Sitting on the hill above town with the Rockies behind it, The Stanley Hotel is one of Estes Park's most famous landmarks, and one of my favorite places to send guests in any season. It opened in 1909, it inspired Stephen King's The Shining, and today it's home to fun tours, great food and a secret underground magic theater. Here's how to make the most of a visit.
Address: 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517 · (970) 577-4000
A little history
The hotel was built by F.O. Stanley, co-creator of the Stanley Steamer automobile, who came to Estes Park for his health, and it opened in 1909. He and his wife Flora shaped much of early Estes Park. More than a century later, the white hotel on the hill is still the landmark you'll spot from all over town.
The Shining connection
In 1974, Stephen King and his wife Tabitha stayed at the hotel just as it was closing for the winter, in Room 217. The nearly empty hotel inspired his 1977 novel The Shining. Here's a fun bit of trivia: Stanley Kubrick's 1980 movie wasn't filmed at The Stanley, but Stephen King's 1997 TV miniseries was.
The Stanley Hotel tours
The tours are the best way to see the hotel, and they're open to everyone, not just hotel guests. These are the tours the hotel lists right now:
- Historic Day Tour (60 minutes): the story of the hotel from 1909 to today, including Mr. and Mrs. Stanley, Stephen King and other famous guests, plus the architecture and folklore.
- The Stanley Ghost Tour (60 minutes): an after-dark walk to the hotel's most "active" spots, with the stories behind the documented hauntings. Spooky and a blast.
- The Shining Tour (60 minutes): the differences between the book, the 1980 movie and the 1997 miniseries. It includes a visit to The Shining Suite in the restored 1909 Caretaker's Cottage. This tour isn't wheelchair accessible.
- The Vault Whiskey Tour (60 minutes): a walk through Colorado's largest whiskey collection, with bottles you'll only find at The Stanley.
- Frozen Dead Guy Tour (40 minutes): a quirky look at the world of cryonics and the bizarre legend behind Estes Park's Frozen Dead Guy Days.
- Halloween Ghost Tour: a special one-day-only ghost tour on Halloween.
How to book
- Book online at stanleyhotel.com/tours. Advance reservations are recommended, and popular times sell out, especially in the evening and on rainy days.
- Children under 8 aren't permitted on tours, including babies in carriers or strollers.
- Pets aren't allowed on tours, so let your pup relax back at Bluebell.
- Arrive about 15 minutes early. Tours start on time and can't take late arrivals.
- Tickets can't be changed or refunded within 24 hours of the tour.
- Tours can include about 1¼ miles of walking and some stairs. Photos are fine, but audio and video recording aren't allowed.
- Questions? The tour office is on the hotel's lower level: (970) 577-4110.
- Parking: from May through October, day visitors pay a parking fee, which comes with a Stanley token you can use at outlets on the property.
Play Bluebell I Spy!: "Spot a ghost at the Stanley" is on our Bluebell I Spy! Estes Park & RMNP card, which guests get at the house, and so is the Stanley Hotel itself. Get the heebie-jeebies; it's part of the fun.
Aiden Sinclair's Underground
Hidden beneath The Post on the Stanley grounds, in the hotel's original Carriage House, is a secret underground theater, entered through a hidden bookcase door. Aiden Sinclair's Underground presents theatrical magic and mentalism, and it's unlike any "Vegas-style" magic show you've seen.
- Ages 12 and up. Children under 12 aren't admitted.
- Check the schedule for availability: shows run on select evenings (the theater currently lists Friday to Sunday), and they often sell out. Tickets are on aidensinclairsunderground.com.
- Shows run 60 to 90 minutes. Doors open 30 minutes early and seating is first come, first seated.
- Shows start right on time, and late arrivals aren't admitted. All ticket sales are final.
- Questions go to the theater directly at (970) 290-2361, not the hotel.
★★ Jeff & René's top pick: Aiden Sinclair's Underground is our #1 evening recommendation in Estes Park, and we love it. If you think Oz Pearlman is great, you'll love Aiden Sinclair. Grab a drink at The Post upstairs before the show, and book ahead.
Dining at The Stanley
You don't have to stay at the hotel to eat there. The Stanley lists these restaurants and bars on the property (hours change with the seasons, so check before you go):
- MacGregor Chophouse: a classic steakhouse in a room with real history.
- Cascades Restaurant & Lounge: relaxed, family-friendly American food with a Colorado spirit, plus a whiskey bar.
- Post Beer & Chicken: house-brewed beers, seasonal cocktails and modern Colorado food. It's also right upstairs from the Underground.
- 217 Wine Bar: small bites and wine (yes, it's named for the famous room).
- The Whiskey Vault: Colorado's largest selection of whiskeys and single malt scotches.
- Colorado Cherry Company: grab-and-go coffee and baked goods.
Stanley Chocolate Factory and the carousel
Down in town, the Stanley Chocolate Factory (157 W. Elkhorn Ave.) is a sweet add-on to your Stanley day. Browse handmade chocolates and gifts, or book a hands-on experience like making your own chocolate bar (ages 5 and up), a chocolate and wine tasting, or paint and sip. Shop visits don't need a reservation, but book the experiences ahead. There's also a brand-new carousel for the kids (riders must be 42 inches or taller; check carousel hours before you go).
Shows and events
The Stanley hosts concerts, comedy and special events all year through Stanley Live, plus seasonal favorites like The Shining Ball in October. I keep the upcoming ones on my Estes Park events calendar.
My tips for your Stanley day
- Pair it with downtown: lunch at Penelope's, then a caramel apple from Laura's on Elkhorn Avenue. My restaurant guide has more favorites.
- Perfect for a stormy afternoon: a Stanley tour is at the top of my rainy-day guide.
- Make it a date night: a tour, dinner on the property and a show at the Underground. More ideas are in my romantic getaway guide.
- With kids: tours are for ages 8 and up, and the Underground is 12 and up. Younger kids will love the chocolate factory and carousel. See my Estes Park with kids guide.
- Elk sightings: elk wander all over Estes Park, so if you spot some on your way up the hill, enjoy them from at least 75 feet away.
Before you go, read my guide on how to safely enjoy wildlife: Estes Park Wildlife Safety Guide
FAQ
Do you have to stay at The Stanley Hotel to take a tour? No. Tours are open to the public. Advance reservations are recommended.
How old do you have to be for Stanley Hotel tours? Children under 8 aren't permitted on tours. Aiden Sinclair's Underground is for ages 12 and up.
How long are the Stanley Hotel tours? Most tours, including the Historic Day Tour, Ghost Tour, Shining Tour and Vault Whiskey Tour, last about 60 minutes. The Frozen Dead Guy Tour is about 40 minutes.
Was The Shining filmed at The Stanley Hotel? Stanley Kubrick's 1980 movie wasn't filmed there, but Stephen King's 1997 TV miniseries was. King stayed at the hotel in 1974, in Room 217.
Can I bring my dog to The Stanley Hotel tours? No. Pets aren't permitted on tours. Bluebell Mountain House is pet-friendly, so your pup has a cozy place to relax while you explore.
Is there a fee to park at The Stanley? From May through October, day visitors pay a parking fee, which includes a Stanley token to use on the property.
After a spooky night at The Stanley, it's nice to come home to somewhere cozy. Bluebell Mountain House is pet-friendly and about 3 minutes from the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance, with an electric fireplace and a propane fire pit (with a s'mores kit) for winding down. I'd love to host you.