The Stanley Hotel

Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, The Stanley Hotel is located about a mile north of downtown Estes Park, Colorado. Opened in 1909, the property was a notable inspiration for the Stephen King classic novel, "The Shining." What's more, all visitors get discounted rates for the hotel's daily historical tours (three types of tours are available). The architecture, carpeting and interior decor of the property are so well-preserved that many recent guests said their favorite part of the hotel was its character. The property has a few areas where guests can stay: The Stanley Hotel, the original property with sometimes haunted rooms; The Lodge, a bed-and-breakfast style update with pet-friendly digs; Aspire, built in 2016 with apartment-style spaces and kitchenettes; or The Residences, which are vacation rental homes. Despite the variety of options, every accommodation includes free Wi-Fi access and a 42-inch flat-screen TV.  However, some visitors complained of housekeeping issues, and guests should keep in mind that there is no air conditioning. When it's time to eat, the on-site Cascades Restaurant serves innovative seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the Colorado Cherry Co. has delicious baked goods for sale daily. You'll find the Stanley Hotel about 4 miles east of Rocky Mountain National Park and about 65 miles north of Denver.