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"On my weekend stay I found this majestic white hotel with a red roof, set against a pine-covered mountain and a serene lake below, to be as steeped in pop culture and spooky atmosphere as its reputation suggests. It’s famously tied to Stephen King’s one-night stay in 1974 that sparked the idea for The Shining, and the property leans into that legacy with daily ghost tours, historic daytime tours, recreations of Victorian seances, shows by master illusionists, and regular lectures from paranormal experts; owner John Cullen says everyone leaves with a story. By day it reads as a grand, historic resort for weary travelers and diners; by night (especially during spooky season) it glows an ominous red and amplifies the eerie vibe. I stayed three nights and, aside from attending talks by paranormal investigators, didn’t witness anything overtly supernatural, but the hotel’s atmosphere, the 24-hour channel playing both film versions of The Shining, and the merch (REDRUM wine glasses, Room 217 keychains, typewriter stickers) all keep the legend vividly alive." - Julie Tremaine Julie Tremaine Julie Tremaine is a writer who’s passionate about travel, food, wellness, and road trips. She is the Disneyland editor for SFGate and has also contributed to The Boston Globe, CNN Travel, Travel + Leisure, Thrillist, and Marie Claire, among other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines