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Stanley Hotel Shining Tour Review: The Supernatural Birthplace of an Iconic Horror Film

Estes Park, Colorado, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, but it also holds a significant place in cinematic history.

The iconic Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, has a profound connection to one of the most legendary horror films of all time, “The Shining.” For visitors seeking a unique experience, the hotel provides an opportunity to delve into the origins of “The Shining” (both the book and the movie).

Below, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this tour, which is part Shining history and part ghost tour. I’ll tell you what to expect and ultimately help you decide whether or not it’s worth it, so be sure to keep on reading!

Table of Contents

What is the Stanley Hotel Shining tour?

The Stanley Hotel Shining tour takes you back to the origins of the Shining story by Stephen King, providing fascinating and some might even say chilling insights into its creation.

You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Shining, whether that be getting extra familiar with the infamous room 217 or catching a glimpse of one of the most iconic horror movie props.

The tour also incorporates the eerie ghost stories associated with the Stanley Hotel, adding a touch of spookiness as it delves into the property’s historical background.

Related: Stanley Home Museum Review: An Estes Park Legacy Unveiled

Booking the Stanley Hotel Shining tour

You can book tours online here and the prices are $30 per person. There is a limit of 10 people per tour and children under the age of eight are not allowed.

How to get to the Stanley Hotel Shining tour

As mentioned, the tour takes place on the Stanley hotel property.

In order to park anywhere on the property you need to pay $10 at the entrance gate so if you want to avoid that you may be able to find nearby parking and simply walk over to the premises.

After you park, you want to head over to the main building which is the building with the clock tower on top.

There will be a side entrance for tours which you can follow and as you make your way down the hall you’ll come across a desk where you can check in for your experience and get issued your special tour sticker.

I recommend arriving around 20 to 30 minutes early.

This will give you some time to explore the grounds of the hotel on your own time, including some of the art installations out front and of course the hedge maze (this was not used in the movie).

If you pay for parking you will also receive a special token that could be used to get a discount at the gift shop or one of the restaurants. Even if you don’t use the token, it’s still a really cool coin to hold onto.

The Stanley Hotel Shining tour

The experience begins in a little lounge area where you will wait for your animated tour guide.

Here, you may have scenes from the TV series of the Shining playing and you can also check out a number of different artifacts.

When your guide arrives, you’ll be briefed on the experience that awaits you.

One of the biggest things you find out from the beginning is the lack of cinematic footprints here: none of the scenes from the Shining movie were filmed at the hotel.

Don’t let that fact steal any of your enthusiasm though because the Stanley Hotel maintains a profound connection to the Shining

First, it was at this very place where the seeds of Stephen King’s iconic story were sown (which you will hear all the details about).

While I love seeing actual movie sets and sites used in movies , at the end of the day, it is the storytelling that truly imbues them with meaning. And you get to visit the grounds where this haunting tale first unfolded. With the help of your tour guide you’ll be taken back to what it must’ve been like when those first stories started to emerge in Stephen King’s mind as he stayed at this hotel, just as it was shutting down for the winter.

In addition to Stephen King’s personal experience, the hotel’s own ghost stories played a significant role in inspiring the chilling narrative of the Shining. These haunting tales — accumulated over the hotel’s long and storied existence — have left a lasting impact on numerous individuals throughout the decades. From premature room check outs to employees abandoning their posts, ghosts have caused quite a supernatural stir here.

During the tour, you will have the unique opportunity to step foot into the actual locations where these supernatural occurrences have been reported. Whether you choose to embrace the thrill or prefer to observe from a distance, you’ll be able to visit the very spots where these events unfolded.

The tour began by taking us to the MacGregor Room.

Here, you will gain profound insights into the hotel’s story and its enduring struggle for survival throughout the 1900s. Through engaging narratives, you will learn about the challenges faced by the Stanley Hotel during harsh winters when heating was not yet available and reliable roads were absent, isolating this remote establishment in this mountainous valley.

As you immerse yourself in this room, you will uncover the evolution it has undergone, which included the influence of Stephen King himself.

Did you know? Some of the Shining TV series was filmed here and you can find some props from the series. Ask your tour guide about a QR code to find the TV series.

After the MacGregor Room, we moved to the outside.

It was from here that we had a view of the very room that Stephen King stayed in when he found inspiration for the Shining. This particular room holds immense significance and is known as Room 217. Interestingly, you may find the room number sounds roughly familiar, as it differs slightly from the room depicted in the movie adaptation, which is Room 237.

The difference in room numbers between the book and the movie adaptation stems from a creative decision made by Stanley Kubrick, the director of the Shining film. It is speculated that Kubrick intentionally altered the room number to 237 to avoid creating any potential controversy at the location where filming took place — the Timberline Lodge in Oregon.

Did you know? The opening scenes were actually shot near Glacier National Park in Montana.

As you stand on the lawn in front of the property, a fascinating tale awaits you — one that revolves around one of the most renowned ghosts of the hotel: Elizabeth Wilson, the former head chambermaid. Prepare to be captivated as you delve into the stories surrounding her spectral presence and the interactions she has had with hotel guests over the years.

