The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, Colorado, is one of the most famous haunted hotels in the United States. Known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel is also famous for being the inspiration behind Stephen King's novel, "The Shining."
The history of the Stanley Hotel dates back to 1903 when it was built by F.O. Stanley, a wealthy inventor, and businessman. The hotel was designed to be a luxurious retreat for wealthy East Coasters, and it quickly became a popular destination for the rich and famous.
Despite its glamorous beginnings, the Stanley Hotel has a dark history that is said to be the source of its many hauntings. In the early 1900s, a housekeeper named Elizabeth Wilson was killed in an explosion in room 217. According to legend, Elizabeth still haunts the room to this day, often moving guests' belongings or turning off their lights.
Another famous ghost at the Stanley Hotel is that of Freelan O. Stanley himself, who is said to appear in the lobby or the Billiard Room, tinkering with the antique cars that are on display. There have also been reports of ghostly children playing in the halls and a phantom piano player in the ballroom.
In addition to these famous ghosts, there have been numerous reports of paranormal activity throughout the hotel. Guests have reported hearing strange noises, seeing objects move on their own, and feeling an unexplained presence in their rooms. Many visitors to the hotel also report feeling cold spots and sudden drops in temperature.
The Stanley Hotel's reputation as a haunted location was cemented when Stephen King stayed at the hotel in 1974 and had a nightmare about his young son being chased through the halls by a possessed fire hose. This nightmare served as the inspiration for his novel, "The Shining," which was later adapted into a movie by Stanley Kubrick.
Today, the Stanley Hotel offers a variety of ghost tours and paranormal investigations for visitors who want to explore its haunted history.
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