The Stanley Hotel is famous for its old world charm. Multiple renovations have restored this 140-room hotel to its original grandeur while offering over 14,000 square feet 

of sophisticated meeting and event space equipped with modern amenities. Only an hour away from Denver, it is the ideal destination for your Colorado getaway.

a spirited history

Estes Valley was once a wild, lonely parkland known only to wandering tribes of Ute and Arapaho. When the Earl of Dunraven visited in 1872, he coveted this “sportsman’s paradise” of rushing streams and peaceful meadows teeming with fish and game. He sought to keep the valley to himself as a private hunting preserve, but as more and more American settlers were drawn by its natural beauty, he realized that this dream could never be a reality.
 
The story of the Stanley Hotel itself began in 1903 when Yankee inventor Freelan Oscar Stanley arrived in the valley, weak and underweight from the symptoms of consumption. To his amazement, just one season here was enough to restore his health to better than before! Overjoyed, he vowed to return each summer for the rest of his life.

However, he and his wife Flora were used to the sophistication of East Coast society, and the little community of Estes Park offered little to stimulate and challenge this multi-talented genius.  Together, they resolved to build a beautiful grand hotel – and when the Stanley Hotel opened in 1909, the first guests who pulled up in stylish Stanley-designed steam cars were astonished at what they saw. Here in this mountain wilderness, surrounded by the rustic haunts of the hunter and homesteader, was an edifice that withstood comparison to the posh hotels “back east.” Electric lights, telephones, en suite bathrooms, a staff of uniformed servants and a fleet of automobiles were at their disposal. Naturally, Stanley had also done much to develop the burgeoning town. By 1917, it was an official municipality with water-works, a power plant and civic organizations that were all, in some way, thanks to Stanley.
 
By the 1970s the hotel’s splendor had faded due to lack of care and investment. It might have eventually have succumbed to the wrecking ball, if not for a fortuitous visit by author Stephen King. A stay of one night was enough to inspire his third major work and first hardcover bestseller The Shining, which remains a landmark masterpiece in a long and well-known list of novels.
 
The hotel stands today as a beautifully restored testament to its glory days, when it served as a holiday retreat for wealthy urbanites. A range of tours highlights the history of this magnificent historical structure while a tempting menu of amenities, culinary experiences and lavish spa treatments provides all the comfort and glamour required by even the most discerning modern visitors.
 
We invite you to partake in all the Stanley has to offer and hope that, when you visit, you will be able to feel the mantle of time slip away and see the hotel as it once stood. To find out more about the history, the haunting and the hotel's connection to Hollywood, join one of our daily tours.
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seasonal parking

Due to our high flow of traffic in the summer time we have created a parking token. It's a commemorative medallion, one side displays the Stanley Steamer with the year and the other exhibits our Historic Stanley Hotel. The day fee of $10 is payable to the Guard Gate attendee upon arrival. Parking is complimentary for all guests staying at the hotel, but is not valid for those who have a tours, restaurant, or entertainment ticket. New reservations made once on property do not apply and no refunds will be available after entrance. Please bring a confirmation email or booking reference number to provide to the attendee. The Medallion can be kept as a keepsake souvenir of your visit or you may redeem the coin at Colorado Cherry Co., and Cascades Restaurant for $5 off any purchase. Thank you.