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LIVE BLOG: 'Ghost Hunters'-TAPS investigation of The Stanley Hotel, Nov. 7
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In the century that it's been operating, The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO., has hosted many famous faces and countless guests – some of whom have refused to check out after their deaths. On Nov. 7, from 11 p.m. – 4 a.m., EST, a frequent visitor, Grant Wilson of Syfy’s “Ghost Hunters” and co-founder of , will return to the Stanley to seek spirits in a five-hour live blogging Beyond Reality event.
Joining Wilson will be fellow TAPS team members Kris Williams, Amy Bruni, Britt Griffith and religious demonologist Adam Blai.
Join me, Aaron Sagers, as your moderator and host as I wander the supposedly haunted halls of the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” I will be taking questions for the TAPS team, posting photos, reporting claims of activity, holding polls and putting you right in the middle of the action! And hopefully, you’ll even be able to help us catch a ghost from your home by examining evidence with me.
Stay tuned to this spot, when we go lights out at 11 p.m., EST, and the case begins!
Hotel History
Situated in the Rocky Mountain National Forest in Colorado is The Stanley Hotel, a symbol of early 20th century grandeur; a national landmark that stands as a testament to entrepreneurship and decadence amidst the splendor of Mother Nature. And just maybe, the Stanley is also a spectral spot of apparitional appeal; a haunted hot spot where ghosts gather to roam the hallways, play the piano and carry on as if on permanent vacation.
Built by F.O. Stanley of the Stanley Steamer automobile, the hotel opened a century ago in Estes Park, Colorado. After moving to the area to alleviate his tuberculosis, Stanley built the resort to cater to the wealthy, and to improve the economic conditions of the surrounding area. The sprawling hotel featured panoramic views of the Rockies and included modern amenities such as electricity and running water. The hotel was a summer destination for celebrities and famous names like Theodore Roosevelt and John Philip Sousa.
The Shining
The luxurious hotel is most famous today for being the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel, the setting for Stephen King’s novel, “The Shining.” While living in nearby Boulder, King and his wife stayed at the hotel one night before it closed for the winter season. Although he didn’t write the novel there, King did stay in Room 217, known for being a nexus of evil activity in the book. While The Stanley Hotel wasn’t used in the Stanley Kubrick film adaptation of King’s book , portions of the 1997 miniseries were filmed there. To honor King’s contribution to The Stanley Hotel, Kubrick’s “The Shining” plays on a continuous loop on one of the hotel’s television channels.
Haunted History
Over the years, The Stanley has gained a reputation for being one of the country’s most haunted locations. Supposedly sounds of ghostly parties are heard in the ballroom when no one is around, and some believe that F.O. Stanley’s wife, Flora, who was a piano player, continues to tickle the ivories in the ballroom long after her death. Some say the fourth floor of the hotel has the most re activity with sounds of children roaming the halls being reported, and Room 418 on the same floor has been the focus of what is described as full-bodied apparitions. Also, some guests claim to have had jewelry or luggage go missing, while others have woken to see something walking into the wardrobe and disappearing.
TAPS Take
The TAPS team believes the hotel is definitely haunted. They have investigated the hotel on numerous occasions, including for an episode of “Ghost Hunters” and for their 2006 Live Halloween Special. During their investigations, the team has reported hearing children playing, hearing running, seeing forms move in hallways and disappear.
One of the most notable occurrences was a table shaking and lifting two feet in the air in Room 1302 in response to Wilson asking , “Can you give us a sign of your presence?” Part of this incident is caught on film.
The other notable occurrence took place in Hawes’ room while he was sleeping with the camera on. Footage shows a cupboard door opening on its own and a glass by Hawes’ bed shattering without being touched. Hawes also claims his bed was moved by something.
The team claims to have have other experiences at The Stanley which haven’t made it on air – some of which will be revealed during our live investigation.
Follow Paranormal Pop Culture expert Aaron Sagers daily on Twitter under “AaronSagers” and on his site, www.paranormalpopculture.com. He can be contacted at aaron@paranormalpopculture.com
