By Susan Berg
2009 marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, this famous hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The Stanley has hosted a number of dignitaries and celebrities, and is rumored to permanently host a number of ghosts as well.
About the Founder
The Stanley Hotel was built by F.O. Stanley of Stanley Steamer automobile fame. Stanley moved out west to Estes Park, Colorado, on advice of his doctors due to his poor health.
Arrival in Estes Park
Upon his arrival in Estes Park, Stanley was disappointed by the amenities of the town and decided to build his own accommodations. Stanley purchased 160 acres from Lord Dunraven, an Irish earl who owned a large number of acres in the area.
Construction
Construction on the Main Building began in 1907. It took 2 years to complete. The hotel opened to the public in 1909.
Famous Guests
Guests who have graced the hallways of the Stanley Hotel include Theodore Roosevelt, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, John Philip Sousa and Stephen King.
Infamous Guests
The Stanley Hotel is said to be home to a number of ghostly inhabitants. Rooms 407, 418, 217 and 401 are said to be particularly haunted.
Inspiration
The Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King's "The Shining." Parts of the hotel were used in the filming of the made-for-television miniseries version of "The Shining." (The Stanley Kubrick-directed movie was filmed elsewhere.)
About the Author:
A writer and editor based in southeastern Wyoming, Susan Berg has over ten years of experience in the field. Berg earned a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Dayton. Her work has been published in the "Dayton Daily News" and online at websites including BiologyBiozine.com, Wcities.com, Trails.com, Travels.com and eHow.com.
