The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is a historic and iconic establishment that has been the subject of fascination for decades. Not only is it a beautiful and luxurious hotel, but it also has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in America. In this post, we will explore the history of The Stanley Hotel, the reported paranormal activity associated with it, the current state of the hotel, paranormal investigations that have taken place there, and arguments for and against the existence of ghosts at The Stanley Hotel.

History of The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel was built in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, an inventor and businessman who had come to Colorado due to health reasons. Stanley was the co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile and had made a fortune from his invention. He had built The Stanley Hotel as a grand summer resort for wealthy East Coast tourists looking to escape the heat and hustle of city life.

Over the years, The Stanley Hotel hosted many famous guests, including Theodore Roosevelt, Molly Brown, and even the famous horror author Stephen King. In fact, it was during his stay at The Stanley Hotel that King was inspired to write his bestselling novel, “The Shining.” King’s novel is not based on any real events that happened at The Stanley Hotel, but it has helped to solidify the hotel’s reputation as a haunted location.

The Ghosts of The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel is said to be home to a variety of ghosts, each with their own story and history. One of the most famous ghosts associated with the hotel is that of Flora Stanley, the wife of the hotel’s founder. Guests and staff have reported seeing her in the lobby and in the ballroom, dressed in her formal Victorian attire.

Another famous ghost is that of a young girl named Lucy, who is said to haunt the fourth floor of the hotel. Guests have reported hearing her giggling, running up and down the halls, and even playing with their belongings.

Other reported ghosts include a former chambermaid named Elizabeth Wilson, who died in room 217, and a man named Paul, who is said to have worked as a handyman at the hotel and who can still be heard whistling in the hallways.

Paranormal Investigations at The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel has become a popular destination for paranormal investigators and ghost hunters. It has been featured on many popular TV shows, including “Ghost Hunters,” “Ghost Adventures,” and “Most Haunted.”

During these investigations, a variety of equipment has been used to try and capture evidence of paranormal activity. Some of the most commonly used tools include EMF meters, which measure electromagnetic fields, digital voice recorders, which capture electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), and infrared cameras, which can capture thermal images of potential ghostly activity.

Debunking The Stanley Hotel’s Paranormal Activity

Despite the many reports of ghostly activity at The Stanley Hotel, there are also skeptics who argue that there is no evidence to support the existence of ghosts or the paranormal. They argue that the hotel’s history and architecture, combined with people’s overactive imaginations, have created the illusion of ghosts and hauntings.

Others suggest that the reports of ghostly activity can be attributed to more rational explanations, such as drafts or changes in air pressure. In some cases, it is even suggested that the reports of ghosts are a result of suggestion or belief in the paranormal, rather than actual supernatural activity.

Conclusion

The Stanley Hotel remains an intriguing and fascinating location, both for its history and its association with the paranormal. Whether or not ghosts truly haunt the halls of the hotel, the stories and reports of hauntings have captured the imaginations of people for generations. For those interested in the paranormal, The Stanley Hotel remains

 

1. The Shining by Stephen King (book): https://www.amazon.com/Shining-Stephen-King/dp/0307743659
2. The Shining (Blu-ray): https://www.amazon.com/Shining-Blu-ray-Jack-Nicholson/dp/B002VWNIDG
3. The Shining (DVD): https://www.amazon.com/Shining-Jack-Nicholson/dp/B000Q66Q2O
4. Room 237 (documentary about The Shining): https://www.amazon.com/Room-237-Bill-Blakemore/dp/B00CMXJ9B4
5. The Stanley Hotel: A Concise History by David Forsyth (book): https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hotel-Concise-David-Forsyth/dp/1467137254
6. The Stanley Hotel Hoodie: https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hotel-Hoodie/dp/B08KTT15NZ
7. The Stanley Hotel T-Shirt: https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hotel-T-Shirt/dp/B08KTPQWNB
8. The Stanley Hotel Keychain: https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hotel-Keychain-Souvenir-Colorado/dp/B07NP6VSPD
9. The Shining Overlook Hotel Mug: https://www.amazon.com/Shining-Overlook-Hotel-Mug-Ceramic/dp/B00E5SMQO4
10. The Shining Movie Poster: https://www.amazon.com/Shining-Poster-Jack-Nicholson/dp/B01M7ZWBJU