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Stanley Hotel Shining Tour Review: The Supernatural Birthplace of an Iconic Horror Film

Estes Park, Colorado, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, but it also holds a significant place in cinematic history.

The iconic Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, has a profound connection to one of the most legendary horror films of all time, “The Shining.” For visitors seeking a unique experience, the hotel provides an opportunity to delve into the origins of “The Shining” (both the book and the movie).

Below, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this tour, which is part Shining history and part ghost tour. I’ll tell you what to expect and ultimately help you decide whether or not it’s worth it, so be sure to keep on reading!

Table of Contents

What is the Stanley Hotel Shining tour?

The Stanley Hotel Shining tour takes you back to the origins of the Shining story by Stephen King, providing fascinating and some might even say chilling insights into its creation.

You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Shining, whether that be getting extra familiar with the infamous room 217 or catching a glimpse of one of the most iconic horror movie props.

The tour also incorporates the eerie ghost stories associated with the Stanley Hotel, adding a touch of spookiness as it delves into the property’s historical background.

Related: Stanley Home Museum Review: An Estes Park Legacy Unveiled

Booking the Stanley Hotel Shining tour

You can book tours online here and the prices are $30 per person. There is a limit of 10 people per tour and children under the age of eight are not allowed.

How to get to the Stanley Hotel Shining tour

As mentioned, the tour takes place on the Stanley hotel property.

In order to park anywhere on the property you need to pay $10 at the entrance gate so if you want to avoid that you may be able to find nearby parking and simply walk over to the premises.

After you park, you want to head over to the main building which is the building with the clock tower on top.

There will be a side entrance for tours which you can follow and as you make your way down the hall you’ll come across a desk where you can check in for your experience and get issued your special tour sticker.

I recommend arriving around 20 to 30 minutes early.

This will give you some time to explore the grounds of the hotel on your own time, including some of the art installations out front and of course the hedge maze (this was not used in the movie).

If you pay for parking you will also receive a special token that could be used to get a discount at the gift shop or one of the restaurants. Even if you don’t use the token, it’s still a really cool coin to hold onto.

The Stanley Hotel Shining tour

The experience begins in a little lounge area where you will wait for your animated tour guide.

Here, you may have scenes from the TV series of the Shining playing and you can also check out a number of different artifacts.

When your guide arrives, you’ll be briefed on the experience that awaits you.

One of the biggest things you find out from the beginning is the lack of cinematic footprints here: none of the scenes from the Shining movie were filmed at the hotel.

Don’t let that fact steal any of your enthusiasm though because the Stanley Hotel maintains a profound connection to the Shining

First, it was at this very place where the seeds of Stephen King’s iconic story were sown (which you will hear all the details about).

While I love seeing actual movie sets and sites used in movies , at the end of the day, it is the storytelling that truly imbues them with meaning. And you get to visit the grounds where this haunting tale first unfolded. With the help of your tour guide you’ll be taken back to what it must’ve been like when those first stories started to emerge in Stephen King’s mind as he stayed at this hotel, just as it was shutting down for the winter.

In addition to Stephen King’s personal experience, the hotel’s own ghost stories played a significant role in inspiring the chilling narrative of the Shining. These haunting tales — accumulated over the hotel’s long and storied existence — have left a lasting impact on numerous individuals throughout the decades. From premature room check outs to employees abandoning their posts, ghosts have caused quite a supernatural stir here.

During the tour, you will have the unique opportunity to step foot into the actual locations where these supernatural occurrences have been reported. Whether you choose to embrace the thrill or prefer to observe from a distance, you’ll be able to visit the very spots where these events unfolded.

The tour began by taking us to the MacGregor Room.

Here, you will gain profound insights into the hotel’s story and its enduring struggle for survival throughout the 1900s. Through engaging narratives, you will learn about the challenges faced by the Stanley Hotel during harsh winters when heating was not yet available and reliable roads were absent, isolating this remote establishment in this mountainous valley.

As you immerse yourself in this room, you will uncover the evolution it has undergone, which included the influence of Stephen King himself.

Did you know? Some of the Shining TV series was filmed here and you can find some props from the series. Ask your tour guide about a QR code to find the TV series.

After the MacGregor Room, we moved to the outside.

It was from here that we had a view of the very room that Stephen King stayed in when he found inspiration for the Shining. This particular room holds immense significance and is known as Room 217. Interestingly, you may find the room number sounds roughly familiar, as it differs slightly from the room depicted in the movie adaptation, which is Room 237.

