The Stanley Hotel is a historic hotel and resort located in Estes Park, CO, and originally built by Freelan Oscar Stanley. Designed to attract wealthy vacationers, the Stanley Hotel opened in 1909 with 140 rooms. Its doors are still open today.

So, what’s unique about this place? Well, it does boast of being haunted. In addition, in October 1974, a horror writer whose name is now commonplace in American culture stayed the night at the Stanley Hotel, along with his wife. During their stay, and as winter quickly approached, the resort was in the process of shutting its doors for the season. This left the pair in a unique position, as they were the only guests at the hotel. The author walked the empty hallways and ate in the large dining room alone. Later that night, he had a chilling nightmare. Instead of just forgetting it, however, he penned the outline for a new book. The Shining by Stephen King would become one of the most famous horror novels of all time. It even had a movie made by the same name starring Jack Nicholson. Released in 1980, it’s one of the most iconic movies of our day.

Besides being the inspiration and setting for King’s horror fiction, the Stanley Hotel is claimed to be haunted. On June 25, 1911, a leak caused a pocket of gas to collect below room 217, and when a chambermaid lit the room's lamp, the gas exploded and blew a hole through the floor. No one was killed in the explosion, but the chambermaid broke both of her ankles and eight other people were injured. Many believe the chambermaid returns to this room at times and resumes her chambermaid duties. Guests have reported their belongings being unpacked, folded, and moved around the room. Interestingly, room 217 is also the room that Stephen King and his wife stayed in the night of their visit.

The majority of paranormal activity is reported from the fourth floor. Guests have reported hearing footsteps and furniture being moved above them when the only thing above them is the roof. Guests have complained of children running up and down the halls, giggling and screaming, but when they open their doors, no children are in the hallway. Hotel employees and guests report similar stories of resident ghosts like that of a friendly cowboy who likes to sit in the corner of room 428 or walk around the room and kiss the ladies on the forehead at night. Many guests claim to see Mr. Stanley himself, usually in the billiard room, while his wife Flora is said to entertain guests with her piano playing in the ballroom.

The Stanley Hotel would be a great place to plan a visit. The beautiful mountain scenery, the history, the connection to The Shining, and the alleged hauntings make the Stanley Hotel quite the vacation destination. If you do go, don’t forget your pen and paper. You just might get some inspiration for the next horror bestseller.