Located at 333 Wonderview Avenue, Estes Park, Colorado, the Stanley Hotel holds a significant place in the realm of paranormal lore. It served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s renowned horror novel, “The Shining.” King’s experience during his stay at the hotel in 1974 became the catalyst for his chilling tale, leaving an indelible mark on both literature and cinema.
When King and his wife arrived at the Stanley Hotel, they decided to stay in room 217, which has gained a reputation as the most haunted spot in the hotel. It was the eve of the hotel’s winter closure, and the Kings were the only guests. Their dining experience that evening added to the eerie atmosphere: an opulent dining hall with chairs upturned on the tables, accompanied by haunting orchestra music in the background. It was during that night that King had a vivid nightmare in which his three-year-old son was chased down an empty hallway by a fire hose. Seeking solace, King went to the balcony to have a cigarette and, within minutes, conceived the rough outline for “The Shining.”
One prominent ghostly figure associated with the Stanley Hotel is Elizabeth Wilson, a housekeeper who had a near-death experience in room 217 in 1911. While lighting the room’s lanterns, an explosion occurred. Remarkably, she survived the incident. However, her spirit is said to linger within the hotel, making its presence known by moving objects, manipulating lights, and unpacking guests’ luggage.
On the fourth floor of the hotel, the sounds of ghostly children running through the halls can often be heard. Additionally, guests have reported brief sightings of a cowboy sitting on their beds as they enter the room. Another well-documented apparition is that of Paul, a former hotel employee from the early 1900s. Paul enforced a strict curfew of 11:00 p.m., and guests have claimed to hear him shout “get out” to anyone lingering in the halls beyond that hour. The hotel’s concert hall is known to have a strong presence of Paul’s spirit.
The main staircase of the Stanley Hotel is considered a conduit of supernatural energy. Many visitors have captured photographs showing a young girl in a white nightgown walking near the staircase, adding to the mystique of the location. Furthermore, the hotel features a maze in its front yard, similar to the one depicted in “The Shining.”
While the Stanley Hotel embraces its haunted reputation and offers ghost tours for those seeking a paranormal experience, it remains a popular destination for its historical significance and scenic beauty, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Estes Park, Colorado.
Sources:
– “The Stanley Hotel: A Haunted Retreat” – The Lineup
– “Haunted Hotels: The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado” – Haunted Rooms America, https://www.hauntedrooms.com/colorado/haunted-places/stanley-hotel-estes-park
– “The Stanley Hotel” – Ghost City Tours, https://ghostcitytours.com/denver/haunted-places/stanley-hotel/
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