The Stanley

The Stanley Hotel is such a beautiful historic building. Walking through it is like walking back in time. The lobby, restaurant and bar are probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, and the exterior of the building and grounds are maintained impeccably. But... I don't believe in the paranormal...I don't believe in ghosts or spirits... I will lay the facts out of my experience and let you decide... We were at the bar at around 11:00 pm, I believe it closes at 1:00 am. After a few drinks I had to use the bathroom so I went to the one in the basement to use the men's room. There was nobody in the basement but one or two employees milling around who were quickly out of sight. As I walked into the men's room which was fully empty, I got this gut feeling of uneasiness. I chalked it up to having a few drinks and falling for the folklore of the hotel. As I stood in the men's room I felt burning on the left side of my neck. I ran to the mirror and saw four deep scratch marks. I didn't scratch my neck. I believe in science and facts and have been racking my brain trying to find a scientific explanation for this. I have physical photograph proof. I quickly googled the hotels history and read about a "Big Mountain Jim" that allegedly roamed the halls. I remembered back to being at another restaurant earlier on the day, The Bird and Jim. I had a "Big Mountain Jim" burger there. Paranormal? A strange set of coincidences? You tell me.

One of the best trips ive done yet had a great experience with the fam and got some good pictures there was some moments i got light headed but it went away i mean i caught a face in lucys room you would be scared too😓 great time great trip if u ever need a idea in colorado just a lil pricey😐

Great for history and paranormal interest. Otherwise rooms are not worth the money. Customer service is poor if you have an issue. Watch out for any activity you book, it could be canceled at the last minute. We planned our trip around the Hannibal Seance, spent many $’s on room and dinner and @ 6pm it was canceled !!! The Stanley offered to refund 10% of the too . Really?

Estes Park is definitely worth a visit, and for sure stop by and take a fun tour of the hotel (tour guides are terrific). But then go elsewhere to stay. Hotel pretends to be upscale, but is actually a bit tired and over priced. Service is meh and unapologetic. Hotels updating (unless you like 1980’s furniture in your hundred year old hotels). Had to request a move (see pics of sleeper sofa) and was treated as if this was a huge imposition. Mid obsessed with Stephan King then take the tour. But then stay somewhere nicer for much less money.

This was a bucket list stop. Beautiful hotel and grounds. Stephen King was inspired to write the Shining while staying in room 217, and several movies were filmed here. The hotel offers tours but we decided to walk around on our own. They have a great gift shop but make sure you watch the amount they ring up - we were double charged for a highball glass and didn’t realize it until we got home.

Inch of dust under beds to point you couldn’t see the carpet pattern. Only 2 coffee pods provided for 3 nights of stay with 4 people in the room. Called housekeeping for more and they promised to bring them but never did. When trying to get more we went to the front desk but it was left unmanned so long we gave up. Asked for the room to be serviced after our second night and instead they just left us more towels on a chair. Didn’t take old towels. Didn’t make bed. Didn’t empty overflowing trash. Didn’t vacuum when it clearly needed it. Restaurants were overpriced and the food was bad. We had a huge anniversary party (13 people) that ate together 5 times at the various hotel restaurants and were never given more than one waiter. I must say they wowed me with just how bad a hotel can execute. I would have left after first night but it would have been rude to the couple celebrating their anniversary so we held our nose and put on a good face for them.