The real "The Shining" | Legends of the Stanley Hotel

 Nestled in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel boasts a rich history, stunning scenery, and, perhaps most importantly, a reputation as one of the most haunted places in the United States.

This hotel has been operating since 1909. It was designed as a luxurious, elegant retreat for the wealthy and served as a symbol of Colorado's growing tourism industry. Over the years, its original purpose has faded and the hotel has become known for its paranormal activity. Here are some of the most famous ones associated with the Stanley Hotel:

1. Ghost Concert: One of the most frequently reported paranormal phenomena at the Stanley Hotel is the mysterious sound of a piano playing in the ballroom even when the room is empty. Guests and staff described hearing melodies emanating from the piano, with no apparent source. Some believe that this ghostly serenade is the work of Flora Stanley, wife of the hotel's founder F.O. Stanley. Flora was an accomplished pianist in her lifetime, and her love of music may have transcended her existence. It's as if she continues to provide enchanting music for guests in the afterlife.
2. Disappearing Bar Attendant: In the hotel's billiard room, guests report encountering a bartender named Paul who suddenly disappears. Paul is said to be a former employee who enjoyed his job so much that he still serves drinks in the afterlife. Guests described seeing him behind the bar, engaged in conversation, only to disappear without a trace moments later. It is impossible to assess whether someone with that name actually worked at this hotel over the last 100 years. This phenomenon is often attributed to the strong connection the alleged apparition shared with the hotel while alive. His continued presence in the billiard hall suggests that he has found great fulfillment in his work, and his spirit remains to provide guests with an unforgettable experience.
3. Room 217: This is probably the most famous paranormal hotspot at the Stanley Hotel. Over the years, many guests have reported experiencing unexplained phenomena while staying in this room. These include flickering lights, unpacking and organizing luggage, and the sensation of a ghostly presence caressing their bedsheets as they struggle to sleep. Room 217 is said to be associated with the spirit of Elizabeth Wilson, a former hotel hostess who lived in the early 20th century. According to legend, Mrs. Wilson was injured in an explosion while lighting the lamps in the room. Guests who stay in this room often report feeling her presence and witnessing her acts of kindness.
4. Children's laughter: The sounds of children laughing and playing are often heard in the corridors of the Stanley Hotel, especially on the fourth floor. These disembodied sounds of joy and merriment have been reported by many visitors. Some believe that these spooky sounds come from the ghosts of children who once stayed at the hotel or lived in the area and were attracted to its aura. The remnants of their youthful energy still linger within the historic walls of the hotel.

The Stanley Hotel gained even greater fame when famous author Stephen King stayed there with his wife in 1974. King was the only guest at the time as the hotel was closed for the winter season. The eerie emptiness of the hotel and its long, empty corridors inspired King's novel "The Shining." Stanley Kubrick's subsequent film adaptation further cemented the Stanley Hotel's place in popular culture.

Today, the Stanley Hotel lives up to its haunted reputation. It offers ghost tours, paranormal research, and even themed parties for those who want to experience the supernatural firsthand. Many visitors hope to catch a glimpse of the otherworldly inhabitants who are said to still roam the historic corridors.