The Stanley Hotel: Ghosts, Magic, Mazes & More

We had more fun at The Stanley than I imagined we would—a lot more. Some of you know I live in Loveland, “down the canyon” from Estes Park, a popular little mountain town. Because of its proximity to Denver, it gets a lot of traffic (both the foot and vehicle kind).

If you are a Colorado Front Range dweller, like myself, I’d recommend going to Estes Park during off times. While it’s beautiful, the crowds can be a bit much for a longtime Coloradan like myself. But this trip was a reminder that Estes Park is worth exploring.

We visited in late November, before Thanksgiving but after the height of leaf peeping and elk watchers, although there are elk in Estes Park throughout the winter. It had been at least a decade since I’d last stayed at The Stanley. I went to a conference there once. I think it was the Colorado Festivals & Events Tradeshow that no longer happens. I used to be a frequent speaker at that event.

On that trip our room was in The Lodge, which is adjacent to The Stanley as are the other two lodging options on the property: The Residences and Aspire Hotel & Spa.

This November, our room, #222, was in The Stanley Hotel. There is something about being in the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining” that seems exhilarating. The hotel was also in “Dumb & Dumber,” all hail Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels).

Over the years, the property has become a full-service destination. In fact, with so many restaurant options, a wine bar and whiskey bar, a whiskey cellar called The Vault, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, a shopping boutique, and so much more, one would have to stay for a week to do it all. There are also numerous tours—history, ghosts—a magic show and seance. But I am getting ahead of myself.

The Estes Park Museum & the Town

A trip to Estes Park should start with a visit to the museum. I am a longtime fan, and although it’s changed a bit since my last visit, it still tells the town’s story straightforwardly and fascinatingly; from the historical beginnings to the Duck Race this past summer.

Estes Park has always been a “tourist” town and was not founded on the traditional industries in other Colorado mountain towns of the 1800s, namely mining. The museum provides comprehensive background information for a visit to this beautiful place. Do not miss the museum’s gallery in an old park building at the back of the property.

Since its founding in 1962, the museum has been collecting art and continues that tradition today. This region has always drawn painters—look up and you’ll see why. Estes Park is located in a majestic and inspiring landscape. The museum has a large collection of art with different shows every year or so. I was intrigued by what is currently on display.

Featuring three breweries, the #1 candy store in the country, an excellent beer bar for out-of-staters called The Barrel, top-rated New York pizza (go figure), and a lot of t-shirt shops, one may be led to think that Estes Park is a shopping town extraordinaire, and one would be right. However, there’s much to do besides boozing, eating and shopping.

Located at the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, a plethora of winter activities are available around Estes Park. One of my most memorable outings at RMNP was a guided snowshoe tour with a park ranger.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the United States. However, the quietness of the winter is enchanting. Any time I’ve spent here during the snowy months has been magical.

On this visit, we made a stop at Coffee on the Rocks, because I was in desperate need of caffeine. The setting of this Estes Park coffee shop is ideal whatever the season. In addition to outstanding coffee and a warm and inviting main room, there are ducks. Of course, that means I was in Heidi Heaven!

Back to The Stanley

On this trip, we spent most of our time at The Stanley. We had not intended to do this, however, there was just so much to do and see here, including a Hedge Maze. Apparently, the maze has been here for a while now, although it was new to me.

Look! Just like in “The Shining!”

After checking in, we visited The Post for a late lunch. The restaurant is one of three on the hotel property. This Colorado fried chicken joint, with several locations, opened here in the summer of 2021.

My tip is to sit at the bar and share half a chicken with your honey. They also have their Post craft beer and a couple of other Colorado beers on tap. I was happily surprised by the affordability of sharing a half chicken. With all the sides, it’s a decent-sized meal for two people.

Next, we explored The Stanley, tasting some whiskey at The Vault followed by a finger of whiskey in the hotel lobby. We’d had a late lunch so we each ordered a cup of delicious bison chili for dinner at the whiskey bar before our next adventure; Ryan had splurged on tickets for The Stanley magic show.

I’d be remiss, however, if I didn’t note that the bartender at The Stanley’s whiskey bar is the best I’ve witnessed in at least five years. The bartenders at the whiskey bar don’t just tend to patrons at the bar, they also make drinks for people who imbibe in The Stanley’s lobby, featuring two, real, roaring fireplaces.

He could take orders, take money, and pour drinks, seemingly at the same time, and without appearing stressed—impressive!

Tickets for Adien Sinclair’s Underground are $45 each. Happening all year, the theater has been purpose-built under The Post. While I won’t reveal much, I will say that the show is well worth the price of admission. We were thoroughly entertained.

Loads of people were on guided tours during our time at The Stanley. They’d pass by, a bubbly group with an equally excited tour guide. The first time I stayed at the hotel, I did a ghost tour and I do remember our guide, by far the best I’ve ever had. I believe The Stanley tour guides have always been held to a higher standard.

Next time, we want to do 13 A Seance at The Stanley. At $95 per ticket, it was a little steep for a spur-of-the-moment purchase, but I do not doubt it’s delightfully disturbing. Seances and magic shows were popular activities at the beginning of the hotel’s existence (1909).

 

After a wonderful night of sleep—it wasn’t interrupted by ghosts at all—we dined at Brunch & Co. A lovely brunch spot inside The Lodge, adjacent to The Stanley.

A beautiful bluebird day that reminded us of why we love Colorado, and why a visit to the state’s most haunted hotel is most definitely a must.

Thank you to Visit Estes Park for hosting our stay.