The Haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is famous. Yes, it is a historic building and thriving business. That's not why some are familiar with the hotel. You see, it's haunted. Stephen King even stayed there once; the experience inspired him to write The Shining, a horror novel about a haunted hotel known as The Overlook Hotel. A televised version of the novel was filmed there as well.

In 1903, F.O. Stanley was in poor health and moved west, along with his wife, at his doctor's urging. He discovered that Estes Park lacked amenities at the time, so he purchased 160 acres from Lord Dunraven. Construction on the eleven building complex began in 1907, and was completed in 1909. Many of these buildings are still used today.

It is said that F.O. and his wife Flora still haunt the Stanley Hotel. Mr. Stanley is fond of the lobby and billiards room. The piano in the music room is sometimes played and many believe it is Mrs. Stanley playing it.

Room 418 in the Stanley Hotel is reported to have high levels of paranormal activity. This haunted room, as well as the fourth floor as a whole, is active. Children are often heard playing in the hallway - when no children can be found in the halls. One couple complained about the noisy kids in the hall keeping them up at night, but no kids were booked in the hotel at that time.

A ghost child has been seen by many, in various locations throughout the hotel. Former employees of the Stanley Hotel have heard footsteps when no person could have made them, or seen apparitions.

Room 407 in the Stanley is haunted as well. Many hotel guests have said Lord Dunraven occupies this room. His presence, or at least a presence, has been witnessed near the bathroom door in this room. A guest once reported that a light in this corner kept going on and off, and once they asked the ghost if he would leave the light on, the light turned on and remained on. Some have also seen a man looking out of room 407's window, when the room has not been rented.

The billiard room appears to be a favorite of many ghosts, and is not just a favorite of Mr. Stanley. Numerous ghosts have appeared in the mirrors of this room. Near the main staircase on the second floor, many employees and visitors have had experiences as well. They often feel an unseen presence follow them down the hallway.

Sources:
http://www.stanleyhotel.com/history.html
http://suewidemark.com/historyinfo/stanleyhotel.htm
http://www.mysticalblaze.com/GhostsColorado.htm
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/CP-EstesParkHaunting.html