The difference in room numbers between the book and the movie adaptation stems from a creative decision made by Stanley Kubrick, the director of the Shining film. It is speculated that Kubrick intentionally altered the room number to 237 to avoid creating any potential controversy at the location where filming took place — the Timberline Lodge in Oregon.

Did you know? The opening scenes were actually shot near Glacier National Park in Montana.

As you stand on the lawn in front of the property, a fascinating tale awaits you — one that revolves around one of the most renowned ghosts of the hotel: Elizabeth Wilson, the former head chambermaid. Prepare to be captivated as you delve into the stories surrounding her spectral presence and the interactions she has had with hotel guests over the years.

Through captivating narratives, you will learn about the type of guests she prefers and those who may not meet with her favor. You might be surprised to discover that even high-profile guests have encountered the mischievous antics of Elizabeth Wilson.

While you find yourself outside, be sure to indulge in the breathtaking vistas that grace the property. The views from the Stanley Hotel are nothing short of phenomenal, offering a captivating panorama of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Among the awe-inspiring peaks that adorn the horizon, Long’s Peak stands tall, showcasing its snow-peaked grandeur.

If you opt for the nighttime tour, your mountain views might be limited, but the ambiance will be enhanced, creating a spookier atmosphere that adds to the experience.

However, choosing a later tour time may result in larger groups, potentially diminishing the intimate connection you would otherwise have with your tour guide. It also might make it easier for you to get lost or left behind in some of these haunted chambers…. Just kidding (hopefully).

After getting acquainted with one of the ghosts of the Stanley hotel, it was time for some more paranormal activity.

Our guide took us to one of the structures used for housing when the property was built. This smaller, two story structure is not in great condition but it safe to go into, at least safe for your physical safety.

Within the walls of this historic building, you will delve into the realm of recent paranormal events. The guide will share intriguing stories, shedding light on encounters with otherworldly entities. Brace yourself for a spine-tingling experience as you are even shown photographic evidence of the residence ghost.

If you possess the courage, you will have the opportunity to wander through the shadowy corridors where this ghostly presence has been sighted. The dimly lit passageways hold an eerie atmosphere, inviting you to explore the realm where the line between the living and the supernatural blurs.

Despite my reluctance to buy into ghost stories, this was the one spot where I couldn’t deny the goosebumps I felt. I was officially a little bit spooked, as much as I hate to admit it.

Before you leave this haunted dormitory, make sure you get a photo op with the re-created door from the infamous “Here’s Johnnyyy!!!” scene, which Jack Nicholson actually improvised.

After turning up the spookiness, it was time for us to enter my favorite part of the tour: The Ground Keeper’s cottage.

This is a wonderfully restored building that will take you back in time with antique furniture that has revived its historical charm and elegance.

You’ll be able to walk through the old living quarters of the hotel’s grounds keeper. Learn about the family and their famous little dog as you take in the artifacts from a bygone era.

Once that’s over, it’s time to head upstairs.

As you ascend to the upper floors, get ready for two of the most captivating highlights of the tour, intimately connected to the Shining.

If you prefer to keep the surprises intact, I invite you to stop scrolling now. However, if you’re eager to build up even more excitement for your tour, allow me to give you a glimpse of what awaits you.

First, you’ll head upstairs where they will be three different rooms including the Shining Suite, the Twin’s Room, and the Caretaker’s Suite.

The Shining Suite is a cool bedroom where you can find some interesting artifacts like the infamous party that never ends photograph featuring Jack Nicholson and a rug that harkens back to the movie.

But what really is going to blow your mind is one of the axes from the filming of The Shining — a prop that has been valued in the six figures. This remarkable piece of cinematic history was generously donated by an anonymous benefactor and was recently obtained by the hotel.

Learn about the struggles Jack Nicholson faced with this axe and how he incorporated it into his performance as you look upon one of the most iconic pieces of horror film history.

But that’s not all you’re going to see you. You’ll also be able to step into a re-creation of the infamous bathroom from room 237. Find out how the set was specifically designed to bring a chilling effect to viewers and then get your own re-creation of one of the most disturbing scenes from the movie.

You’ll find a couple of other little treasures up there that will pique your interest so make sure you snoop around and check out this unique and historic hotel room which apparently goes for something like $60,000 per night.

I was a little bit reluctant about doing this tour only because I knew the Shining was not actually filmed at this location and I actually considered doing a ghost tour over this one to take advantage of this paranormal location.

But the creators of this tour do an excellent job of filling you in with interesting insight about the movie and its creation that started at this property.

