THE STANLEY HOTEL
The Stanley Hotel is most famous for inspiring Stephen King to write his frightening best-seller THE SHINING, but King’s tale of a haunted hotel tucked in the breathtaking Rockies wasn’t all a figment of his imagination.
Built by Freelan Oscar Stanley and opened to public in 1909, this 140 room hotel is a magnificent piece of architecture and history. With it’s secluded and peaceful location to its amazing view of the Rocky Mountains this hotel would be worth the visit even if it wasn’t made famous by Stephen King.
Like in THE SHINING, the hotel’s ballroom is seemingly the most haunted place. Staff have heard the sounds of grand parties coming from the ballroom, only to find the ballroom completely empty when checking it. The sound of the piano being played is also often heard and when investigated, no one is ever sitting at the piano! It’s suspected that the piano playing ghost is that of Freelan Oscar Stanley’s wife who was a piano player.
Luckily, unlike in THE SHINING, the ghosts at the Stanley Hotel are not evil or malicious. The most devilish ghost is more mischievous than anything else. He is known to steal people’s jewelry, watches and even their luggage! Other ghosts seem to enjoy frightening the living for guests have reported waking up to ghosts just standing in their rooms and vanishing soon after! The sounds of children laughing and playing can also be heard on the higher floors and some ghosts are seen in the hallway for a second before they hide from the living!
When Stephen King stayed at the Stanley Hotel it was just about to close down for the winter, which is partially what inspired him to write THE SHINING. He stayed in room 217 which, in the book, is the room that contains the most evil.
Thanks to the success of THE SHINING, many people are drawn to the Stanley Hotel and as a small thank you, the hotel plays the uncut version of the movie on channel 42 of every television in the guest rooms!
Happy Halloween, everyone!