Experience the Iconic Horror Classic Like Never Before – “Here’s Johnny!” Echoes through the hotel, haunting the Atmosphere
For those who feel daring and crave adventure, a journey into the Colorado mountains in Estes Park will take you to The Stanley Hotel. The location, inspired by Stephen King’s 1977 book The Shining and the original 1980 film, hosts a new curated horror exhibition developed by Blumhouse. Blumhouse’s original intent is to curate the exhibit to test movie buffs’ knowledge while providing a thrilling experience for horror fans.
The hour-long tour begins through the hotel and winds down into the garden, where a sculpted film-inspired maze awaits exploration, making it an adventure. If you’re planning a visit with friends or family, group reservations for up to 14 people are available, perfect for horror enthusiasts looking to share the experience. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible and best suited for children eight and older. The standard price is $30 per person.
Upon arrival, guests check in at the desk and wait in the study with their assigned group. Here, you can chat with fellow tourists or take a moment to admire a display featuring memorabilia from the novel and film, including Stephen King’s books, photos of the hotel’s architecture, and even a nod to Nosferatu. Soon, your assigned tour guide will enter to greet the group, often engaging with the audience, asking questions and quizzes about the film, adding an interactive twist to the experience. Then, the guests will be led to the closed section of the dining hall, where a tour guide will share the introduction of how The Shining came to be and additional movie facts, such as where certain scenes were filmed, how Steph King’s hotel stay influenced the novel, and moments of eerieness the he and other individuals have experienced before in the hotel.
Next, the tour will take visitors through various rooms inspired by the original film, including the Twins’ room and The Shining Room, which reflect the rooms where Jack and his family stayed. Inside Jack’s room is a vault containing an anonymously donated prop: the axe that Jack Nicholson held in the film while yelling, “Here’s Johnny!” This axe was previously sold at auction for $175,000. Visitors can get close and take pictures with the vault.
To conclude the tour, visitors can make their way to the twins’ room and see the infamous mint-colored bathroom inspired by the scene of the horrid old lady in the tub. Guests can recreate the scene in the tub and take photos to capture the moment. Whether you’re a horror aficionado or seeking spirited adventure, The Stanley Hotel promises an experience that will linger long after the visit.
Rating: 7 out of 10