It also is essentially a ghost tour as well as you learn about the different ghosts that haunt the property and you even have an opportunity to have an encounter of your own.

So for anyone who is a fan of the Shining and/or ghost tours, I would definitely say that the tour is worth it.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

Privacy Overview

The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel is an Estes Park landmark.

Coming into town you see it on the hill above town, a big white neoclassical building.  With panoramic views, it looks over the Continental Divide of nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.  Lumpy Ridge forms a dramatic backdrop behind it.

Built in 1909 , F.O. Stanley picked the best location for his 140 guest room hotel.  It appeals to people from all walks of life, including royalty and Hollywood personalities.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America,  it is a favorite spot for weddings and conventions.

The Shining

The horror novelist Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining after staying there with his wife.  The hotel has been featured as one of America’s most haunted hotels. It has also been featured on the television show Ghost Hunters where they investigated the hotel for paranormal activities.

Each year The Stanley Hotel hosts summer and winter music festivals in its beautiful music room, as well as several events over the holidays (Halloween balls and Easter Egg hunts, for example).

You can take tours of the historic Stanley Hotel, a Day Tour featuring history, architecture, folklore, and pop culture, and a Night Tour that introduces you to “active phenomena” and spirit folklore.

Do friendly ghosts live in The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park?  The hotel has a long, haunted history.

Besides inspiring the setting of Stephen King’s novel and consequent blockbuster, The Shining, the hotel has had rumored ghost stories of its own for over a century.

The haunted theories date back to 1911 when the hotel’s chief housekeeper, Ms. Elizabeth Wilson, was blasted through the floor of room 217 during a lantern explosion. Her fall was not fatal, however, room 217’s guests have reported strange additional maintenance being done to their room for decades. It is almost as if Ms. Wilson is still there tidying up and taking care of her guests.

In other rooms, guests have reported hearing children laughing and playing outside their door only to open it and find nothing there.

The ghosts of the original builder, Freelan Stanley, and his wife have reportedly been spotted hovering in different locations around the hotel.

A piano is often heard though no one is playing it. Sometimes the lights flicker, or footsteps fade leaving guests wondering about supernatural presences.

It was also in room 217 that Stephen King commenced writing The Shining . During his stay there, King reported hearing phantom children yelling down the hallways. He sensed the ghostly ambiance of The Stanley Hotel and brought one of the greatest horror stories in history to life from it.

Stanley Kubrick, the director of The Shining, followed in King’s footsteps in 1980 and based the film’s famous Overlook Hotel off of The Stanley Hotel.

The film production built a life sized model of the Overlook Hotel in London and supplemented by filming in various locations in California, Montana, and Oregon.

17 years after Kubrick’s critically acclaimed film came out, King hired a new director to film the story more accurately to his novel. This second, lesser known film adaptation was filmed inside The Stanley Hotel exactly as King envisioned it should be.

Stephen King believed in The Stanley Hotel’s unique environment strongly enough to conceive his own twisted, horror story in the midst of it.

The Shining is yet another remarkable development to add to the hotel’s rich past. Hundred year old ghost stories can be hard to refute, especially with one of America’s greatest writers believing in them.

Today, The Stanley Hotel is not threatened by sinister spirits like other establishments that lay claim to haunting. Rather, there are frequent tales of paranormal housekeeping.

Guests may find their things packed, unpacked, or rearranged in unexpected ways. Sometimes, guests wake up and discover that someone folded their blankets or tucked them in while they slept.

Whether the ghosts are real or not, The Stanley Hotel is a special, historical place where curious people can find out for themselves.

The Stanley Film Fest

Reveling in all films horror, this film festival started in 2013.

It has featured the best of this frightful genre and celebrates the Stanley’s history as creepy inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining”.

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Deborah O’Donoghue is a British-Irish writer who has lived in the UK, France and Belgium. She has travelled all over the world and worked in car body repairs, in the best fish ‘n’ chip shop in Brighton, and been a gopher in a comedy club, as well as a teacher. She’s a past winner of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Short Story Prize. Her début novel, Sea of Bones, was published by Legend Press in 2019 and comes out in Germany in 2021. Follow Deborah on Twitter and Instagram .

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. This phrase struck a new chord in our consciousness in 1980 when Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of Steven King’s 1977 horror novel The Shining hit cinemas. And after months of lockdown, it’s a sentiment we can all identify with. Life feels frustrating when we’re unable to reward ourselves with leisure or travel – but we can still dream. This week’s Dreaming of Travel is inspired by the forthcoming Halloween holidays and a different type of lockdown.

