The narrative describes a visit to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, which is known for its paranormal activities. The hotel was founded by entrepreneur F.O. Stanley in 1909 and was initially a resort for wealthy guests. Over the years, the hotel gained a reputation for spooky happenings, with several rooms reportedly haunted.
According to legend, the room where acclaimed writer Stephen King stayed (room 217) is haunted by an early chief housekeeper named Elizabeth Wilson, who reportedly lights lanterns and haunts the room. Other rooms like 401 and 428 are also believed to house ghosts. The fourth floor is where guests have described seeing spectral youngsters playing throughout the hallways.
The hotel's history is intertwined with the works of Stephen King. It was during his stay here that he had a terrifying dream, which later inspired him to write the renowned horror novel, "The Shining". The hotel's location was used in the movie adaptation of the novel, but not on location at the Stanley Hotel itself.
Despite the hotel's ghostly reputation, it continues to operate successfully as a tourist destination. The hotel's management has added a hedge maze to its property, inspired by the movie adaptation of "The Shining". Guests can reserve a room for around $500 a night and learn about the hotel's history and folklore on various tours.
1. The text is about the Stanley Hotel, a resort in Estes Park, Colorado.
2. In 1974, a writer and his wife checked into the hotel during its winter season, as it was on the brink of closing.
3. They were the only guests at the time, and the man was struggling with alcoholism and writer's block.
4. The man, Stephen King, had a nightmare involving a fire hose that began chasing his three-year-old son.
5. After the nightmare, King began mapping out the plot of one of his most renowned horror novels, "The Shining".
6. The Stanley Hotel was built by entrepreneur Freeland Oscar Stanley in 1909, intended for wealthy guests and their families.
7. Stanley invented the photographic plate and the Stanley Steamer motor car.
8. The hotel is a large Georgian Revival mansion with white paneling, red roofs, and gothic-looking attic windows.
9. Before it was sold in 1930 and turned into a full hotel, the estate was invitation-only and a fashionable retreat for high society.
10. The hotel has a reputation for being haunted, with several ghosts reported, including those of Elizabeth Wilson, F.O. Stanley, and Flora Stanley.
11. Some rooms, such as room 217, are particularly haunted and have a reputation for eerie occurrences.
12. The hotel has been featured in popular culture, including the horror novel "The Shining" by Stephen King and the movie adaptation directed by Stanley Kubrick.
13. Despite its reputation for being haunted, the hotel is still in operation and a successful tourist destination.