Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Colorado (CO)
  4. Estes Park

The Stanley Hotel

Is the tour worth it. Thinking about going to the seance. Any comments would be appreciated. Thank you.

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a popular destination both for its history and its association with “The Shining.” Visiting the hotel can be a fun and memorable experience, whether or not you’re particularly interested in the paranormal.

The standard daytime tours provide a detailed history of the hotel, including its architecture, its founding by F.O. Stanley, and anecdotes about famous guests and events. These tours are informative and enjoyable, offering great photo opportunities and a chance to see areas not always open to the general public.

The evening ghost tours or seances are a very different experience. They are designed for those curious about the paranormal and are more theatrical in nature. Many visitors enjoy them for the fun and spooky atmosphere, even if they are skeptical about ghosts. They can be entertaining and a little eerie, but keep in mind that reactions vary—some find them thrilling while others may find them over-the-top.

  • Standard Historical Tour: Great for learning about the hotel’s history, architecture, and famous guests. Suitable for all ages and interests.
  • Ghost Tour: Evening tours that explore haunted areas of the hotel with historical stories and spooky anecdotes. Suitable for older children and adults who enjoy ghost stories.
  • Seance/Paranormal Experience: More interactive and immersive, often held in the evenings. Designed for those seeking a “haunted” experience. Not recommended for young children due to the spooky nature.

Overall, whether the tour is worth it depends on your interests. If you enjoy history and architecture, the standard tour is worthwhile. If you enjoy haunted experiences and a bit of theatrical fun, the ghost tours or seance can be a memorable addition to your trip. Many visitors find combining a daytime historical tour with an evening ghost tour gives the best experience.

Tips:

  • Book tours in advance, especially evening ghost tours and seances, as they often sell out.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the hotel.
  • Even if you don’t do the seance, visiting the lobby and public areas at night can be atmospheric and give a sense of the haunted lore.

In summary, the Stanley Hotel is worth visiting for both history and spooky fun, but choose the type of tour that best matches your comfort level and interests.

More Estes Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

guest
Many

Popular Destinations

Independence Square
Tianshifang
Shanxi Merchants Museum
Nanjing Niu Shou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone

Popular Travel Questions