4 Most Haunted Hotels in Colorado For Families 2025

Colorado may be known for its epic mountain views and charming historic towns, but look a little closer and you’ll find something even more intriguing lurking in the halls, haunted hotels with stories that refuse to fade away. These family-friendly stays aren’t just about comfy beds and killer views; they come with a side of ghostly legends, spine-tingling history, and a whole lot of fun for curious kids and brave parents alike.

From the world-famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park to the elegant Hotel Jerome in Aspen, each of these legendary lodgings invites your family to check in for an unforgettable night of chills, charm, and maybe even a friendly phantom encounter.

If your crew loves a good mix of travel and thrills, make sure to also check out the best Halloween towns to visit, because in Colorado, spooky season isn’t limited to October.

Brief History

In the picturesque town of Estes Park, Colorado, The Stanley Hotel stands as an iconic testament to both grandeur and history. Constructed in 1909 by inventor and entrepreneur F.O. Stanley, the hotel was envisioned as a luxurious retreat for the elite seeking respite in the stunning Rocky Mountains. Its stately Georgian architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness quickly garnered attention, making The Stanley a sought-after destination for the affluent and influential.

Over the years, the hotel's significance grew, eventually capturing the imagination of none other than famed author Stephen King. It was during a stay at The Stanley that King's inspiration for his best-selling novel "The Shining" took root. Now it is best known as "The Shining Hotel."

This connection would forever cement the hotel's legacy as one of the most famous haunted locations in the United States. As time marches on, The Stanley Hotel continues to embrace its historical roots and eerie reputation, inviting visitors to explore its halls while being enveloped by an atmosphere rich with tales of the past and whispers of the unknown.

Hauntings

The Stanley Hotel in Colorado is renowned for its reported paranormal activity, drawing visitors who seek to experience its haunted reputation firsthand. From children's laughter on the fourth floor to shadowy figures and unexplained physical touch in the billiard, there many mysterious happenings at the Stanley Hotel.

Perhaps the most famous haunted room in the hotel, Room 217 is associated with the spirit of Elizabeth Wilson, a former chambermaid. Guests have reported encountering unexplained phenomena, such as lights turning on and off, items moving, and the feeling of being watched. Some guests have even claimed to see a spectral figure believed to be Elizabeth.

Two musical spirits still like to jam out in the afterlife at Stanley Hotel. The hotel's grand ballroom, known as the Concert Hall, is said to host the ghost of Paul, a former handyman. Visitors have reported hearing piano music coming from the ballroom, even when it's unoccupied. Paul is thought to be responsible for the ethereal melodies. Flora Stanley, the wife of the hotel's creator F.O. Stanley, is rumored to still be present at the hotel. Her grand piano, located in the music room, is said to play by itself at times, evoking the idea that her spirit lingers, sharing her love for music.

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Brief History

The Hotel Jerome stands as a timeless testament to the rugged spirit of the American West. Since its inception in 1889, this elegant establishment has borne witness to the evolution of a mining town into a world-renowned destination. The hotel's foundation is etched with the stories of silver barons, adventurous spirits, and cultural luminaries who sought solace within its walls.

As the heart of Aspen's vibrant social scene, Hotel Jerome has seen eras of glamour, the ebb and flow of trends, and moments of revelry that have resonated through the decades. Against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, this historic haven continues to uphold its legacy, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a narrative where the past and present intersect; a genuine embodiment of Aspen's enduring charm.

Hauntings

While the Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado is known for its historic charm and luxury, it also boasts a reputation for being haunted, with a few reported paranormal occurrences. Many visitors and employees have reported hearing unexplained sounds throughout the hotel, including footsteps, voices, and doors opening and closing on their own as well as sightings of apparitions and shadowy figures roaming the halls.

One of the most famous and recurring apparitions at the Hotel Jerome is that of a young boy. Dressed in old-fashioned clothing, he has been spotted by guests and staff alike. His playful laughter and the sound of his footsteps running through the hallways have left an indelible mark on those who have encountered his ghostly presence. Room 310 is rumored to be a hotspot for paranormal activity. Guests who have stayed in this room have reported strange sensations, unexplained noises, and the feeling of being watched. Some have even claimed to have encountered the spirit of the young boy.

