There are so many haunted places in America but one of the most haunted is The Stanley Hotel. In 1903 Freelan Oscar Stanley, the co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile first came to Estes Park for his health. Stanley, who suffered from tuberculosis, and his wife Flora had been arranged by his doctor to stay in a cabin there for the summer. Not only did they fall in love with the area but Stanley’s health improved a great deal so he decided to invest his money in some land and build the hotel.
Building began in 1907 and was given all of the amenities except heat since it was supposed to be a summer resort. The Stanley Hotel was officially opened on July 4, 1909 and has had many interesting people pass through its doors.
Stephen King wrote the book “The Shining” which was based off of The Stanley Hotel and it’s many “permanent guests”. There was a mini-series version which was filmed at the hotel itself, however the movie was filmed at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon and at Elstree Studios in England. Many say that Mr. Stanley has been seen walking the lobby and Flora is heard playing the piano in the music room. The hotel shows the uncut R-rated version of the movie “The Shining” on a continuous loop on channel 42 in the guest rooms.
On June 25, 1911 there was an explosion that took place as Ms. Wilson, the chief housekeeper, was lighting the acetylene lanterns that were the back-up system for the electricity. She was shot down in the explosion from what is now room 217 to the floor of the MacGregor Room one story below. Luckily, she didn’t die, but both of her ankles were broken. Regardless of living through the accident, she seems to still linger in room 217. Guests that stay in that room report that extra housekeeping services happen such as things put away and unpacked. Every room has been said to have experiences. Items are moved from place to place, lights turning on and off, and on the fourth floor you can hear children running up and down the halls laughing. Some guests have claimed to be tucked in at night. The only ghostly explanation is that they are the nannies of the children that always had that as their nightly duty.
If you ever want to visit The Stanley Hotel just head to Colorado and enjoy a possible run-in with some people of the past. They are all said to be happy ghosts, so don’t be afraid. And if you ever feel like enjoying a party just head to the ballroom where it’s been said by kitchen staff that there is still a party going on. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to hear Mrs. Stanley play the piano once again.
