The Stanley Hotel: A Spirited Adventure Into One of America's Most Haunted Hotels
Ghosts, History, Stephen King, and the Piano Note That Almost Got Me Kicked Out
Some places you visit because they're beautiful. Some places you visit because they're historic. And then there are places you visit because you want to see whether the ghosts are accepting appointments.
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, checks all three boxes.
Nestled against the magnificent backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel has earned a reputation as one of America's most famously haunted destinations. It's elegant, mysterious, historic and just strange enough to make a metaphysical explorer like myself feel right at home.
Naturally, I had to visit.
Now, I visited during the daytime, which some paranormal enthusiasts might consider the equivalent of going vampire hunting at noon. But here's the interesting thing: I didn't need darkness to feel something unusual about the Stanley Hotel.
From the moment I began exploring, there was an atmosphere I found difficult to describe. It wasn't necessarily frightening. It wasn't threatening. It was simply an incredible sense of energy, history and presence.
And then there was the piano.
Oh yes. We'll get to the piano.
A Grand Hotel With More Than a Century of Stories
The Stanley Hotel opened in 1909, the vision of F. O. Stanley, an inventor, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, famous for its steam-powered automobiles.
Stanley had come to Estes Park while dealing with health problems and found the mountain environment restorative. He became so enchanted with the area that he helped transform it into a destination for travelers seeking spectacular scenery, fresh mountain air and a little luxury.
And when I say luxury, remember that we're talking about 1909.
Indoor plumbing, electricity, telephones and impressive accommodations were a pretty big deal.
This wasn't exactly a roadside motel with a questionable ice machine.
Stanley wanted something grand, and he certainly created it.
But what makes the hotel especially fascinating is that its story didn't end with its founder. More than a century of guests, employees, celebrations, tragedies, renovations and personal experiences have added layers of history to the building.
From my metaphysical perspective, that's where things become particularly interesting.
What happens to the emotional energy associated with a place after generations of people have passed through it?
I don't pretend to have a definitive answer.
But I certainly enjoy exploring the question.
The Shining: When Stephen King Checked In and Horror History Checked Out
Of course, you can't discuss the Stanley Hotel without talking about The Shining.
In 1974, author Stephen King and his wife, Tabitha, stayed at the Stanley Hotel near the end of its operating season. The hotel was nearly empty, creating an atmosphere that King would later transform into one of the most famous horror stories ever written.
King stayed in Room 217, which has become legendary among fans of the supernatural.
His experience helped inspire The Shining, published in 1977.
The 1980 movie adaptation directed by Stanley Kubrick made the story even more famous, although the Stanley wasn't the hotel used for the film's famous exterior shots. The Timberline Lodge in Oregon served that purpose.
The Stanley later appeared in the 1997 television adaptation of The Shining, which was much closer to King's original vision.
Personally, I think it's fascinating that a single hotel visit could inspire a story that has entertained—and terrified—millions of people.
Apparently, some hotel stays provide complimentary breakfast.
Others provide the inspiration for a lifetime of nightmares.
The Ghosts Who Apparently Never Checked Out
The Stanley has accumulated a remarkable collection of paranormal stories over the years.
One of the best-known involves Elizabeth Wilson, a housekeeper injured in a 1911 explosion associated with Room 217. She survived, but later folklore connected her spirit with the room.
Guests have reported strange occurrences, including belongings seemingly being rearranged or unexplained housekeeping activity.
Apparently, some employees are so dedicated they continue straightening rooms long after retirement.
Other stories involve the spirits of F. O. Stanley and his wife, Flora.
Flora was a talented pianist, and visitors have reported hearing mysterious piano music when nobody appeared to be playing.
There are also accounts of children's laughter, unexplained footsteps, doors behaving strangely and visitors sensing an unseen presence.
These are reported experiences and hotel folklore rather than scientifically verified hauntings. Nevertheless, they've helped make the Stanley a favorite destination for paranormal investigators and curious travelers.
And that brings me to my own rather interesting musical experience.
My Personal Encounter With the Stanley Hotel Piano
During my visit, I found myself standing near the piano in the lobby.
Now, anyone who knows me knows that music and energy go together in my world.
Music has an incredible ability to change our emotions, shift our perspective and connect us with something beyond everyday thought.
And here I was, standing in one of America's most famously haunted hotels, looking at a piano in a place associated with stories of mysterious music.