The Shining tells of Jack Torrance, a struggling author and alcoholic, who takes a job as an off-season caretaker at the fictional Overlook Hotel in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains where weather renders the place inaccessible for part of the year. Jack’s wife and young son go with him into the closed and deserted hotel, and soon the eerie isolation begins to take a toll on the family.

But did you know you can recreate the film experience by staying in the hotel that inspired The Overlook? In 1974, Stephen King spent the night at The Stanley Hotel – a wedding-cake white hotel complex five miles inside the Rocky Mountain National Park, overlooking Lake Estes and tucked beneath peaks resembling a giant eagle’s outspread wings. I visited The Stanley in 1995, 21 years after Stephen King found the inspiration for his terrifying book.

Comfort and exciting chills were on offer, with huge log fires, leather armchairs and Chesterfield sofas, and carpeted corridors where a small boy could easily ride his tricycle and round the corner to be faced with the ghosts of twin girls. Just like caretaker Jack, you can follow ethereal jazz echoing down the halls, pull up a stool at the The Whiskey Bar, now in Cascades restaurant, and admire the wood-panelling, back-lit liquor shelves and arched, mirrored cabinetry – reflecting on whatever is sneaking up behind you.

View this post on Instagram A hotel that needs no introduction! The Stanley Hotel is a 142-room Colonial Revival hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. It was built by Freelan Oscar Stanley of Stanley Steamer fame and opened on July 4, 1909, as a resort for upper class easterners and a health retreat for sufferers of pulmonary tuberculosis. The hotel and its surrounding structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Stanley inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. In 1974, King and his wife Tabitha spent a night in Room 217 while on vacation during their short residency in Boulder, Colorado. Upon arrival, they discovered that they were the only overnight guests. That night King had a dream which would inspire him. "I dreamed of my three-year-old son running through the corridors, looking back over his shoulder, eyes wide, screaming. He was being chased by a fire-hose. I woke up with a tremendous jerk, sweating all over, within an inch of falling out of bed. I got up, lit a cigarette, sat in a chair looking out the window at the Rockies, and by the time the cigarette was done, I had the bones of the book firmly set in my mind." #stephenking #theshining #horror #horrormovie #spooky #ghost #haunted #hauntedhouse #paranormal #spirit #spirits #hotel #stanleyhotel #history #moviehistory #scary #travel #spookytravel #traveladventure #spoopy #colorado #coloradotravel #horrornovel #horrorfan #mountains #mountain #rockymountains #hauntedhistory #halloween #halloween2020 A post shared by Travel | Explore Unique Places (@manlytravelgram) on Oct 19, 2020 at 4:08pm PDT

The views outside are as magnificent as those within – all around lies some of North America’s most stunning mountain terrain. The Trail Ridge Road, minutes from the Stanley, is known as a ‘scenic wonder of the world’. For 48 miles, you’ll snake across mountaintops and ridges, ascending over a thousand metres in minutes, to ‘peak’ above the tree-line at over 3700 metres with views across the valleys and sapphire lakes. Here you can plan your next activity, whether fishing, camping, climbing, horse-riding, ski-ing – or snuggling up with a book back at the hotel.

Today, there are four ways to stay at The Stanley: the original historic building; a boutique lodge; private townhouses; and apartment suites. Another recent addition to the grounds is a hedged maze, created to appeal to film buffs, but they may be surprised to discover King’s manuscript didn’t feature a maze. The one used for the movie’s iconic final scenes was built in the old MGM studios in Hertfordshire, UK. But in 2015 a maze was installed at The Stanley, replacing the driveway where hotel founder, Freelan Oscar Stanley, would have pulled up in one of the steam-powered vehicles he was famed for inventing, (you can find one of his vehicles inside a lobby in the hotel).

View this post on Instagram A beautiful day to visit the Stanley Hotel 🖤👻💙🍁🍃🍂 #overlookhotel #stanleyhotel #estespark #theshining #redrum A post shared by Jane Alvey Harris (@jane.a.harris) on Oct 4, 2020 at 4:05pm PDT

Although not an historic feature, visitors drawn by the film will no doubt be delighted by the maze, which centres on a statue of Freelan holding a violin. He was taught to make the instruments aged just 11, by his great-uncle. It was to be the start of a lifetime of invention and entrepreneurship. Afflicted by tuberculosis, he built the hotel after deciding to live some of the year in the Rockies’ restorative climes, and as part of the project led the construction of the Fall River Hydroplant, bringing electricity to the Estes Park for the first time.