Through captivating narratives, you will learn about the type of guests she prefers and those who may not meet with her favor. You might be surprised to discover that even high-profile guests have encountered the mischievous antics of Elizabeth Wilson.

While you find yourself outside, be sure to indulge in the breathtaking vistas that grace the property. The views from the Stanley Hotel are nothing short of phenomenal, offering a captivating panorama of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Among the awe-inspiring peaks that adorn the horizon, Long’s Peak stands tall, showcasing its snow-peaked grandeur.

If you opt for the nighttime tour, your mountain views might be limited, but the ambiance will be enhanced, creating a spookier atmosphere that adds to the experience.

However, choosing a later tour time may result in larger groups, potentially diminishing the intimate connection you would otherwise have with your tour guide. It also might make it easier for you to get lost or left behind in some of these haunted chambers…. Just kidding (hopefully).

After getting acquainted with one of the ghosts of the Stanley hotel, it was time for some more paranormal activity.

Our guide took us to one of the structures used for housing when the property was built. This smaller, two story structure is not in great condition but it safe to go into, at least safe for your physical safety.

Within the walls of this historic building, you will delve into the realm of recent paranormal events. The guide will share intriguing stories, shedding light on encounters with otherworldly entities. Brace yourself for a spine-tingling experience as you are even shown photographic evidence of the residence ghost.

If you possess the courage, you will have the opportunity to wander through the shadowy corridors where this ghostly presence has been sighted. The dimly lit passageways hold an eerie atmosphere, inviting you to explore the realm where the line between the living and the supernatural blurs.

Despite my reluctance to buy into ghost stories, this was the one spot where I couldn’t deny the goosebumps I felt. I was officially a little bit spooked, as much as I hate to admit it.

Before you leave this haunted dormitory, make sure you get a photo op with the re-created door from the infamous “Here’s Johnnyyy!!!” scene, which Jack Nicholson actually improvised.

After turning up the spookiness, it was time for us to enter my favorite part of the tour: The Ground Keeper’s cottage.

This is a wonderfully restored building that will take you back in time with antique furniture that has revived its historical charm and elegance.

You’ll be able to walk through the old living quarters of the hotel’s grounds keeper. Learn about the family and their famous little dog as you take in the artifacts from a bygone era.

Once that’s over, it’s time to head upstairs.

As you ascend to the upper floors, get ready for two of the most captivating highlights of the tour, intimately connected to the Shining.

If you prefer to keep the surprises intact, I invite you to stop scrolling now. However, if you’re eager to build up even more excitement for your tour, allow me to give you a glimpse of what awaits you.

First, you’ll head upstairs where they will be three different rooms including the Shining Suite, the Twin’s Room, and the Caretaker’s Suite.

The Shining Suite is a cool bedroom where you can find some interesting artifacts like the infamous party that never ends photograph featuring Jack Nicholson and a rug that harkens back to the movie.

But what really is going to blow your mind is one of the axes from the filming of The Shining — a prop that has been valued in the six figures. This remarkable piece of cinematic history was generously donated by an anonymous benefactor and was recently obtained by the hotel.

Learn about the struggles Jack Nicholson faced with this axe and how he incorporated it into his performance as you look upon one of the most iconic pieces of horror film history.

But that’s not all you’re going to see you. You’ll also be able to step into a re-creation of the infamous bathroom from room 237. Find out how the set was specifically designed to bring a chilling effect to viewers and then get your own re-creation of one of the most disturbing scenes from the movie.

You’ll find a couple of other little treasures up there that will pique your interest so make sure you snoop around and check out this unique and historic hotel room which apparently goes for something like $60,000 per night.

I was a little bit reluctant about doing this tour only because I knew the Shining was not actually filmed at this location and I actually considered doing a ghost tour over this one to take advantage of this paranormal location.

But the creators of this tour do an excellent job of filling you in with interesting insight about the movie and its creation that started at this property.

It also is essentially a ghost tour as well as you learn about the different ghosts that haunt the property and you even have an opportunity to have an encounter of your own.

So for anyone who is a fan of the Shining and/or ghost tours, I would definitely say that the tour is worth it.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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The Stanley Hotel Tours

The Stanley Hotel

About the stanley hotel.

• Hotel Room You’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi for free

The Stanley Hotel is a uniquely designed venue in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado. It invites guests to choose from a variety of accommodation options. Unlike other hotels, it has four different styles to choose from, Residences - contemporary and expansive condominiums; Aspire - one to three bedroom apartment style residences; The Stanley, which offers historic-style hotel rooms; and The Lodge which features a boutique feel and updated yet historically styled hotel rooms.

The classic Stanley Hotel is known for its charm and character. Over the years, it has also become known for the many modern amenities that visitors are treated to. Some of the most popular include 42-inch HDTVs, free Wi-Fi, seven Tesla supercharge stations, and stunning views of the surrounding courtyard and the Rocky Mountains.

With so much to offer it's no wonder that The Stanley Hotel has become one of the most in-demand wedding locations in the area. Those interested are invited to choose from a number of all-inclusive packages which include: complimentary dance floor, champagne toast for couple and guests, menu tastings for weddings of at least 75 guests, a professional banquet staff, and complete custom set up and tear down.

