You probably know the Stanley Hotel as The Shining hotel thanks to Stephen King, but it’s not all about the paranormal at this 140-year-old resort, which first opened in 1909. In the decades since, the iconic red-roofed venue overlooking Estes Park has maintained its historic charm while adding plenty of modern amenities. Whether you’re staying the night or popping by for a photo-op, there is a lot to enjoy at the Stanley Hotel.
Food & Drink
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is internationally recognized for its impressive Whiskey Bar & Lounge, located inside the Cascades Restaurant. It features Colorado’s largest lineup of whiskeys at more than 1,200 varieties and counting. (Lunch and dinner fare is also available.) For an even more curated experience, visit the Vault at the Stanley for an exclusive, private tasting of limited-edition whiskeys—many of which are one of only 200 or so bottles ever made.
Wine drinkers will enjoy 217 Wine Bar, situated in the Music Room, though we suggest taking your drink outside on the front porch to revel in the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. 217 wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon, was made exclusively for the hotel by Correlation Wine Company.
The food is equally inviting: Fine dining at Cascades Restaurant & Lounge; breakfast classics at Brunch & Co.; fried chicken at Colorado-born The Post Chicken and Beer; and fresh-made pies and coffees at Colorado Cherry Company.
Guided Tours
If you’re all about spooky fun, sign up for the Night Tour for a walk about the property featuring spirited folklore and tales of more recent paranormal phenomena. Or opt for The Shining Tour for an indoor/outdoor excursion focusing on Stephen King, including a tour of The Shining Suite.
Another unique offering is the Frozen Dead Guy Tour, which takes guests to the new International Cryogenics Museum. You’ll be introduced to ‘the Frozen Dead Guy,’ aka Bredo Morstoel, a Norwegian man whose body was put in a deep freeze and who Colorado has celebrated with an annual festival for more than 20 years.
Hauntings not your thing? The Historic Day Tour focuses on the Stanley Hotel’s history and architecture and spills the tea on the many celebrities who have graced its halls.
Note that children must be eight or older to participate in almost all Stanley Hotel tours, and 12 or older for the Frozen Dead Guy outing. All tours are an hour long and most are wheelchair-accessible.
Special Events
Estes Park is a charming mountain town, and our event calendar is world-class. For example, at Stanley Live, the Stanley Hotel’s music venue, you can enjoy concerts, fascinating lectures, festivals, and even murder mystery dinners. (All shows are 21+.)
The hotel also hosts a variety of other, open-to-the-public affairs, like a theatrical seance, an LGBTQ+ Night in 217 Wine Bar on the third Thursday of the month, and an illusionist who performs in a subterranean lounge hidden beneath the property’s original carriage house.
With so much to see and do, the Stanley Hotel offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and intrigue. Whether you’re sipping on a rare whiskey, exploring the “haunted” halls, or attending a lively event, the hotel promises an unforgettable experience. Get ready to immerse yourself fully in all that this iconic landmark has to offer.
