The Stanley Hotel: The hotel that inspired The Shining

The Ghosts of the Stanley



Nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains of Estes Park, Colorado, The Stanley Hotel is famous for more than just its stunning views. This grand, historic hotel has gained an international reputation for its paranormal activity, attracting ghost hunters, horror fans, and curious visitors from around the world. Made famous by Stephen King’s The Shining—which was inspired by his eerie stay at the hotel—the Stanley has been the subject of numerous ghost investigations. From phantom laughter in empty hallways to full-bodied apparitions, the spirits of the Stanley Hotel refuse to rest.

A History of Hauntings

Opened in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, the Stanley Hotel was intended to be a luxurious retreat for wealthy visitors. However, from its early days, strange occurrences have been reported. Over the decades, guests and staff alike have witnessed mysterious sounds, shadowy figures, and unexplained phenomena. Some believe the hauntings stem from the spirits of past guests who never checked out. Others think the ghosts of former employees still linger, continuing their work in the afterlife. Whatever the cause, the Stanley Hotel remains one of the most haunted hotels in America.

The Spirits of the Stanley Hotel

The Ghost of F.O. Stanley

Freelan Oscar Stanley, the hotel’s founder, is said to still roam the halls of his beloved hotel. Guests have reported seeing his apparition in formal attire, often in the lobby or the billiard room. Some claim to feel an unseen presence watching over them, as if Stanley is making sure his guests are well taken care of.

The Lady of Room 217

Perhaps the most famous ghostly legend at the Stanley Hotel is the spirit of Elizabeth Wilson, the hotel’s former head housekeeper. In 1911, an explosion occurred in Room 217 while Wilson was lighting lanterns during a power outage. She survived, but her ghost is said to still haunt the room.

Guests staying in Room 217 have reported:

• Unexplained cold spots
• Lights turning on and off by themselves
• Luggage being mysteriously unpacked
• A gentle, unseen presence tucking them into bed

Even Stephen King himself had a paranormal experience in this room, which ultimately inspired The Shining.

The Children’s Laughter in the Halls

One of the creepiest phenomena at the Stanley Hotel is the ghostly laughter of unseen children. Guests often report hearing giggling, running footsteps, and playful whispers in the hallways of the fourth floor, even when no children are present. The fourth floor, once used as a dormitory for the children of hotel employees, is said to be the most active area for paranormal encounters. Some guests have even seen the spirits of young children playing in the hallways, only to watch them vanish into thin air.

The Haunted Concert Hall

The hotel’s concert hall is another hotspot for ghostly activity. Two well-known spirits are said to haunt this area:

Lucy: A young woman believed to have sought shelter in the basement before tragically freezing to death. Visitors claim to hear her voice, feel sudden cold spots, and even see her spirit appear in the hall. Paul, a former handyman who still enforces the hotel’s old "lights-out" rule. Guests and staff have reported hearing him whisper “Get out” late at night.

The Phantom Pianist

Flora Stanley, the wife of F.O. Stanley, was a talented pianist in life—and perhaps even in death. Many guests have reported hearing the piano in the ballroom playing by itself, with no one in sight. Some believe Flora’s spirit continues to fill the hotel with music, long after she passed away.

Paranormal Investigations and The Stanley’s Legacy

Over the years, the Stanley Hotel has been featured on ghost-hunting shows, including Ghost Adventures and The Dead Files. Paranormal researchers have recorded EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), shadowy figures, and unexplained movements of objects.

Stephen King’s The Shining cemented the Stanley Hotel’s place in pop culture, inspiring countless ghost hunters to visit. Although Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film adaptation wasn’t shot at the hotel, its eerie reputation remains intact. Today, the Stanley Hotel embraces its haunted legacy, offering ghost tours and paranormal investigations for those brave enough to experience the spirits firsthand.

Would You Stay at the Stanley Hotel?

For thrill-seekers and ghost hunters, the Stanley Hotel is a must-visit destination. Whether you encounter the spirit of F.O. Stanley, hear mysterious laughter in the halls, or experience an unexplainable chill in Room 217, one thing is certain: the spirits of the Stanley Hotel are not just stories—they are waiting for you to check in. Would you dare spend the night?