To learn more about the hotel’s history, guests can take a night-time tour, revealing some of the secrets of Freelan and his wife Flora, and other events over the last 110 years. Other events hosted at the hotel include concerts, gigs, and an illusionist ‘séance’. If none of these appeal, why not organise your own occasion? The venue is available for hire for Shining-inspired (or not!) weddings – just remember to keep an eye out for ghostly guests stealing your canapés.

View this post on Instagram Detrás de cámaras de (El resplandor). #theshining #elresplandor #stanleykubrick #halloween #octubre A post shared by Movies 🍿 (@mora_filmss) on Oct 19, 2020 at 1:37pm PDT

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A Look Inside the Real-Life Hotel That Inspired The Shining

By Samantha Adler

After just one lonely night at the Stanley Hotel, Stephen King had all the inspiration he needed to write The Shining . “They were just getting ready to close for the season, and [my wife and I] found ourselves the only guests in the place—with all those long, empty corridors,” King was quoted as saying in 1989, 12 years after his novel was published and nine years after Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation. And after a fitful night’s sleep in which King dreamed of his son running screaming down those long halls, “I got up, lit a cigarette, sat in a chair looking out the window at the Rockies, and by the time the cigarette was done, I had the bones of the book firmly set in my mind.”

The 140-room, circa-1909 property in Estes Park, Colorado, has fully embraced not only its ties to The Shining but also reports of paranormal activity dating back to the ’70s. The hotel still hosts visitors today and now offers a hedge maze (inspired by the movie) and a ghost adventure package—and it plays the film on a loop on the guest-room TVs. Here, a peek inside the property, from those who dared to spend the night.

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Watch CBS News

A visit to the historic hotel that spawned "The Shining"

By Darian Lusk

October 24, 2014 / 8:28 AM EDT / CBS News

It begins innocently enough: A frustrated writer takes his loving family to an isolated hotel, and despite its violent past, agrees to look after it for an entire winter. Then, things get a little out of control.

The story of the Torrence family and the Overlook Hotel is one of the most well-known in horror. While the "The Shining" is a work of fiction, it was inspired by a very real 105-year-old piece of history that is still open today.

Welcome to the Stanley Hotel, set on 160 acres of pristine Colorado land along the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

This majestic Georgian complex (founded in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, creator of the Stanley Steamer automobile) impressed the wealthiest of the wealthy.

Its early residents included John Philip Sousa, Theodore Roosevelt and the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

But reports of strange occurrences at the Stanley can be traced back almost as far as the hotel itself. In fact, Stephen King and his wife spent a night at the historic hotel in 1974 after hearing rumors it was haunted.

"This is where Stephen King got the inspiration for 'The Shining,'" said operations manager Anil Singh about the author's 1977 novel.

According to the staff, the Kings arrived a day before the hotel was set to close for winter, and that night, they were its only guests. King wandered the maze-like hallways, drank at the bar and stayed in room 217 (Kubrick changed the room number to 237 for the film).

Now, 37 years after the publishing of that book, the Stanley fully embraces its "Shining" reputation.

The 160 guest rooms come equipped with an uncut version of Stanley Kubrick's 1980 big-screen adaptation of "The Shining" on continuous loop on channel 42. And guests can upgrade to the "Ghost Adventure Package," which comes with a K2 meter and a REDRUM mug (ax, typewriter and hallucinations sold separately).

But the hotel's biggest draw are its daily tours.

Tour manager Walter Oglesby offers four different types of historical and haunted tours throughout the year -- they gave 81,000 in 2012.

One of the ghost stories guides always tell takes place in room 217. It's said to be haunted by Elisabeth Wilson, the hotel's chief housekeeper in its early days.

According to Oglesby, she walked into room 217 on June 25, 1911 and, not realizing there was a gas leak, lit a candle, which resulted in a gigantic explosion and the loss of 10 percent of the hotel.

Somehow Wilson survived the blast and continued to serve the hotel until 1950. Although she is long gone, many guests believe her spirit remains in that room.

"She had such a strong emotional connection to the room; people still think she's there today," Oglesby said. "If you leave your luggage in the room, you might find that it's been folded when you get back. One person woke up and found someone made their bed around them while they were sleeping."

Oglesby says F.O. Stanley and Flora Stanley still haunt the hotel's lobby, and guests often report hearing piano music though no one is playing (Flora was a gifted pianist).

Another "active" area of the hotel, he says, is the fourth floor.

