered with old photos and descriptions of a time long ago. They have pictures and stories of what life was like in the area as well as the nature, the famous guests who have stayed there, the movies filmed there, etc. You name it, the walls are filled with interesting facts. It even has old cars inside and grand pianos played by famous musicians. Not to mention an aquarium in the lowest level filled with fish that are local to the area. We could have spent hours just staring and learning while in the hotel.
No matter what destinations we have on our so-called bucket lists, there’s always room for one more. And this place is definitely worthy of putting on anyone’s list. Cheers to the spirits of The Stanley Hotel.
Matt
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