"I booked a room at the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King to write "The" - Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"About a 10-minute drive from the Fall River and Beaver Meadows entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park, I find the iconic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park to be a historic property that has hosted visitors since 1909 and is famed for inspiring Stephen King’s The Shining; guests can book historic day or night tours (including spooky ones), enjoy whiskey tastings, and choose from historic rooms, renovated boutique units, or apartments while using the hotel as a base for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, snowshoeing, or driving Trail Ridge Road." - Caitlin Morton
"The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, Colorado, is famous for its connection to Stephen King's 'The Shining'. It is reputed as one of the most haunted hotels in America, with ghost tours, Victorian seances, and paranormal lectures. The hotel features the 'Stephen King Suite' and 'The Shining Suite', both of which include homages to King's work and the film adaptation. The hotel also hosts the annual Frozen Dead Guy Festival and offers tours related to its history and ghostly reputation. Despite its eerie allure, visitors can enjoy a scare-free stay, with many guests not experiencing anything supernatural. The hotel embraces its haunted legends with themed events and tours, attracting fans of King and horror enthusiasts alike." - Julie Tremaine Julie Tremaine Julie Tremaine is a freelance 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 Trave
"Not only is this popular Rocky Mountain destination famous for inspiring Stephen King's classic horror novel 'The Shining,' it also has its own spooky past. Allegedly, staff members have encountered ghosts such as the maid from Room 217, who is known to pack away guests' clothing when they aren't looking. The hotel offers a variety of accommodations and ghost tours of the property if you're feeling brave enough. It also makes a great base if you want to visit nearby Rocky Mountain National Park." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"This historic Rocky Mountains hotel is best known for inspiring Stephen King's novel 'The Shining.' In 1911, there was a gas leak in Room 217. After the hotel's chief maid, Elizabeth Wilson, walked in with a lit candle, the resulting explosion destroyed the entire west wing of the hotel. Although Elizabeth recovered, it's believed that after she died, her soul returned to live at the place she once tended. She is one of the many characters that still haunt the premises, along with the spirits of the Stanley Hotel's original owners, Flora and F.O. Stanley. You may hear Flora playing the antique Steinway in the Music Room, catch F.O. overseeing a game of billiards, or find your belongings mysteriously unpacked by Elizabeth." - Travel + Leisure Editors