Where Was The Hotel In The Shining

So, you've seen "The Shining," right? You know, the movie where Jack Nicholson goes a teensy bit nuts in an isolated hotel. You might be thinking, "Hey, where was that creepy place, anyway?" Well, grab your snowshoes and let's take a little trip, shall we?

Welcome to the Stanley Hotel, Colorado

That's right, folks! The real-life inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in "The Shining" is nestled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Isn't that just the coolest thing? I mean, who would've thought that such a spooky story could come from such a picturesque place?

Now, before we dive into the hotel's history, let me just say, the Stanley Hotel is not the same as the Overlook Hotel. It's still standing, and it's actually quite lovely. No twin girls here, I promise. But, it was the inspiration for Stephen King's chilling tale, and that's what makes it so darn fascinating.

Stephen King's Inspiring Stay

In 1974, Stephen King and his wife Tabitha spent a night at the Stanley Hotel. They were the only guests in the entire hotel, which was about to close for the winter season. Can you imagine? The whole place to themselves? Spooky, right?

As the story goes, King was inspired to write "The Shining" after having a dream about his three-year-old son being chased through the hotel's long, empty hallways by a fire-hose that had come to life. Eek! Talk about a nightmare fuel, am I right?

The Shining Hotel Exterior

The Haunted Happenings

But here's where things get even more interesting. The Stanley Hotel is said to be haunted, with numerous guests and staff reporting strange occurrences over the years. Ghostly apparitions, eerie music playing in empty rooms, and even the faint scent of pipe tobacco have all been reported. Spooky, huh?

Some say the hotel's former owner, Freelan Stanley, and his wife Flora still haunt the place. Others believe it's the ghost of a former housekeeper, or even the spirit of a young girl who died in a fire at the hotel in 1911. Who knows? The truth is, we might never know for sure.

Visiting the Stanley Hotel Today

So, if you're feeling brave and want to check out the Stanley Hotel for yourself, you can! The hotel is still open and offers tours, as well as a "Shining" package that includes a stay in room 217 - the very room where King and his wife spent that fateful night. But don't worry, they promise it's been redecorated since then. Phew!

What Hotels Were Used In The Shining at Mary Bevis blog

And if you're really feeling adventurous, you can even take part in one of their "Night at the Stanley" events. It's like a real-life horror movie experience, where you spend the night in the hotel and try to make contact with the spirits that haunt its halls. Sounds like a blast, doesn't it?

So, Is the Stanley Hotel Worth a Visit?

Well, that's up to you, my friend. If you're a fan of "The Shining" and all things spooky, then absolutely! It's a piece of horror history, after all. But if you're more of a scaredy-cat like me, maybe stick to watching the movie from the safety of your own home. Either way, the Stanley Hotel is a fascinating place with a rich history, and it's definitely worth learning about.

And remember, folks, just because a place is said to be haunted, doesn't mean it's not also a beautiful, historic gem. The Stanley Hotel is proof of that. So, go on, explore, learn, and most importantly, have fun! After all, life's an adventure, right?