Inside America’s Most Haunted Hotel That Inspired The Shining
In the shadows of the Rocky Mountains lurks a vast, spectral-white structure. For more than a century, strange occurrences have been unsettling those brave enough to stay within its walls. Creaking floorboards, flickering lights, haunting voices; rumor has it the Stanley Hotel is home to a few guests who’ve long overstayed their welcome…
Not for the faint-hearted
Hidden away in acres of remote Colorado land, the Stanley Hotel has earned itself an ominous reputation over the past 100 years. In fact, it’s supposedly the most haunted hotel in America. And even if you don’t believe in the paranormal, the Stanley has enough unnerving history to make even the most skeptical out there sleep with the lights on! And the remote location's mysterious history may explain why so many guests have reported eerie and unexplainable happenings. With a storied past littered with odd — and spooky — moments, only the bravest thrill-seekers dare to book a room.
An escape
The hotel’s haunting history began in 1903 when inventor Freelan Oscar Stanley was plagued by a severe case of tuberculosis. Following medical advice, he and his wife Flora ventured out to Colorado in search of its therapeutic fresh air. The slow pace of rustic rural living didn't agree with the couple, however, and they quickly hatched a plan to build a resort in the secluded silence of the vast Colorado wilds.
Lavish design and the owners who never left
After just a few weeks of calm, the Freelans had given up on the lull of life in the mountains. So, the wealthy husband and wife pored over designs for a sprawling 48-room Georgian mansion on 160 acres of land. As well as seemingly endless hallways boasting room after room, the hotel would be complete with lavish luxuries to attract high-paying guests. And so, the couple went on to open the Stanley Hotel in 1909 — and, supposedly, they never left.
Something wasn't right
With their vision complete and interest in the dazzling resort booming, snagging a room came to be seen as a sign of wealth. Everyone with cash to flash wanted to be spotted in one of the Stanley's luxurious recreation rooms. And one of the most impressive spaces was arguably the hotel's cavernous concert hall — allegedly a gift for Flora, who liked to tinkle away on the grand piano. Business at the Stanley Hotel was booming right from the start, though not too long after its grand opening, guests began reporting unusual things happening.
