If you live in Colorado and/or have ever read Stephen King’s iconic “The Shining,” you already know about the hidden gem that is the Stanley Hotel. That being said, when it makes a national list, we cannot help but feel giddy and take notice, which is precisely what happened when the Stanley Hotel was added to this famous US Travel Bucket List:
Listed with the likes of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles and the Pony Express National Historic Trail, USA Today encourages its readers to pay homage to the allegedly haunted Stanley by staying the night, noting that “Though [Stephen King’s] experiences took place in room 217, the hotel plays the horror film on a loop in all of its guest rooms for visitors’ enjoyment.”
Located in Estes Park, the Stanley Hotel is arguably the most famous place to stay in Colorado, thanks to both Stephen King’s account and the other alleged hauntings that plague the premise.
Opened in 1909, the Stanley Hotel is a stunning 140-room Colonial Revival hotel that may look innocent enough on the outside but is teeming with the unsettled spirits of guests who never checked out.
Don’t worry: the spirits are said to harmless, albeit mischievous.
As noted by USA Today, the most haunted room at the Stanley is Room 217, which – according to legend – was the spot where a housekeeper was electrocuted in 1912.
While she survived, the room has been plagued by the paranormal ever since.
Can’t get into Room 217? No problem, as you can still spot ghosts around the rest of the hotel, including sightings of the original owner, flickering lights, the sounds of children running up and down the hallways, and objects moving on their own.
