The Haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado
Nestled in the picturesque town of Estes Park, Colorado, a mere five miles from the majestic entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, stands a beacon of old-world charm and enigmatic allure: The Stanley Hotel. More than just a lodging, this historic landmark offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of Lake Estes and the towering Rocky Mountains, with Long’s Peak dominating the skyline. However, its reputation extends beyond scenic beauty and impeccable service; The Stanley Hotel is equally renowned for its purported paranormal activity, weaving a tapestry of ghostly legends that intrigue and captivate visitors from around the globe.
The story of this iconic hotel begins in the early 1900s with Freelan Oscar Stanley, the inventive mind behind the Stanley Steam Engine, a marvel of its time that represented the pinnacle of steam-powered transportation. Seeking a respite from health concerns, Stanley, accompanied by his wife Flora, embarked on a journey to the fresh mountain air of Colorado in 1903. Little did they know that this trip would not only revitalize Stanley’s health but also spark the creation of a legacy that would endure for generations.
Upon the advice of his physician, who cautioned against making long-term plans due to Stanley’s tuberculosis, the couple secured a summer stay in a friend’s cabin within Estes Park. Instantly, they were enamored with the region’s unspoiled beauty and invigorating atmosphere. Stanley’s health experienced a remarkable upswing, defying the initial prognosis. Inspired by their newfound haven, Flora yearned for a residence akin to their cherished home in Maine. Consequently, the Stanleys constructed a new dwelling approximately half a mile west of the future site of The Stanley Hotel, which remains a private residence to this day.
The land upon which The Haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado now stands holds its own intriguing history. F.O. Stanley acquired the property from the Irish Earl Lord Dunraven, who had initially arrived in the area in 1872 on a hunting expedition. Dunraven, captivated by the land’s potential, erected a hunting lodge, cabins, and a hotel to accommodate his guests. Driven by ambition, he attempted to illegally homestead as much as 6,000 acres, aspiring to establish a private hunting preserve. However, his unethical practices of attempting to swindle locals out of their land and money ultimately led to his expulsion from the area.
Construction of The Haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado commenced in 1906, utilizing resources readily available from the surrounding mountains. Wood and rock were meticulously sourced, and the hotel was meticulously designed in the Georgian architectural style, which was experiencing a renaissance in the early twentieth century. In 1909, the luxury hotel was unveiled, with no expense spared in its construction and furnishing. The Stanley Hotel boasted modern amenities such as running water, electricity, and telephones, ensuring the utmost comfort for its discerning clientele. Notably, heating was deliberately omitted, as the hotel was envisioned as a summer retreat.
Throughout its illustrious history, The Haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado has welcomed a distinguished array of guests, including notable figures such as "The Unsinkable" Molly Brown, renowned composer John Philip Sousa, President Theodore Roosevelt, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and various luminaries from Hollywood’s golden age. However, perhaps the most significant guest was Stephen King, whose stay at the hotel served as the inspiration for his iconic novel, The Shining.
Beyond its human occupants, The Haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is rumored to be inhabited by a number of spectral residents. Among the most frequently sighted is F.O. Stanley himself, often observed in the lobby and the Billiard Room, which held a special place in his heart during his lifetime. Witnesses have recounted instances of his appearing during tour group visits to the Billiard Room, materializing behind unsuspecting tour members. Bartenders have also reported encounters with Stanley, witnessing him strolling through the bar only to vanish when they attempt to approach him in the kitchen.
Not to be outdone, Flora Stanley is also said to linger within the hotel’s walls, continuing to delight guests with her piano playing in the grand ballroom. Employees and guests have reported hearing ethereal melodies emanating from the room, and upon investigation, they have witnessed the piano keys moving independently. However, the music abruptly ceases, and the keys become still as soon as someone crosses the threshold to further investigate.
Numerous rooms within the hotel are believed to be particularly prone to paranormal activity. One such room is Room 407, purportedly occupied by the spirit of Lord Dunraven, the previous landowner. According to accounts, Dunraven prefers to position himself near the bathroom door in the corner of the room. Witnesses have reported instances of the light in that corner repeatedly turning on and off. During one such occurrence, guests informed the ghost that they were aware of his presence and would only be staying for two nights, requesting that he turn the light back on. In response, the light promptly illuminated. However, when the lights were extinguished and the guests attempted to sleep, they were disturbed by persistent noises emanating from the nearby elevator, despite it not being in use. On other occasions, a ghostly face has been spotted gazing out the window of Room 407 when the room is unoccupied.
Room 418 stands out as the epicenter of paranormal activity, particularly in relation to the spirits of children. Cleaning staff have reported hearing a variety of unusual noises emanating from the room and have observed impressions on the bed when the room is empty. Guests who have stayed in Room 418 have frequently reported hearing children playing in the hallway late at night. One couple reportedly checked out of the hotel early in the morning, citing the incessant noise from children in the hallway as the reason for their departure. However, no children were registered as guests at the hotel during that time.
Rooms 217 and 401 have also been the subject of numerous reports of paranormal occurrences. Tour guides often recount the story of a young child’s ghost, witnessed by various staff members throughout the hotel. Stephen King himself is said to have encountered the child, observing him calling out to his nanny on the second floor. Former employees have also reported hearing footsteps and witnessing apparitions throughout the building.
Today, The Haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado stands proudly on the National Register of Historic Places, welcoming guests year-round. The hotel offers a diverse range of accommodations, including historic rooms, modern apartment-style residences for extended stays, and spacious condominiums.
To further enhance the visitor experience, the hotel provides both historical and paranormal tours, allowing guests to delve into the rich history and intriguing mysteries that define The Stanley Hotel. These tours offer a glimpse into the hotel’s past, exploring its architectural splendor and recounting the tales of its famous guests. The paranormal tours, on the other hand, venture into the realm of the unexplained, sharing firsthand accounts of ghostly encounters and delving into the legends that have solidified the hotel’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in America.