The Haunting of the Stanley Hotel: A True Ghost Story

The Stanley Hotel, nestled in the picturesque town of Estes Park, Colorado, is famous for its grandeur, stunning views of the Rockies, and, most notoriously, its ghosts. While many might recognize the hotel as the inspiration behind Stephen King’s The Shining, the real-life hauntings of the Stanley Hotel are far stranger than fiction.

Opened in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, the hotel was intended to be a luxurious retreat for wealthy Easterners who sought the health benefits of the mountain air. Stanley himself had moved to Estes Park for health reasons, and after experiencing the restorative powers of the Colorado mountains, he decided to create a grand hotel. The Stanley was an opulent palace, complete with modern amenities like electricity, telephones, and bathrooms in every room—quite the rarity for the time.

But it didn’t take long for tales of ghostly encounters to begin circulating among guests and staff. From mysterious apparitions to unexplained noises, the hotel quickly gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in America.

Perhaps the most famous of the Stanley’s spirits is that of Elizabeth Wilson, a former housekeeper. In 1911, there was a significant storm that caused the hotel to lose power. As Elizabeth entered Room 217 to light the gas lamps, there was a massive explosion. The blast sent her crashing through the floor into the room below, yet she miraculously survived, albeit with injuries. After her recovery, she continued to work at the hotel until her death.

But it seems Elizabeth never truly left Room 217. Guests who stay in the room often report strange occurrences: their belongings are mysteriously unpacked, lights flicker on and off, and some even claim to have felt a ghostly presence tucking them into bed. Though these experiences can be unsettling, they are usually described as comforting—like a motherly figure still taking care of her guests even in death.

Stephen King himself stayed in Room 217, and it was his eerie experiences there that inspired him to write The Shining. He reported seeing strange visions and feeling an overwhelming sense of dread during his stay, which led to the creation of one of the most terrifying novels of the 20th century.

Another hotspot of paranormal activity at the Stanley is the concert hall, which was a gift from Stanley to his wife, Flora, who was a talented pianist. To this day, guests and staff report hearing the faint sound of piano music echoing through the halls, even when the piano is untouched. Some believe this is Flora herself, still playing her beloved instrument.

Staff members have also encountered Paul’s ghost while working in the concert hall late at night. Some report feeling an icy chill, while others have seen doors opening and closing on their own. Even though Paul was known for being strict, his ghost doesn’t seem to be malevolent—just a stickler for the rules, even in the afterlife.

The fourth floor of the Stanley Hotel is another area teeming with ghostly activity. Originally the servant’s quarters, this floor is now known for its spectral children. Guests often report hearing the sounds of children laughing and playing in the hallways, even when no children are present.

One ghost, known as “Lucy,” is particularly active on this floor. She is said to be the spirit of a young girl who took refuge in the hotel after running away from home. Tragically, she died in the hotel’s basement from the cold, and her spirit has been seen roaming the halls ever since. Guests have reported feeling a cold presence, hearing disembodied giggles, and even seeing the figure of a young girl in period clothing.

Photographs taken by visitors often reveal strange orbs of light, which some believe are the spirits of the children who once lived there. These orbs have been captured floating around the fourth floor and in other areas of the hotel, lending credence to the idea that the Stanley is a playground for the supernatural.

Over the years, numerous employees have shared their experiences with the supernatural at the Stanley Hotel. Many of these stories revolve around the hotel’s hallways, which are said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity. Shadows are seen flitting across the walls, whispers are heard with no apparent source, and some have even reported feeling an unseen hand brush against them as they walk.

One former caretaker described his experience with a ghostly encounter in the middle of the night. While making his rounds, he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps behind him. When he turned around, there was no one there, yet the footsteps continued to follow him as he walked down the long, dimly lit hallway. He completed his shift that night but never worked the night shift again.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the Stanley Hotel offers a unique blend of history and mystery that’s hard to resist. Its picturesque location and luxurious accommodations draw thousands of visitors each year, but it’s the promise of a ghostly encounter that keeps people coming back.

The ghosts of the Stanley Hotel are not just part of the hotel’s history—they are its heart. They are the spirits of those who loved the hotel so much in life that they chose to remain in death. For those brave enough to stay the night, the Stanley Hotel offers an unforgettable experience, where the past and present intermingle in the most unsettling of ways. So, if you ever find yourself in Estes Park, why not book a room at the Stanley Hotel? Just be prepared for a few unexpected guests.

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