Creepy Facts About The Stanley Hotel

Freelan O. Stanley - The Man Who Started It All....

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The Stanley Hotel, Colorado is known for its eerie history and paranormal activity. The hotel was built by Freelan O. Stanley, who was also the inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile. He was known as a wealthy socialite, businessman and general investor.

July 1909 - The Grand Opening...

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The hotel was officially opened on the fourth of July (1909), and has been in operation ever since. This means that the hotel has open for over 100 years, and has had its fair share of changes throughout those years. The age of the overall building, emphasises potential paranormal activity within the hotel.

Freelan O. Stanley's Spirit Remains At The Hotel... And You Could Bump Into Him During A Visit!

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The hotel's creator/original owner, Freelan O. Stanley, is also believed to make an appearance within the hotel. It has been reported, that he spends a lot of time within the Billiard Room. Although this is where he typically resides, he appears in other areas of the building.

Self-Operating Elevators - You Might Even Get Stuck In One!

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The hotel's elevator is known to operate on its own, moving between floors without any input. The elevators were a key area of inspiration for 'The Shining', including a famous scene, where a tidal wave of blood is released from them. Many visitors have experienced the elevators working of their own accord.

Abandoned Tunnels - The Staff Hear Noises At Night!

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There are tunnels that run underground/beneath the hotel, which were originally used by staff. They are said to be 'particularly spooky', which is amplified by the fact that they are abandoned. The tunnels carry an eerie atmosphere, and provide a way for spirits to travel throughout the hotel.

The Grand Staircase - The Home Of Spirit Sightings...

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There have been numerous sightings of ghostly figures on the grand staircase, which is located within the centre of the hotel. These sightings have occurred at various points in the day, and the number of spirits seen varies. Some visitors have seen multiple spirits, whereas others have only seen a couple.

The Shining Put This Hotel On The Map... SCARY!!

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The hotel is famous for being the inspiration behind Stephen King's novel, 'The Shining'. It has become an iconic landmark from cult classic filmography, and is instantly recognizable among avid horror fans. Stephen King took inspiration from the hotel's exterior, interior decor and overall design.

Hotel Stay - A Very Special Guest...

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Linking back to the last fact, Stephen King actually stayed at the hotel in 1974 (alongside his wife Tabitha). This stay is what inspired him to begin writing 'The Shining' novel. As mentioned previously, he took inspiration from the building's overall design and history.

Faux Hotel For The Movie... Probably For The Best!

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The Stanley Kubrick movie adaptation of 'The Shining', wasn't actually filmed at The Stanley Hotel. It was primarily shot on a soundstage. The movie set was built to replicate the interior and exterior of the hotel, to give the impression that the characters were at the 'real' location.

Paranormal Activity - It Comes As No Surprise!

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The hotel is said to be haunted, with numerous reports of paranormal experiences, from staff and guests. This reported paranormal activity is actually an area of internets for many guests, and has been exaggerated since the release of 'The Shining' novel/movie.

Room 217 - DO NOT ENTER!

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Room 217 is said to be the 'famous haunted room' within the hotel. It is believed that the ghost of a former housekeeper (Elizabeth Wilson), still remains within the room. Guests and staff alike have heard, and/or seen Elizabeth within the room; completing her daily cleaning 'duties'.

Room 418 - Would You Take The Risk With This Room?

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Another room that is believed to be haunted, is room 418. There have been multiple reports of strange sounds and apparitions, from staff and guests. It is possible that Stephen King experienced this kind of activity during his stay, which provided him with a stronger incentive to write 'The Shining'.

The Fourth Floor Is Already Occupied...

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The fourth floor of the hotel is said to be one of the most haunted areas, as it is known for its ghostly activity (including the sound of children playing). Although the paranormal activity occurs all over the hotel, this section has the strongest connection with the spirit world.

Ghost Tours - You Will See It All!

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As a way of tapping into their past, the hotel provides ghost tours for guests who wish to explore its haunted history. It is a popular route of revenue for the hotel, and provides guests with a more authentic stay overall. The majority of guests are interested in the paranormal.

Their Pet Cemetery Is Not For The Faint Hearted!

