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The Story Behind This Haunted Hotel In Colorado Is Truly Creepy

Hotel Colorado, built in 1891, is renowned for its historic significance and alleged paranormal activity.

Published Sep 22, 2016

Written by 

Annie

♫ Welcome to the Hotel Colorado, such a creepy place... with a disturbing history. ♫ (Or something like that.) The historic Centennial State is chock-full of scary and allegedly paranormal locations, but the story behind Glenwood Springs's Hotel Colorado may be the most frightening of them all. Here is why we think the Hotel Colorado is the most haunted hotel in the state:

Built in 1891 (and opened in 1893), Hotel Colorado is one of the state's oldest hotels that has served a number of distinguished guests over the years, including Presidents William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt.

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Wikimedia Commons

(A fun, yet somewhat unrelated tidbit: The teddy bear is rumored to have been invented by Hotel Colorado maids who pieced together scrap material as a gift for President Roosevelt during his stay!)

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Wikimedia Commons

In addition to serving as a retreat for presidents and dignitaries, the hotel has also served as a Navy hospital, architectural marvel, and even as a film set.

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Flickr/Melanie Wynne

Just what makes this beautiful and historic structure haunted? According to hotel guests and employees, it is not uncommon to hear the sound of a woman's blood curdling scream (thought to be that of a former chambermaid murdered by her lover in one of the guest rooms)...

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Flickr/Melanie Wynne

...to see a ghostly female standing over sleeping male guests...

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Flickr/sanna.tugend

...or to witness a little Victorian girl playing around the hotel with her ball.

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Flickr/stu mayhew

In addition to these actual apparitions, there have also been reports of elevators moving on their own and unexplainable smells.

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Yelp

For more hotel hauntings, check out What A Tourist Captured On Film In A Colorado Hotel Will Give You Nightmares!

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Stays|Hotels & Resorts

Ride a Christmas Train, Then Stay in a Christmas-Themed Hotel for a Holly Jolly Colorado Adventure

This Christmas, begin a new tradition by riding a Colorado Christmas train and staying at a festive hotel.

Updated Oct 15, 2024

Written by 

Annie

If your family is anything like mine, your favorite memories of the year are made at Christmas, which is why we here at Only in Colorado are always looking for new ways to celebrate the season and brighten spirits! One way to do so is to ride this Colorado Christmas train before staying the night at a festive hotel.

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A scenic view of a river flowing through a narrow canyon, with rocky cliffs and a train passing nearby.
Snowy icy day, riding the Royal Gorge train

All aboard the historic Royal Gorge Railroad and its festive Santa Express Train! Located in Canon City, the Santa Express Train is about as magical as it gets as the train — which makes four trips a day — runs to the North Pole via the scenic Royal Gorge Route.

While aboard, you will not only be treated to a special meet and greet with Jolly Old St. Nicholas himself but also to beautiful decor and light displays, cookies and cocoa, and a gift from Santa.

A joyful child smiles while sitting on Santa's lap inside a decorated bus.
Charming and nostalgic lifestyle image of a 3 year old girl grinning widely as she has happened upon Santa Claus on a train. Defocused in the background are garland and bows.

In addition to the Santa Express Train, the Royal Gorge Route also hosts a more low-key Holiday Train with delicious food and drink options.

To learn more about these fabulous events or to reserve your seat in one of several train classes, please visit the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's website. You can also follow the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Facebook page for updates throughout the season.

The Royal Gorge Railroad Santa train runs from Nov. 22 through Dec. 30, 2024 (minus Christmas Day, of course). This is one of the best Christmas activities in Colorado that the entire family will enjoy.

After arriving back at the station, it is time to head to your festive accommodations at the gorgeous Broadmoor Hotel.

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Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor

Located less than an hour from Canon City, the Broadmoor is quite possibly the best place to stay this Christmas, thanks to not only the luxurious accommodations but the incredible decor and seasonal events.

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From the coolest gingerbread displays you have ever seen to the annual Holiday Show to incredible meals, Elf Stories, and Breakfast with Santa, The Broadmoor is THE place to stay this holiday season!

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Need we mention that they also have some of the best Christmas decor in the state?

A festive restaurant interior featuring a beautifully decorated Christmas tree and elegant dining setup.
Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor

To learn more — or to book your room — please visit The Broadmoor Hotel's website. You may also follow The Broadmoor's Facebook page for updates.

So, are you ready to board a Colorado Christmas train with the Royal Gorge Railroad and stay at a festive hotel all decked out for the holidays? Talk about the best way to get kids and adults alike into the Christmas spirit!

For even more of our favorite holiday traditions, check out The Most Enchanting Christmastime Main Street In The Country Is Salida In Colorado. And if you're looking for gifts this holiday season, check out our Amazon storefront for some of our favorite items.

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Stays|Hotels & Resorts

This Colorado Hotel Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is a historic and famously haunted hotel known for its paranormal activity and connection to Stephen King's "The Shining."

Updated Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Annie

When most people think of haunted places, Halloween comes to mind, but why should we save all the spooky fun for just one month of the year?! Colorado has tons of "spirited" spots - and we're not talking about haunted houses filled with costumed zombies and jump scares. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, it's always fun to hear the eerie tales behind them. There's one iconic haunted Colorado hotel that is spectacular... and said to be seriously creepy. In fact, it may just be one of the most haunted places in Colorado!

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You've undoubtedly seen (or heard of) the historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.

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Flickr/paurian

Opened in 1909, the Stanley is a gorgeous 140-room Colonial Revival hotel that may seem innocent enough on the outside, but is actually teeming with paranormal activity.

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sean hobson/Flickr

As you may know, author Stephen King drew inspiration from the Stanley for the fictional Overlook Hotel in the horror novel (and movie) The Shining.

A vintage Corona typewriter next to a bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey on a wooden bar.
Facebook/The Stanley Hotel

King visited in 1974 and stayed in Room 217, which is said to be the most haunted of them all.

A spacious, elegant lobby with wooden accents, a staircase, and cozy seating areas, illuminated by warm lighting.
Flickr/Nelo Hotsuma

What is it about Room 217 that is so creepy? Legends tell of a housekeeper who, back in 1911, was electrocuted during a lightning storm while she cleaned the room.Though she miraculously survived, the room has been plagued by the paranormal ever since.

Room 217 may be considered the creepiest, but it's certainly not the only haunted area in the Stanley.

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Emily Mathews/Flickr

Visitors report unexplained flickering lights, objects moving on their own, and the eerie sound of children playing in the empty hallways.

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A grand staircase with ornate wooden railings, leading to a windowed landing with vintage decor and warm lighting.
Flickr/daveynin

If you're brave enough to stay at this haunted hotel, guests also have the opportunity to explore some of the paranormal activity here on guided Night Spirit Tours.

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David Fulmer/Flickr

The tours lead ghost hunters through different floors of the hotel while telling the tales of its haunted history and the alleged spirits who refuse to check out.

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Flickr/weaselsplace

Haunted or not, the Stanley Hotel is a gorgeous Colorado landmark that definitely deserves a visit.

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Stanley Hotel/Facebook

The Stanley Hotel is located at 333 E Wonderview Ave. in Estes Park. To make a reservation or schedule a ghost tour, please visit their website.

Have you visited The Stanley in Estes Park? Did you encounter any ghostly experiences while you were inside one of the most haunted places in Colorado? We'd love to hear your stories (and see ghost photos) in the comments below!

Now that we have visited the most haunted hotel in Colorado, check out: You Can Never Unsee The Horrors Of Colorado’s Most Haunted House Once You Step Inside.

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