As we approach the spooky season, The Stanley Hotel , Estes Park’s infamous haunted hotel, is up for two of USA Today’s 10Best awards.
USA Today’s 10Best is a reader’s choice awards program that highlights the best in everything from hotels and destinations to food, drink, and activities. An expert panel picks the nominees and readers vote to determine the ten winners.
Voting is underway for USA Today’s 10Best award for haunted hotels, and The Stanley is currently in sixth place. The “dramatic, massive, white hotel” is set against Colorado’s mountains in Estes Park. The hotel became famous in the 1970s when Stephen King used it as his inspiration for “The Shining.” Children’s laughter comes from deserted hallways, and piano music drifts from empty ballrooms, so guests may even have their own paranormal experiences at the hotel.
The Stanley was also nominated for best ghost tours, which offer “thrills and chills, but also unique insight into the history of a destination and the notable people who’ve lived there,” according to USA Today. The Stanley is currently in twelfth place for best ghost tour. Fans of “The Shining” will enjoy the Shining Tour, while the hotel also offers other experiences like the Stanley Hotel Spirited Night Tour.