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The Stanley Hotel

The Stanley Hotel

Estes Park, The US

The Stanley Hotel has been hosting visitors to Estes Park since 1909. The property's Colonial Revival architecture stands in contrast to the natural beauty of its setting, overlooking Lake Estes with views of Rocky Mountain National Park. The hotel is best known for inspiring novelist Stephen King to write The Shining following his stay there in 1974. In the years following the novel’s release, the hotel earned a reputation for supposedly being haunted and now offers guided ‘ghost tours’ to visitors. There are also several "Spirited" rooms, including the Stephen King Suite.

Rooms and suites are spread between the original building and The Lodge, which was opened in 1910 to house bachelors. All options come with complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.

Guests can enjoy meals in the on-site Cascades Restaurant and Lounge, perhaps dining on its covered patio. There's also an outdoor café where you can indulge in lighter snacks while admiring the mountain scenery, as well as a whisky bar for post-dinner drinks.

OUR OPINION:

We like the historic atmosphere of this historic hotel, as well as its convenient access to one of America’s most scenic national parks.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Rooms

The main hotel has a selection of rooms and suites. Each with a historic element to them, featuring classically styled furniture, and they all offer views of either the courtyard or the surrounding mountains. Standard Rooms have one king or queen bed or two queen beds, and amenities include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Deluxe and Superior King Rooms have a Jacuzzi tub, with the latter offering a bit more space. The large Presidential Cottage has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, as well as a kitchenette, living and dining area, making it an excellent option for families.

The Lodge building has king, queen and suite options in a more peaceful setting and are pet-friendly. There are also two-bedroom options with living rooms and kitchens to house larger groups of friends or families.

Location

The manicured grounds of the hotel are located just 6.4 km (4 miles) from Rocky Mountain National Park and overlook Lake Estes. The grounds are set back from the town but remain within walking distance of Estes’ main shops and restaurants.

Food and drink

The Cascades Restaurant and Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with an outdoor patio open seasonally. The restaurant serves a selection of classic American fare with locally sourced ingredients in a warm atmosphere. The aptly named Whiskey Bar, attached to the restaurant, is home to a collection of over 900 whiskey bottles and serves a variety of cocktails. A small café in the main building also serves pastries and sandwiches throughout the day.

Families

There are several accommodation options with kitchens and additional beds and rooms to house families. 

Facilities and activities

As The Stanley sits at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park, there are a host of outdoor activities and tours that can be booked through the hotel, from rock climbing to mountain hikes. Live music is performed regularly in the property's concert hall.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Estes Park and nearby places