Stephen King’s eerie night in Room 217 of the Stanley Hotel led to his 1977 novel The Shining. Decades later, Jim Carrey lasted just three hours in that same hotel, proving that its haunted reputation endures.
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Jim Carrey Only Made It 3 Hours in the Hotel That Inspired ‘The Shining’
Photo by Vice News
Key Takeaways:
- Stephen King’s 1974 stay in Room 217 inspired The Shining
- The room is rumored to be haunted by Elizabeth Wilson
- The Stanley Hotel is located in Estes Park, Colorado
- Jim Carrey checked out after only three hours
- The story was originally published by Vice News
The Stanley Hotel’s Haunting History
For decades, rumors of strange happenings have surrounded the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Built in the early twentieth century, this historic property has become a must-see for travelers with a taste for the paranormal. Its corridors and rooms are said to be the domain of ghosts, including one persistent spirit that has captured the imaginations of thousands of guests.
Room 217: The Inspiration for The Shining
In October 1974, author Stephen King and his wife, Tabitha, arrived at the Stanley Hotel. They checked into Room 217, a place rumored to host the ghost of a former chambermaid named Elizabeth Wilson. While the couple stayed just one night, that experience sparked King’s creativity. In 1977, he published The Shining, now a classic of the horror genre, forever linking Room 217—and the Stanley Hotel—with literary legend.
Jim Carrey’s Three-Hour Stay
Decades after King’s eerie visit, actor Jim Carrey reportedly stayed at the Stanley Hotel but only lasted three hours before leaving. Details about his experience remain scant, but his brief time there has contributed to the Stanley’s growing reputation for unsettling encounters. Carrey’s swift departure reinforces the sense that some hotels hold deeper mysteries than most are prepared to face.
