A Few Nights at the Stanley

The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, Colorado, is not only renowned for its historic elegance and haunting atmosphere, but it also holds a special place in pop culture as a filming location. While many know it as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, it also made an appearance in the comedy classic Dumb and Dumber.

In the 1994 film, the hotel was used as the stand-in for the luxurious “Danbury Hotel” where Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels’ characters, Lloyd and Harry, hilariously attempt to blend in with high society. The scene in the grand ballroom and stairway area showcases the Stanley’s opulent interior, a fitting backdrop for the film’s comedic antics.

Visitors can tour the hotel’s grand spaces, including the areas featured in Dumb and Dumber, making it a must-see for fans of both horror and comedy. Whether you’re there for the cinematic history, the ghost stories, or the breathtaking mountain views, the Stanley Hotel offers a blend of luxury, mystery, and movie magic.

The grand staircase from the lobby of the hotel.
The stairs from the second floor down from out room.. Sadly no ghosts seen
This is the rom where Steven King developed the idea for the book The Shining

As Tessa and I were touring the hotel, we passed by the Stanley Hotel’s Whiskey Bar, known as the “Colorado Whiskey Room.” We actually bailed on the end of the tour when we realized that there was a place to sample whiskey besides the bar upstairs. Specializing in single-barrel and craft whiskey, the room boasts a curated selection of over 1,200 whiskeys from around the world, with a strong emphasis on local Colorado distilleries. And, SURPRISE!! they also have tequila!! Not just any tequila, a special edition of our preferred tequila – Dobel Diamante!

What a suprise to find Dobel in a very selective Whiskey room in Colorado!

Ok … we may have bought a couple of those special bottles. And maybe a few very rare whiskeys.

A lot of people report “spooky” happenings at the Stanley, and we love the allure of the Haunted (and of course, the epic and iconic adventures and side trips).

However, we are sad to report that we encountered no strange, unexplainable happenings at the Stanley.

We did have a great time, enjoyed the comforts of a luxury hotel, and can’t wait to go back!