"Originally when the hotel opened, it was used for childcare, to house children and nannies" Oglesby said. "Ever since then, people will say they hear kids running around the hallways."

Remind you of a pair of twins, perhaps?

For amateur ghost hunters, there are actual paranormal investigations offered five times a month, which typically sell out weeks in advance.

The investigations take place for five hours -- from 9 p.m. until 2 p.m. -- with a maximum group of 20 people. They spend most of their time investigating the concert hall, "one of our most active rooms," Oglesby says.

"We've gotten a lot of EVP [Electronic Voice Phenomenon] recordings," he added. "People have seen things or had things move in the room on occasion. People will occasionally say they see things or hear someone."

Skeptics abound, but Oglesby stands by his experiences.

"I didn't believe in paranormal before I started, but I believe it now," he said.

Many guests "believe it now" too.

"About one out of four guests say they've felt something or experienced something, based on what they tell the front desk when they check out," Singh said. "If you don't believe it you don't see it, but yes, one out of four."

Certainly more than your average Holiday Inn Express.

Though the Stanley is often referred to as "The Hotel from the Shining," this is a misnomer; Kubrick actually used exteriors from a different hotel for the film starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duval.

"The one thing people notice is we have a much lighter coloring than you'd expect," Oglesby said. "Also, a lot of people think we're more isolated than we are."

The hotel is actually just outside downtown Estes Park, a popular vacation site located an hour away from Denver.

But one thing is certain: Without this historic hotel, we probably would have never had "The Shining." And the Stanley's reputation is only growing; it's becoming a cultural hub for horror movie lovers everywhere.

From April 30-May 3, 2015, the hotel will host its third annual Stanley Film Festival. It showcases four days worth of horror films from across the globe, student films and shorts.

"It's considered the Sundance of horror movies," Singh said.

Last year, Elijah Wood was the guest of honor, attending all four days and winning the festival's Visionary award. Eli Roth was awarded the honor the year before.

As you might expect, Halloween is an exciting time at The Stanley.

This Saturday (Oct. 25) is the night of the annual Shining Ball, a costumed dance expecting a 270-person turnout.

"We're recreating the ball from 'The Shining.' It's probably going to be one of the biggest parties we've had," said Oglesby.

Singh added, "People come in from the town just to see the amazing costumes."

There's also a murder mystery dinner on Friday (Oct. 24), and a masquerade party Halloween night; the big send-off to the Halloween season.

"We're expecting about 800 guests for that," Singh said.

While the rooms and events are already sold out for Halloween, at the Stanley, Halloween is truly year-round.

So if you're a horror fan, or just feeling like life has been "all work and no play" lately, it may be time to book a visit ...if you dare.

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Stay at Stephen King’s The Shining Hotel – Also known as the Stanley Hotel

Apr 23, 2021 | Colorado | 1 comment

Would you like to stay the night at the haunted hotel that started it all? Welcome to the Stanley Hotel, also known as The Shining Hotel. Here is your chance to walk in Stephen King’s footsteps. You can even sleep in the same room that lead to the creation of The Shining. How cool is that?! Or should I say, how creepy is that?!

About Stephen King’s The Shining Hotel

In 1974, Steven King was inspired to write The Shining while on vacation in Colorado. To their surprise, King and his wife, were the only customers at the Stanley Hotel that night. While sleeping in room number 217, Steven King had a dream, that his young son was being chased by a firehose down the halls of the hotel. He woke up from the nightmare and “The Shining” was created.

After staying the night at this hotel, I can see why Stephen King was inspired to create such a twisted and creepy story. Based on my own personal experience, I can say this hotel is 100% haunted. I will tell you more about it later on in this blog post.

Inside the Stephen King’s The Shining Hotel

This Colonial Revival-style hotel is located deep within the Rocky Mountain National Park. Once you enter the doors of the Stanley Hotel, it is like stepping back in time. You are greeted by a beautiful wooden staircase, with a gorgeous red rug that screams the early 1900s. This hotel features 140 rooms, a ballroom, a restaurant, a billiard, and an underground cave.

Our room was on the 2nd floor, close to the famous room 217. I will talk more about that room later. You will notice this hotel has done a fabulous job of maintaining these historic rooms. We loved that the rooms have not been updated, because we came to see and experience the historic charm. Side note, the beds were incredibly comfortable. However, I did not get any sleep that night. I kept all the lights on, due to my experience on the 4th floor earlier that day. I think I slept a total of two hours that night. Let me know if you were able to get any sleep in the comments below.

