Estes Park is a small mountain town in northern Colorado, located at the base of the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is also home to the famous Stanley Hotel, the location where the 1980 horror movie The Shining was filmed.
History of Estes Park and The Stanley Hotel
Estes Park is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just outside of Denver, Colorado. The town was founded in 1859 by Joel Estes, who built a ranch and began to bring cattle to the area. As the town grew, it became a popular summer resort for tourists from the Denver area, and by the early twentieth century, the Stanley Hotel had opened its doors.
The Stanley Hotel was built in 1909 by Freelan Oscar Stanley, who was the founder of the Stanley Steamer motor car company. The hotel was an instant success and quickly became a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Today, it still stands as one of the most iconic hotels in the United States.
The Shining Filming Locations
The Stanley Hotel was the primary filming location for the 1980 horror movie, The Shining. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the movie starred Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. The exterior of the hotel was used in many of the film’s scenes, and several interior sets were constructed within the hotel itself.
The hotel provided the perfect backdrop for the movie’s dark and sinister atmosphere, and it was even featured in the movie’s iconic poster. The movie was a huge success, and the Stanley Hotel has since become a popular tourist destination for fans of the movie.
Things to Do at The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including guided tours of the hotel, live music performances, and fine dining. Guests can also explore the hotel’s haunted past on a ghost tour, or take a drive to the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park.
The hotel also hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and special events related to The Shining. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the hotel also offers spa treatments and a variety of outdoor activities.
Hotel Accommodations at The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, from standard rooms to luxury suites. Visitors can choose from a range of options, including executive rooms, family rooms, and suites. The hotel also offers a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, a heated pool, and a full-service restaurant.
Getting to The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is located in Estes Park, Colorado, just 45 minutes from Denver International Airport. The hotel is easily accessible by car, and there is also a free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. For those looking to explore the area further, there are also several public transportation options available, including buses and shuttles.