The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

The Stanley Hotel has hosted many famous people from around the world since it was built in 1909. It remains a top destination, with its beautiful views, spa treatments, and magnificent suites.

And then there are the invisible residents.

Inventor F.O. Stanley, inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, arrived in Estes Park in the early years of the 20th century. Stanley suffered from the then-common affliction of tuberculosis, and had come to Colorado for his health. The town was economically depressed; Stanley, thanks to his automobiles, was not. He set about revitalizing the town, and by the time he died in 1940, he had built not only a grand hotel, but a new road into Estes Park and a water and power company.

Stanley was justifiably proud of his hotel, and his wife, Flora, enjoyed playing the piano in the hotel's music room. Perhaps it is their fondness for the building and grounds that keeps them there - the apparitions of both Stanleys have been reported by guests and staff alike.

Writer Stephen King stayed in the Stanley Hotel in the 1970s, and wrote at least half of his novel The Shining during his stay - in Room 217, of course. The Stanley provided the inspiration for the novel, though the Stanley is open year-round, unlike the Overlook (its fictional counterpart), and no murders have been reported on the premises.

It is the fourth floor that sees the most paranormal activity, usually that of children. King himself witnessed a little boy calling anxiously for his nanny; others have heard unmistakable sounds of children running, laughing, and playing - but when they have checked, no children are to be seen.

It is said that the famous Room 217 is indeed haunted, but by a maid. When King and his wife Tabitha checked into the hotel and left their luggage in the room, they returned later to find that their clothes had been unpacked and placed neatly in the dresser, or hung in the closet. A maid has been seen entering the room, only to vanish.

The Stanleys have been seen walking the corridors; Flora is also fond of playing the piano in the ballroom. Another of Mr. Stanley's favorite locations is the hotel lobby - where, it appears, he still wants to greet his valued guests.