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There is a pet cemetery located on the hotel's grounds, and is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of beloved pets. These spirits are relatively good-natured, and are restricted to the area of the cemetery. Literally every section of the hotel is connected to the paranormal.

Paranormal Piano... With No Musician!

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The hotel also has a history of strange piano music being heard in the music room, even when no one is playing the instrument. This typically happens during the evening, as this is when the spirit world is most active. The music can typically be heard throughout the hotel.

Paranormal Parties - Would You Accept An Invite?

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Another occurrence that is popular for visitors to hear, is the sound of parties and conversations within empty rooms, and along the hallways. Again, this will typically happen during the evening, and isn't restricted to just one area of the hotel (it can be heard throughout).

Lord Dunraven Roams The Halls At Night!

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The ghost of Lord Dunraven, the original landowner, is said to roam the halls. There have been multiple sightings of his spirit, with some guests reporting that he looks out of windows on certain floors. He doesn't seem to be a malevolent spirit in any way.

Paul - The Most Friendly Ghostly Guest!

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A ghostly chambermaid, by the name of 'Paul', is said to help guests unpack and tidy their rooms. There have been many guests that have been visited by this spirit, and have reported that they're extremely friendly/helpful. Some members of staff have also come across 'Paul' throughout the building.

The Cowboy - Another Stanley Spirit Spotted...

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Among the selection of spirits/apparitions spotted within the hotel, is a cowboy. He has been spotted within the lobby and bar areas of the hotel, but doesn't interact with visitors or staff. He is believed to be a tolerant, yet wary spirit who is reluctant to interact with the living.

Ancient Pipes For Added Sound Effects...

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Due to its age, the building's pipes are known to make strange and unsettling noises. These noises are often amplified during the evening, especially if the wind is particularly strong. Some visitors have reported being woken by the sound of the pipes.

Television Features Bringing The Spooky Stanley Hotel To Our Screens!

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The Stanley Hotel has been featured on numerous paranormal television shows. The cast and crew of these shows will typically stay within the hotel for a prolonged period, in order to detect paranormal activity, and report on their overall findings (sharing it with the show's audience).

Objects Moving

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There have been some guests, that have reported seeing items move on their own, within their rooms. This is typically a common occurrence within the rooms of the fourth floor, as well as the rooms surrounding Room 217. Not every guest experiences this however.

'Cold Spots'

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'Cold spots' are frequently reported in various parts of the hotel. 'Cold spots' refer to areas that send a shiver down a person's spine, and will typically have a much lower temperature (in comparison to the surrounding area). They can occur in set areas, but will typically vary in location.

Hotel Hedge Maze - Guests Have Gotten Trapped!

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The Stanley Hotel's hedge maze, is a nod to the hedge maze within 'The Shining'. The maze is a popular area of the hotel for visitors to explore, and provides them with a unique photo opportunity (especially if they are avid fans of horror). There are seasons where the maze increases in popularity e.g. halloween.

'REDRUM'

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The famous 'REDRUM' (murder) scene from 'The Shining', is often recreated by visitors. Again, this is a popular occurrence among visitors, and provides them with a unique photo opportunity. Some visitors stay at the hotel, just to recreate this particular scene.

'Shining Ball' - The The Horror Fanatics!

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The hotel actually hosts an annual 'Shining Ball' each halloween, where visitors can dress up for a grand ball, and experience the history of the hotel. There are multiple references to 'The Shining' throughout his event, as well as a range of different experiences on offer for guests.

Supernatural Documentation - The Evidence Is There...

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As mentioned previously, the hotel has been featured on multiple paranormal television shows. As well as these television shows, there are many (independent) paranormal investigators that visit the hotel. They visit the hotel, in order to document it's supernatural activity.

Inspiration For Fiction

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The Stanley Hotel has inspired other works of fiction and horror, beyond Stephen King's novel. It isn't difficult to see why, as the hotel has many areas of interest, paired with its strong paranormal activity. Some other works of fiction that have been inspired by the hotel, include: 'The Hidden', 'Valley Of Ashes' and 'The Fractal Murders'.

Paranormal Popularity - Would You Take A Visit?

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The Stanley Hotel remains a popular destination for those seeking both history, and the thrill of potential ghostly encounters. As mentioned previously, the hotel is typically visited by avid fans of horror/people that want to experience a piece of cult film history.