The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, CO
11/10/2002

Found Online This majestic Georgian style hotel in the Rockies was built by F.O. Stanley. He also created the Stanley Steam Engine and owned the company Stanley Steamers, which made horseless carriages, run by steam. He moved out west due to ill health. After his health improved during his stay in Estes Park he started work on the Stanley Hotel, and it opened for business in 1909. Mr. Stanley’s apparition has been seen by many, particularly in the lobby and the Billiard Room, which was his favorite room in life. During one tour group’s visit to the Billiard Room, he materialized behind a member of the tour. Mrs. Flora Stanley, his wife, also haunts the hotel, continuing to entertain guests with her piano playing. Music is heard, and when people look into the room they can see the keys of the piano moving, but everything stops as soon as someone crosses the threshold to investigate further. Room 418 seems to be a center of activity. Cleaning crews have heard many strange noises from the empty room, and have seen imprints on the bed even when it has not been booked. Children are heard playing in the hallway at night. One couple checked out very early, saying the children in the hallway kept them up all night, but there were no children booked in the hotel at that time.

Our Investigation We were there from 2:30pm - 5pm on Nov 10, 2002. The outside temp upon arrival was 25°F (-3.8°C). While in the ballroom I had the feeling of being watched, no matter where I was in the room. It felt strongest while sitting on the piano bench. After a bit in there, I wandered over to the Pinon Billiard Rooms. In the first room, was a dinner table fancily set up and the fireplace was not lit. Walking into the room where the billiard tables should have been, there were none. Although looking at the floor, one could see where the tables would have been. On one wall was some of the original billiard balls and cues. There was a sense of peace in there, and also many orbs. Heading upstairs to the hotel rooms, with each floor, there was a growing sense of unease. Once on the fourth floor, my head started spinning and it felt as though things had closed in around me. If I had to compare the fourth floor to anything, I’d say it’s comparable to being in mud. After a few moments of collecting myself, I wandered the halls. Some rooms didn’t have number plates. Rather a number that was just penciled in. I did find it sort of funny and ironic that the top of the doorframe of 420 was rather crooked. There was about a half-inch lift at one end. Standing in front of room 401 and 418 gave me the chills and shudders. On the opposite side of the hall from room 401, is a very narrow and extremely steep staircase to the roof. Going up the stairs, being outside with the brisk air and the wonderful view was a great break from the fourth floor. Once back down and on the other end of the hotel, I made my to the second floor. There was room 217, The Steven King Room. After a short walk down the hall and down some more stairs, I was back in the lobby. I visited the Music Room once more and also the Pinon Billiard Room for a bit, taking more pictures in each.
If you would like more information on the hotel, go to http://www.stanleyhotel.com.

Photo Link
(Click on photos to enlarge.)
http://www.xobic.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=thestanleyhotel