The Stanley Hotel is also a popular venue for meetings, conferences, and corporate retreats. It boasts over 14,000 square feet of outdoor space and another 13,000 square feet of indoor space which makes it easy to accommodate meetings and functions of all sizes. The on-site planner is there to help make a company conference or meeting one that employees won't soon forget.

Photos of The Stanley Hotel

Latest deals for the stanley hotel.

* Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.

Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees

Amenities at The Stanley Hotel

• Fitness center
• Room service
• Meeting/Banquet facilities
• ATM on-site
• 24hr front desk

Services and conveniences

• Refrigerator

Parking and transportation

• EV charging station

Accessibility and suitability

• Increased accessibility

Things to do

• Storage available

Health and safety

Reviews of The Stanley Hotel

All reviews are collected from real users with a verified booking made with KAYAK or one of our trusted external partners.

Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

What's nearby

• Reel Mountain Theater 0.3 mi
• Historic Park Theater 0.6 mi
• Mrs. Walsh's Garden 0.7 mi
• Estes Park Aerial Tramway 0.8 mi
• MacGregor Ranch Museum 0.9 mi
• Estes Park Museum 1 mi
• Lake Estes Marina 1.5 mi
• Estes Park Memorial Observatory 1.5 mi
• Estes Park Golf Course 1.8 mi
• Beaver Meadows Visitor Center 2.5 mi
• Kruger Rock 3.6 mi
• Historic Fall River Hydroplant 3.7 mi

When to book a room at The Stanley Hotel

Top tips for your stay at the stanley hotel.

• How long should you stay at The Stanley Hotel? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 1 day.

FAQs when booking at The Stanley Hotel

Why does the stanley hotel look so familiar.

The Stanley Hotel has an impressive history and has often been used as a filming location – you may recognize it as the inspiration for the iconic horror film "The Shining". Guests can tour the public areas of the legendary building on a day or night tour, which will delve into the history of the hotel and acquaint you with the stories associated with it. Note that both tours have an age limit as some of the content can be a little scary.

Does the Stanley Hotel host any regular events?

There are plenty of events going on at the Stanley Hotel, from live music and theater performances to interactive experiences like murder mystery dinners. Regular events also include a stargazing and storytelling session, which is held every evening from Thursday to Sunday and ends with an outdoor movie screening and s’mores.

What kinds of outdoor activities are on offer at the Stanley Hotel?

Thanks to its location near the Rocky Mountains, the hotel is able to offer adventure enthusiasts a wide range of thrilling activities. A partnership with a local adventure center means that all activities can be booked through the hotel, including plenty of rock climbing.

Does the Stanley Hotel organize any tours or excursions?

The vast majority of the tours and excursions offered by the Stanley Hotel involve the great outdoors – a wide range of guided hikes will allow you to get acquainted with the local area, including essentials like lunch, snacks and adventure equipment, plus storytelling and explanations about local flora and fauna. Other tour options include a via ferrata traverse, a trip to Sky Pond and the Lake of Glass, and a night of cliff camping, which sees adrenaline seekers spend a night suspended on the side of a cliff.

Which is the best room at the Stanley Hotel?

If you’re coming to the hotel for its historic appeal, you may well want to stay in one of the "Spirited Rooms". Located in the main building, these are among the most requested rooms and are famed for their paranormal activity. Iconic room numbers include Suite 217 (made famous by Stephen King), and rooms 401, 407 and 428.

What is the best way to get to the Stanley Hotel from the airport?

The journey from Denver International Airport to the Stanley Hotel takes around 1h 30m depending on traffic. Metered taxis will be rather expensive, so it may be best to book a pre-arranged transfer service or opt for a rental car. A relatively cost-effective option is to take the shared Estes Park Shuttle, which departs several times a day from the airport and costs $45 per person for a one-way ticket.

What are the options for dining at the Stanley Hotel?

Dining at the Stanley Hotel includes comfortable indoor surroundings, al fresco tables, a covered patio and a seasonal outdoor bar. The famous Cascades restaurant focuses on classic American dishes made with high-quality local ingredients, while the Colorado Cherry Company is the place to go for a quick snack of ice cream, pastries or sandwiches. Finally, refined palates will delight in the sophisticated surroundings of the Whiskey Bar, which offers a wide range of premium spirits and fine wines.(Prices checked 05/06/19).

Where is The Stanley Hotel located?

The Stanley Hotel is located at 333 Wonderview Avenue, 0.4 miles from the center of Estes Park. Reel Mountain Theater is the closest landmark to The Stanley Hotel.

When is check-in time and check-out time at The Stanley Hotel?

Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM at The Stanley Hotel.

Does The Stanley Hotel offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, The Stanley Hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

How far is The Stanley Hotel from the airport?

The Stanley Hotel is 27.1 miles from Loveland Northern Colorado. The Stanley Hotel is 57.5 miles from Denver Intl.

How does KAYAK find such great The Stanley Hotel hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at The Stanley Hotel and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for The Stanley Hotel.

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