This is the most famous room of them all. This is the room that Steven King was in, the night he had the nightmare that lead to the creation of The Shining. Anyone can book this room and I suggest you book this room six months to a year in advance. This room is said to be haunted by the chief chambermaid, Elizabeth Wilson. Her candle caused a huge explosion in the room, which she survived. I’m not 100% sure if she is the one haunting this room, but if you book this room, let me know what you think. People stay here because of Steven King, not because of the hauntings.

The fourth floor is the most haunted floor in the hotel. Guests have reported hearing strange noises, footsteps, children laughing, voices, and many other supernatural occurrences.

Room 418 is said to be the most haunted room in the hotel. This is where guests have reported hearing children laughing and giggling. Even Stephen King himself had an experience with a spirit in this exact room. One cold dark night, he heard a little boy calling out for his nanny.

Room 407 is where you will find a friendly ghost and if you are lucky, she will tuck you in at night. Also, this spirit is known to turn the lights on and off. You can find several videos on YouTube if you are interested.

This is where the cowboy stays. There are no reported cowboy deaths, but people have reported seeing a cowboy in the room.

This is one of the creepiest rooms. This is where Lord Dunraven stays.

Now I get to tell you about my personal experience and what happened outside of room 418. As we were walking down the 4th-floor hallway, we were laughing and giggling, when a cold breeze swept right by me. All of a sudden, I felt a man behind me, breathing down my back. I turned around and no one was there. A few minutes before that, my young daughter kept saying that someone was trying to grab her hand, which I shrugged off, until my experience. I officially NEVER want to return to the 4th floor ever again…NEVER!

Later on that evening, I told the hotel employees about my experience and they instantly knew who it was… Lord Dunraven. The hotel employees informed me that he loves blondes and he tries to hold little girls’ hands. Also, he is known to roam the 4th-floor hallway…when the ladies are present. Freaky! That is the reason why I slept with the room light on all night. This picture was taken about three minutes before I felt him behind me.

Ghost Tours at Stephen King’s The Shining Hotel

The Stanley Hotel is considered the most haunted hotel in the United States. After dark, you can go on an hour-long walking ghost tour. Hotel guests and non-guests can participate. I went on this tour by myself, since the tour is not intended for children under the age of eight. This tour never takes you into the guests’ rooms or hallways. During the tour, you will stay downstairs and outside. You are told about the different ghost sightings and shown ghost pictures that have been captured. The tour guide will ask you to take as many pictures as possible. In one part of the hotel, you will be taken into a room where you will meet “Lucy”. Everyone is given candy, which will be knocked out of your hand by none other than Lucy herself. It’s a freaky experience. I personally do not think it’s Lucy, based on my own psychic abilities. I believe it is a young woman in a long white gown.

Night tours are limited to ten people due to COVID-19 guidelines. Buy your tickets in advance because they sell out fast.

Here is a picture I took. Kind of looks like three people are standing and staring at us. What do you think? Do you see anything differently? Please share your thoughts.

The Shining Movie

“Here’s Johnny” is the famous line from the movie featuring Jack Nicholson. I can say, as a child it was one of the scariest movies I had ever seen. If you loved the movie and book as much as I did, this is your chance to see props from the actual movie.

The Hedge Maze from the Movie -Stephen King’s The Shining Hotel

The hedges were planted after the movie because so many people were disappointed that the hotel did not have an actual hedge maze like in the movie. The hedge maze is small because, unlike the movie, the hotel does not have a large piece of land to hold something larger. However, this maze still has a creepy vibe to it especially when it’s snowing outside.

Restaurants

People from all over Colorado come to eat at the Cascades which is inside the Stanley Hotel. The food is pricey but based on the reviews it is totally worth it. Unfortunately, I was unable to try the restaurant because I was exhausted after my tour. I forgot to cancel our reservation and I was charged a $50 no-show fee. The worst part about it is that the restaurant was empty that night, yet I was still charged the $50. Non-guests are allowed to dine at the restaurant.

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What an exhilarating read! The way this article captures the timeless allure and eerie ambiance of The Shining Hotel, also known as The Stanley Hotel, is truly captivating. The vivid descriptions make me feel like I am right there, wandering the halls filled with echoes of the past. As a fan of Stephen King, this piece has made me even more intrigued to experience the hotel’s haunted history and relive the chilling scenes from the iconic novel and movie. Thank you for sharing this fascinating insight!

Best regards, CinemaHDV2

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Hi, I’m Misty! Welcome to Glam Journey, where you’ll find travel-related content, itineraries and booking services for the adventurous mom who is living her version of a glamorous life.

