Most noted as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, the historic Stanley Hotel has much more to offer than the motivation for a horror story. Situated in the scenic Estes Park area, The Stanley Hotel is an icon of the Estes Park region, a white beacon against the surrounding Colorado landscape.
The original grandeur of The Stanley has been preserved yet modernized with luxury amenities such as flat screen TVs and pillow-top mattresses. But that doesn’t stop the magnificence of the historic hotel from shining through from the main entry staircase to the remarkable rooms. Hosting famous visitors in close proximity to the neighboring Rocky Mountain National Park, the 140-room hotel is just as opulent as when it opened in 1909.
Overlooking the Estes Valley, The Stanley Hotel is home to rooms in the original building as well as the Stanley Lodge. Historic rooms include cozy accommodations and classically styled furnishings, while Deluxe King rooms and Suites are more spacious and afford sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains.
For those more interested in the haunted history of the hotel, a variety of rooms noted for their high paranormal activity are available. From the famous Stephen King Suite 217 to the Ghost Hunter’s favorite 401, the highly sought-after rooms book up fast for some spine-chilling reservations.
The Ghost and History tour is popular on the property, with knowledgeable tour guides leading guests throughout the buildings on the large property. At $15, the tours are informative and enlightening. From the Stephen King stories to Hollywood connections, history buffs and interested guests find gems of knowledge along their journey through time.
Dining is available at Cascades, a Classic Americana Restaurant and Steakhouse. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the tailored cuisine incorporates a farm-to-plate influence. From Rainbow Smoked Trout Dip to Hunter’s Meatloaf, there is something for everyone at the quality dining destination. Make sure to save room for dessert, as the signature Elk Tracks are not to be missed.
A covered patio and patio bar are open during sunny summer months, affording guests stunning views and cool mountain breezes.
Brides-to-be may consider the stunning location for their nuptials, with several areas on property available for both ceremonies and receptions. Large over-the-top services to intimate and classic celebrations, ballrooms to carriage houses with views of the surrounding mountains and a property steeped in history and tradition make for an excellent wedding site able to accommodate large and small festivities alike.
Located 6 miles from Estes Park, outdoor activities play a major role in Colorado culture. Hiking, biking, fishing, and snowshoeing are seasonal activities enjoyed by many of The Stanley’s guests. Whether hearing the bugle of an Elk or stalking Mountain Goats with your camera, the stunning wildlife and natural landscape surrounding The Stanley Hotel can hardly go unnoticed.
Want to take a peek into the future? Resident Psychic Madame Vera provides insights to guests on the property. Appointments can be made through the hotel to reconnect with loved ones, look to the future, or to hear answers for the unexplainable. After a night in one of the haunted rooms or watching The Shining, which plays continuously on the in-house television channel, a soothing visit from the knowing insights of Madame Vera may be in order.
From romantic getaways to historic luxury voyages, The Stanley Hotel of Estes Park is a wonderful stay at 7,500 feet above sea level. With Colorado Resident specials to Ghost Adventure packages, the offerings of The Stanley have something for everyone at this luxury property.
If You Go
The Stanley Hotel is located in Estes Park, Colorado, an hour and a half from Denver International Airport. Super Shuttle services run from $40-60 or rental cars are available for a scenic drive through some of Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes to Estes Park.
The Stanley Hotel
333 E. Wonderview Ave
Estes Park, CO 80517
970.577.4000
www.stanleyhotel.com
Chad Chisholm (www.creationize.com) is a Denver-based travel writer and photographer, his work is featured in AAA EnCompass, JustLuxe, Denver Life Magazine, Colorado Expression, Denver Post and various other outlets.
Photos courtesy of Stanley Hotel.