Stanley Hotel: #1 Haunted
This Colorado hotel, which inspired The Shining, beats 26 others as America's most terrifying place to stay.

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, has been ranked as the number one most haunted hotel in America, according to a roundup by U.S. News & World Report. The hotel, which opened to the public in 1909, has a long history of paranormal activity and was the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining after he spent a night there in 1974 with his wife.
The Stanley Hotel's haunted reputation is well-documented, and it is not alone in its ghostly encounters. U.S. News & World Report has identified 27 haunted properties across the United States, each with its own unique history and origin story. From a Gilded Age railroad resort to a retired ocean liner docked permanently as a floating hotel, these properties offer travelers a chance to sleep inside an actual piece of unresolved history.
The ranking of the top 10 most haunted hotels in America is based on a roundup by U.S. News & World Report, which draws on the history and ghost stories of each property. The Stanley Hotel's top ranking is a testament to its enduring reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the country.
## Why it matters For travelers looking for a unique experience, booking a room at a haunted hotel can be a thrilling adventure. Many of these properties lean into their haunted reputations, offering tours and seasonal events that celebrate their darker histories. Whether it's a Gilded Age resort or a retired ocean liner, these hotels offer a chance to experience the paranormal firsthand.
The Stanley Hotel's ranking as the number one most haunted hotel in America is a significant draw for fans of the paranormal and those looking for a unique travel experience. With its rich history and well-documented ghostly encounters, the hotel is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the unknown.