So naturally, I did what any responsible metaphysical explorer would do.
I played a note.
Just one.
And something happened that I still remember.
I felt an amazing jolt of energy.
It was one of those unexpected moments when an experience seems to reach beyond the ordinary. Whether it was the atmosphere, the history, the anticipation, my connection with music or something I can't explain, the sensation was remarkable.
For that brief moment, I felt incredibly connected to the hotel.
Unfortunately, my spiritual musical breakthrough was rather short-lived.
A member of the hotel staff quickly informed me that I wasn't supposed to touch the piano.
Apparently, the hotel has rules about unauthorized musical performances.
Who knew?
I didn't even make it to my second note!
And while I completely understand the need to protect historic instruments, I couldn't help appreciating the humor of the situation.
Here I was, attempting to connect with more than a century of mysterious energy, and the universe responded through a hotel employee telling me to keep my fingers to myself.
Perhaps Flora Stanley appreciated my enthusiasm.
Perhaps she was offended by my musical ability.
Or perhaps the staff simply didn't want every visitor attempting to perform Chopsticks for the resident spirits.
Whatever the explanation, that single note became one of the most memorable moments of my entire visit.
And for the record, if you visit, admire the piano but don't play it without permission.
Consider that my contribution to paranormal research.
Why I Believe the Stanley Has an Extraordinary Energy
I've visited some incredible places in my life.
Historic buildings.
Ancient sites.
Natural wonders.
Locations associated with mysteries, legends and unexplained experiences.
And I've come to believe that certain places can affect us in ways that are difficult to put into words.
The Stanley Hotel is absolutely one of those places for me.
I have experienced very few locations that seemed to possess the same intensity of atmosphere and energy.
Was it spiritual?
Was it the collective history of everyone who had walked those hallways?
Was it the incredible Rocky Mountain setting?
Was it the power of suggestion created by the hotel's haunted reputation?
Maybe it was a combination.
I don't need to declare that I encountered a ghost to acknowledge that I encountered something meaningful.
That's one of my favorite things about metaphysics.
You can explore the possibility that there's more to an experience than what we immediately understand without pretending you have all the answers.
And believe me, the Stanley Hotel leaves you with plenty of questions.
What You Shouldn't Miss When Visiting the Stanley Hotel
Take time to walk the grounds and admire the striking white architecture against the Rockies. It's a spectacular place for photography, even if every ghost decides to stay indoors.
Explore the historic interior and appreciate the craftsmanship. The lobby is particularly special to me because of my musical encounter. Remember: look, listen and enjoy—but ask before touching the piano.
3. Room 217
Stephen King's famous room is an essential part of the Stanley story. Some tours may allow you to view its exterior, but access is not guaranteed, and tours don't enter occupied guest rooms.
Another historic part of the Stanley property, the Concert Hall adds a wonderful musical dimension to the visit. Check for performances, special events and tour access.
I explored during daylight, but I'd love to experience the Stanley after dark. The hotel offers historic tours, ghost tours and a Shining-themed tour, generally around an hour long. Reservations are recommended.
And if you have additional time, explore Estes Park itself and the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. The surrounding natural beauty is an entirely different kind of spiritual experience.
You can explore the hotel's current offerings through its official tour information
Sometimes the Energy Is the Experience
My visit to the Stanley Hotel didn't involve a ghost floating down the hallway, a door slamming mysteriously or an apparition offering me a complimentary drink.
What I experienced was something that, for me, was just as fascinating.
An extraordinary atmosphere, an unmistakable personal feeling of energy and one unforgettable note on a historic piano.
I left believing the Stanley Hotel was unlike almost anywhere else I've visited.
Not because I could prove the building was haunted.
But because I felt something there.
And sometimes that's enough to make a place special.
The world is filled with extraordinary locations that invite us to explore history, mystery, spirituality and the possibility that there's more to life than we completely understand.
The Stanley Hotel certainly belongs on that list.
So visit with an open mind. Appreciate its history. Enjoy the mountain views. Listen to the stories. Respect the building and the people who care for it.
And should you find yourself standing in front of that famous piano, perhaps just imagine playing a note.
Trust me. The staff will appreciate your restraint.
Keep exploring. Keep questioning. Keep collecting those incredible moments that make you feel alive.
And wherever your adventures take you, remember to Make Peace With Life™.
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