The hotel's vintage elevator has been known to operate on its own, seemingly responding to an unseen presence. It's not uncommon for the elevator to stop on various floors without any input from guests or staff.

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Brief History

The Oxford Hotel exemplifies the city's legacy and charm. With its doors first opened in 1891, this historic gem is Denver's oldest operating hotel, bearing witness to the transformation of the city over the decades. The Oxford exudes an air of sophistication and elegance that reflects its Victorian-era origins, with its red brick façade and timeless architecture.

Over the years, the hotel has been a witness to Denver's growth, evolving from a bustling hub during the silver mining era to a modern urban center. As you step into the hallowed halls of the Oxford Hotel, you're transported back in time, embraced by the echoes of bygone eras and the vibrant spirit of a city that has evolved around it.

Hauntings

The historic Oxford Hotel in Denver, Colorado, is known for its vintage charm and unique character, but it's also reputed to have its share of paranormal activity. There have been accounts of items moving on their own, including furniture being rearranged and objects shifting position.

Guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained sounds throughout the hotel, such as footsteps in empty hallways, voices, and even the sound of children laughing when no children are present. Additionally, some visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures moving through the corridors or in their peripheral vision, only for the figures to vanish upon closer inspection.

Room 320 is known for its heightened paranormal activity. Guests who have stayed in Room 320 have reported unexplained footsteps, mysterious shadows, and the sensation of being watched. Some have even felt an unseen presence sitting on their beds.

One of the most famous ghostly stories revolves around the spirit of a former guest named Florence Montague. It's said that she haunts the hallways and rooms of the hotel, and guests have reported seeing her apparition, often in a long black dress. She is believed to be a friendly presence, and some guests have even reported feeling a calming energy when encountering her.

The Oxford Hotel's antique elevator is known to operate on its own, stopping on different floors without any apparent reason. Some believe this could be related to the presence of a playful ghost.

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Brief History

Since its opening in 1892, The Brown Palace Hotel and architectural marvel has played host to presidents, celebrities, and generations of travelers who seek a timeless escape. Its distinctive triangular shape and iconic atrium, capped by a stunning stained glass canopy, are symbols of an era that valued grandeur and sophistication.

The Brown Palace has stood resilient through the passage of time, witnessing the ebb and flow of Denver's evolution from a mining town to a modern metropolis. As you step through its doors, you're enveloped in an atmosphere that seamlessly weaves the past with the present, inviting you to experience a slice of Colorado's storied history in every finely crafted detail.

Hauntings

The historic Brown Palace Hotel in Denver, Colorado, boasts a luxurious atmosphere and a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in the state. Visitors and employees have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, voices, and music coming from empty rooms and hallways. Some have even claimed to hear the sound of a piano playing in the middle of the night. There have also been reports of guests feeling ghostly touches or the sensation of a presence nearby, even when no one else is present in the room.

One of the most well-known apparitions at the hotel is believed to be the spirit of Mrs. Louise Crawford Hill, a former guest who was a frequent visitor. Guests and staff have reported seeing a woman in a formal gown walking the halls or descending the grand staircase. She is said to exude an air of elegance and grace.

The Brown Palace still employs a human elevator operator for one of its elevators, a practice that dates back to the hotel's early days. Some guests have reported encountering an elevator operator who matches the description of a man who worked at the hotel in the past. However, when they turned to thank him, he had vanished.

Certain guest rooms are said to be particularly prone to paranormal activity. Guests have reported feeling strange sensations, seeing shadowy figures, and experiencing inexplicable occurrences in these rooms. Maybe you will be one of the lucky (or unlucky, depending how you see it) guests to check -in to one of these haunted rooms.

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As the veil between worlds grows thin, Colorado’s haunted hotels call out with stories of mystery and mayhem. From the famous Stanley Hotel to the elegant Brown Palace, these legendary stays offer more than a bed; they offer a brush with the beyond.

If you’re craving more ghostly getaways, check out my full list of Haunted Places and Hotels across the U.S.

Or, if you’d rather sleep under the stars than with the spirits, cozy up at one of these Glamping Sites in Colorado instead. Where the only thing haunting you will be how good the s’mores are.

Because in Colorado, adventure never rests… and apparently, neither do the ghosts.