Although the Preston Hotel, is a fictitious hotel, its inspiration lies in the historic Stanley Hotel. The mysterious Stanley Hotel touts itself as a hotel “7500 feet above ordinary.” Listed on the Historic Registry and featured as one of the most haunted hotels in America, I definitely agree. My husband and I had the pleasure of staying there on several occasions
Of interest
The Stanley Hotel attracts a variety of guests from all over the world, offers unusual tours, and its décor takes you back in time. There are:
- guests including frequent visitors from various “ghost buster” groups,
- ghost tours,
- museum pieces, and
- the fact that it inspired the setting for movies, a television series, and Stephen King’s book The Shining, as well as my own – After the Verdict — It’s a fun place to visit.
They even offer a Ghost Adventure Package. What would F.O. Stanley think? I wonder…
F.O. Stanley
F.O. Stanley, famous for his Steamer among other things, moved west because of his health. He suffered from symptoms of consumption and found reprieve after he arrived in Estes Park, Colorado, the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Excited about his health benefits, he wanted to build a hotel replete with all the eastern amenities he found the area lacking in.
He bought 160 acres from Lord Dunraven (more on him later) and initially built the main building of the Stanley Hotel. When it opened in 1909, it was the first hotel in the area to offer posh amenities like electricity, telephones, bathrooms en suite, and automobiles. It attracted visitors from all over, especially those who searched for a similar reprieve for their health.
Stanley, in some form or another, helped develop the town. By 1917, the municipality was official with civic organizations, a power plant, and water works. Together with his wife Flora, he worked to create the Rocky Mountain National Park, probably his most lasting legacy. His efforts went a long way toward his friendship with Kyle Mills, a renowned naturalist.
By the 1970’s, this grand hotel was no longer grand. Faded by the wear and tear of time, it earned the reputation of being haunted. But for Stephen King’s stay which inspired his best-selling novel, The Shining, the hotel might have ceased to exist. In the next post on the Stanley Hotel, we’ll explore one of the most popular rooms in the hotel — the one frequented by many prominent guests and the ghost of Mrs. Wilson.
What historic hotels have you visited?
Book Two in my Search & Recovery International Series, After the Verdict, is available on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4a7UVOv
A missing groom, a murdered attorney, a massive snowstorm—what else can go wrong with what was supposed to be a storybook wedding?
Gutsy Colorado lawyer Briana Bertelli has just successfully prosecuted a serial killer…or has she? Betrayed in previous relationships, she’s vowed to remain single and dependent on no one but herself. All goes according to plan until her best friend’s wedding rehearsal
Highly decorated, retired Special Forces veteran Kale McLaren has seen much death and is ready to experience a new life.
Now the Chief Operating Officer of a global special ops organization, he’s looking forward to a relaxing weekend at a friend’s wedding. The last thing he expects is to be brought face-to-face with death and the most intriguing woman he has ever met … Briana. With the highest of stakes and time running out, can Briana and Kale combine forces to discover what happened after the verdict? Book Two in my Search & Recovery International Series, After the Verdict, is available at: https://amzn.to/4a7UVO
You do not need to read the first book in the series, Search Beyond Lies, in order to enjoy the second. You can find the first in the series, Search Beyond Lies at : https://amzn.to/3ueVmTO
Search Beyond Lies is a work of fiction, inspired by true events.
On July 5, 2018, Brian Perri was reported missing on Mount Meeker, one of the most dangerous mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. A selfie revealed his last known location was the summit. Search Beyond is a work of fiction, whose inspiration lies in a rare type of friendship J.C. Fischer and Kimo McEwen had with Brian where they put their lives on hold and jeopardized their safety and well-being to search for him.
The search was covered by news media far and wide. J.C.’s pleas for volunteers brought in many from along the entire Front Range. Why did so many come forward? It was J.C. and Kimo’s care, concern, persistence, loyalty, and dedication to finding Brian that exemplified true friendship—and that is a contagious type of friendship experienced by very few.
© 2024 Karen VDH Fischer
Fascinating! Have you contacted the Stanley Hotel? They should have copies for guests. (or if there is a gift shop, they should sell them)
I have not, but that’s a great idea! Thank you!
Another great article about the Stanley Hotel. I recognized it right away, having stayed there before. I agree with Gretchen. You should definitely contact them and the local bookstore in Estes Park since the setting is based on the town as well. 🙂
Thank you, Donna! I will!
Karen, thank you. It’s fun to see the pix of such an iconic hotel. Cheers
It is fun!