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W hy stay at any hotel when you can add a little adventure to your stay? From immersing yourself in nature to ghost hunting, here’s a list of 7 incredibly unique "must-stay" hotels in the United States. 

Stanley Hotel - Colorado

Tap into the paranormal at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado . Built in 1909 by the founder of the Stanley Steamer (F.O. Stanley) the grand hotel was once a wellness retreat. But The Stanley Hotel is best known for being the inspiration for the popular Stephen King novel, The Shining. King wrote it after staying just one night in the winter.

Today, you can go on a nighttime ghost tour in the hopes of seeing paranormal activity or ask to stay in the ghost hunters’ favorite room or even Stephen King’s room. The daytime tour is less about the paranormal and more about the history of the buildings and grounds. 

The Stanley Hotel is also well known for The Whiskey Bar & Lounge, offering the most expansive selection of whiskey and single malts in Colorado. It also has a steakhouse, locally produced chocolate shop, wine bar, and event space.

Hotel Del Coronado - California

Built in 1888, the Hotel Del Coronado is easily recognizable by its famous Queen Anne-inspired red roof turrets. Located seaside on Coronado Island in San Diego, California, the 757-room Hotel Del Coronado has been attracting celebrities, U.S. Presidents, and dignitaries since its inception.

Two movies were filmed here: Some Like It Hot , starring Marilyn Monroe, and The Stuntman with Peter O’Toole. The entire hotel is a designated National Historic Landmark for its rich history embedded in the Coronado community. 

You can opt to stay in the original Victorian-inspired building, or for a more modern look, you can stay in The Views, with its balconies opening straight to the ocean. For larger groups, look for a place at Hotel Del Coronado’s Beach Village cottages and villas. The hotel boasts seven dining options, including its signature restaurant, Serea, serving local seafood dishes. 

The Hermitage Hotel - Tennessee

Located in the heart of bustling downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel stands out as one the premier historic hotel in Music City . Built in 1910, The Hermitage was the city’s first million-dollar hotel.

The elegant décor with period touches throughout maintains the hotel’s lure for celebrities, government officials, and even locals to enjoy its opulence. It’s also known as the best place in Nashville to enjoy high tea. Once you stay here, you start to understand the homage “meet me at the Hermitage”

A popular draw at the Hermitage Hotel is an odd one: the men’s bathroom. With its green and black Art-Deco-inspired touches, it’s the antique shoe-shining stand that really draws guests. The bathroom is so popular it’s even won awards! And don’t worry, ladies, you are allowed inside to see what all the fuss is about; just make sure no one else is in there at the time!

Ofland Escalante - Utah (formerly Yonder Escalente)

Upscale glamping within nature. That’s the vision of Ofland Escalante in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. You can sleep in a converted Airstream or one of their tiny houses. There is a deluxe cabin that fits up to four people, or you can choose to utilize one of their tent/van camping spots. Ofland Escalante prides itself on being an outdoor hotel that’s one with the land and offering guests luxurious amenities while still being connected to nature. 

There are several highly-rated hiking trails near Ofland Escalante, or you can drive to nearby Bryce Canyon. Once your day is done, relax under the stars in the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub or mingle with your fellow guests at the outdoor firepit or general store. There’s also an old-timey drive-in movie theater. For meals, there is a food truck on-site six days a week, and you can grab a pre-made meal kit for easy eating. 

The Greenbrier - West Virginia

Welcoming guests since 1778, the Greenbrier in West Virginia is where southern hospitality meets elegance. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, this National Historical Landmark boasts a whopping 710 rooms in its grand lodge, plus six estate homes and 64 cottages across its 11,000-acre property.

The Greenbrier is deeply rooted in history, having hosted 28 U.S. Presidents and often being the site for government officials to forge alliances, exchange ideas, and even chart the course for the future of our country. 

Each room at the Greenbrier has been tastefully decorated to uphold its historical presence and combine it with modern luxury. The Greenbrier is also known for its world-class amenities, including a championship golf course, a spa, and the Casino Club, the country’s only private casino. 

Northern Rail Traincar Inn - Minnesota

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Big Cedar Lodge - Missouri

Created by the owner of Bass Pro Shop, Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri boasts itself as a wilderness resort. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake, the resort has more than 4,600 acres of “rustic luxury.” The entire resort is committed to conservation and connecting guests to the outdoors. All the accommodations are inspired by nature, and the resort offers various outdoor (and some indoor) activities. There are two marinas, five golf courses, a spa, and world-class fishing holes.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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