Historic Stanley Hotel
In 1903, F. O. Stanley, co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, came to Estes Park for his health. Immediately, he fell in love with the area and Stanley's health began to dramatically improve. Impressed by the beauty of the valley and grateful for the improvement in his health, he decided to invest his money and his future there. The Stanley Hotel is a 138-room Georgian hotel located within sight of the Rocky Mountain National Park and offers panoramic views of the Rockies. It opened on July 4, 1909, catering to the rich and famous. Many believe the Stanley Hotel is haunted, having reported a number of cases of ghostly activity. The Hotel also hosted Stephen King, inspiring him to write "The Shining"