ESTES PARK, Colo. – The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is home to many stories - perhaps none more famous than Stephen King's stay in Room 217. But paranormal activity abounds at the historic hotel.
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Built in 1909 by inventor Freelan Oscar (F.O.) Stanley on what once was Ute and Arapaho land, Rachael Thomas, the tours supervisor for the Stanley Hotel, says hotel staff believe it’s the location – and not the building itself – that brings forth the paranormal activity many experience on its grounds.
“Since I’ve been working here, I have heard voices. I’ve been touched. I’ve also been made physically ill on the fourth floor,” Thomas said.
But outside of Colorado, people know about the Stanley thanks to horror writer Stephen King, who is said to have taken inspiration for his 1977 novel “The Shining” after staying in the infamous Room 217 for one night.
Throughout the years, guests and staff members alike say they’ve seen, heard or even captured paranormal activity at the hotel. So is the hotel really haunted by ghosts or is it just a case of technology gone wrong? There’s only one way to find out – all you have to do is travel to Estes Park.