Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Estes Park, Colorado, the Stanley Hotel is more than just a picturesque getaway—it’s a portal to the paranormal. Built in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, the hotel was designed as a luxurious retreat for the wealthy, but over the years, it has earned a far more chilling reputation. With shadowy apparitions, disembodied laughter, and eerie piano music echoing through the halls, the Stanley has become one of America’s most haunted hotels.
But what is it about this grand estate that keeps spirits lingering? Is it the lingering presence of past guests? Or did something darker take hold within these walls? Let’s check in—if you dare.
The Ghostly Origins of the Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel was meant to be a place of elegance and leisure, attracting high society and those looking to bask in the splendor of the Rocky Mountains. But from its earliest days, strange occurrences began to surface. Some say the hotel’s location—a site once considered sacred by indigenous tribes—may have something to do with its spiritual activity. Others believe the energy of those who spent their final days here simply never left.
The most famous spectral residents include none other than Freelan Stanley himself, who has been seen roaming the hallways, inspecting his beloved establishment. Guests have spotted his figure lingering in the billiard room, a favorite hangout of his during life. His wife, Flora Stanley, is equally present—if you hear ghostly piano music drifting through the air, chances are she’s at the keys.
Room 217: The Most Haunted Room in the Hotel
If there’s one room that has become legendary at the Stanley Hotel, it’s Room 217. This is the very room where Stephen King spent the night in 1974—an experience so terrifying, it inspired his novel The Shining. King reported having a vivid nightmare of his young son being chased through the hotel’s halls by a malevolent force. He woke up in a cold sweat, lit a cigarette, and by the time he finished smoking, the core of The Shining was formed.
But King isn’t the only one to have experienced something eerie in Room 217. The ghost of Elizabeth Wilson, a former head housekeeper, is said to still reside there. Wilson, who was injured in a gas explosion in the room back in 1911, appears to have remained in spirit. Guests report waking up to find their belongings mysteriously unpacked or their shoes neatly arranged at the foot of the bed. Others have described feeling an unseen presence tucking them in at night—a ghostly housekeeping service you didn’t ask for!
The Fourth Floor: A Playground for Ghostly Children
If you’re looking for the heart of the Stanley’s paranormal activity, head to the fourth floor. Once used as a nursery and servant quarters, this floor is notorious for its eerie happenings. Guests staying in Room 428 often wake up to the sight of a shadowy cowboy figure looming over their bed, only for him to vanish moments later. Others report the sound of children laughing and running through the hallways, though no children are anywhere to be found.
Room 401 is another hotspot for ghostly encounters. In the past, this room was home to a long-term male guest known for his unwanted advances on the maids. Today, female visitors have reported feeling an unseen presence touching them while they sleep or pulling at their jewelry. Paranormal investigators have also picked up strange voices and whispers on EVP recordings.
Paranormal Investigations & Haunted Tours
Far from shying away from its haunted reputation, the Stanley Hotel embraces its ghostly guests. Paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters flock to the hotel to experience the supernatural firsthand. The hotel offers ghost tours that take visitors through the most haunted areas, including the infamous underground tunnels where many unexplained occurrences have taken place.
The hotel has also been the focus of numerous paranormal investigations, including those conducted by shows like Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted. Guests frequently capture orbs, shadowy figures, and ghostly apparitions in their photos, while others report hearing disembodied voices and phantom footsteps in the dead of night.
Would You Stay at the Stanley Hotel?
Despite its chilling reputation, the Stanley Hotel remains one of the most sought-after destinations for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Whether you’re coming for the stunning mountain views or the chance to have a ghostly encounter, one thing is for sure—the spirits of the Stanley Hotel are far from resting in peace.
So, would you dare spend a night in Room 217? Or perhaps take a stroll down the haunted hallways after dark? If you do, don’t be surprised if you leave with a ghost story of your own.
