The Stanley Hotel is a popular landmark in Estes Park. Contrary to common belief, while the hotel inspired Stephen King's novel 'The Shining', the author was not actually staying at the hotel when he penned the novel. Nor was the movie filmed there, although parts of the mini-series based on the same story were. Local legend has it that the hotel is haunted by several apparitions including Flora Stanley, wife of Freelan Stanley who had the hotel built in 1907 after falling in love with the area.
While the Hotel is a stunning piece of architecture, the real breath taking beauty can be seen directly across from the hotel in the panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains.
