Hotel, Resort hotel
The Stanley Hotel
F.O. Stanley's 1909 hotel in Estes Park, the place that sparked Stephen King's The Shining, now spreads across four properties with ghost and history tours, a hedge maze and Rocky Mountain views.
The story
The original 1909 building anchors the Historic Stanley District, an estate of 220 rooms, lodges, condos and one cottage spread across The Stanley, The Lodge, Aspire Hotel & Spa and The Residences, a short distance from Rocky Mountain National Park. Old ceiling fans and wallpaper survive inside. The hotel's link to Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick fuels its historical, Shining and ghost tours, alongside séance experiences. Dining runs from the MacGregor Chop House and fried chicken at The Post Mountain House to wine with panoramic views at Flora Jane, rare whiskeys in the Whiskey Vault and coffee at Colorado Cherry & Co. Drinks are served on the veranda, the hedge maze sits out front, and downstairs from the gift shop are old photographs and a magic show. Aspire has an organic spa.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Reserve tours or rooms before you go, as tour spots fill quickly and walk-ins may only see the public areas.
- ✦As a historic building, rooms have no central air and limited electrical outlets, so pack accordingly for summer stays.