Family Friendly Lodging: Stanley Hotel- Estes Park, Colorado
| ESTES PARK- STANLEY HOTEL 333 Wonderview Ave, Estes Park 800.976.1377 Opened in 1909, this hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places and is often referred to as one of America's most haunted hotels. It was here that Stephen King first came up with his idea for The Shining. In 1996, a mini-series based on the book was even taped here. Luxury hotel but with all of the quirks and charm of a historical property. Prices are considerably higher during the summer/ high season. For more reasonable pricing, try to plan your visit off-season. You can then find accommodations closely priced to less-charming alternatives. The hotel does not have adjoining rooms but does have several options available for families, even larger families. Rooms are comfortable and in good repair. The staff was friendly and informative. The hotel is located centrally, an easy drive to Rocky Mountain National Park or the main downtown Estes Park area. The hotel offers a ghost tour during which they recant stories of the hotel's haunted history (additional fee), but be sure to book it early since these book quickly even in the off-season. FAMILY FRIENDLY PROS- Large rooms, including suites, to accommodate families. The children (and parents, too!) were very interested by the history of the hotel and the idea that it was haunted. The ghost tour was a lot of fun and informative (the younger children were a little frightened by the stories but still enjoyed the tour). FAMILY FRIENDLY CONS- No breakfast included. Parking is quite a distance from most of the rooms so it can be tedious for a family to unload the kids and the car, though we were offered help with this if needed. The hotel has all of the creaks, clunks and noises common with older buildings. We were all awakened at some point in the night by banging pipes (not ghosts!). |
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