The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is one of the most famous haunted locations in the world, best known as the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining. Built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, the hotel has a long history of paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly figures, eerie piano music, and unexplained phenomena.
Room 217 is the most haunted, where a former housekeeper, Elizabeth Wilson, allegedly still tends to guests—unpacking luggage, tucking people into bed, and even disapproving of unmarried couples. The fourth floor is said to be home to ghostly children who giggle and run through the halls, while Room 428 features sightings of a cowboy standing at the foot of guests' beds. The Concert Hall has spirits like Paul, a former worker known for whispering "Get out!" to visitors, and Lucy, a young woman whose ghostly presence has been captured in recordings.
Stephen King's terrifying nightmare while staying in Room 217 led to his novel The Shining, further cementing the hotel's eerie reputation. Paranormal investigators have recorded voices, apparitions, and temperature changes, leading many to believe the hotel is a hotspot for supernatural energy.
With its grand history and chilling encounters, The Stanley Hotel remains a must-visit for ghost hunters and horror fans alike, offering ghost tours and overnight stays for those brave enough to experience its paranormal activity firsthand.
