The grand Colonial Revival hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining, The Stanley has presided over Estes Park since 1909. With stunning mountain views, paranormal tours, and a renovated bar and restaurant, The Stanley is one of Colorado's most storied stays.
The Stanley Hotel commands Estes Park, Colorado from its perch at 333 East Wonderview Avenue, overlooking the town and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Built in 1909 by inventor Freelan Oscar Stanley — co-creator of the Stanley Steamer automobile — the Georgian Colonial Revival hotel is among Colorado's most architecturally distinctive historic properties and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The hotel gained worldwide fame as the inspiration for Stephen King's novel The Shining; King stayed in Room 217 in 1974 and the experience prompted the book. Today The Stanley leans into this legacy with year-round ghost tours, a Stanley Film Festival each spring, and a dedicated paranormal concierge. The main building offers 140 rooms spread across the historic Manor House and three additional lodge buildings on the 55-acre grounds. Rooms range from cozy Manor House quarters with Victorian antiques to spacious suites with sweeping mountain panoramas. Cascades Restaurant serves upscale Colorado cuisine with views of the mountains, while the Whiskey Bar is a popular gathering spot with a rotating whiskey program. A full-service spa opened in recent years alongside a pool. Estes Park serves as the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, which borders the hotel's property; the park entrance is a five-minute drive. Elk frequently graze on the hotel grounds, particularly in autumn during rut season.
Amenities
- restaurant
- bar
- pool
- wifi
- ghost tours
- concierge
- spa
Location
333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
40.3808, -105.5115 View on map
Highlights
- The inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining — Room 217 is the most requested room in the hotel
- Historic 1909 Georgian Colonial Revival building on 55 acres overlooking Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park
- Year-round ghost tours and paranormal investigation experiences
- Cascades Restaurant with mountain-view dining and a well-regarded whiskey bar
- Elk frequently visible on hotel grounds, especially in autumn rut season
Tips for visiting
- Room 217 (Stephen King's actual room) books out many months in advance — reserve early if this is the goal
- Ghost tours depart nightly and can be booked as add-ons to the room reservation
- Rocky Mountain National Park requires a timed entry permit in summer — obtain one before visiting
- Autumn (late September through October) brings elk rut to the hotel grounds — early mornings are best for viewing
- The Stanley Film Festival each spring attracts horror film fans; the hotel fills well ahead of the event
When to visit
Autumn (late September through October) is spectacular for fall foliage and elk viewing. Summer is peak season for Rocky Mountain National Park access. Halloween season is the hotel's most atmospheric and popular period.
Accessibility
The Stanley Hotel provides ADA-accessible rooms in the newer lodge buildings on request. The main Manor House building has some threshold variations due to its 1909 construction; ground-floor rooms are the most accessible. Staff can arrange assistance for guests with mobility needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Is The Stanley Hotel really haunted?
The hotel markets a well-developed paranormal experience, including nightly ghost tours and an official paranormal concierge. Whether guests encounter supernatural activity depends on perspective; the hotel takes a light-hearted approach to the phenomenon.
How close is The Stanley Hotel to Rocky Mountain National Park?
The park's Fall River and Beaver Meadows entrances are approximately 3–4 miles from the hotel, a 5-minute drive. Some hiking trails are accessible on foot from Estes Park.
Did Stephen King actually stay at The Stanley Hotel?
Yes. Stephen King and his wife Tabitha stayed in Room 217 in 1974 when the hotel was nearly empty for the season. King's experience there — including vivid dreams in the quiet hotel — directly inspired The Shining, published in 1977.
Does The Stanley Hotel have a pool and spa?
The hotel has an outdoor heated pool and a full-service spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa and pool are open to hotel guests; advance booking for treatments is recommended.