Redrum... (Hotels in Colorado in general)

Member Name: debod

Product:	Hotels in Colorado in general
Date:	09/01/01 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Classy accommodation and a great holiday anecdote

Disadvantages: Pricy, somewhat inaccessible and a bit creepy (but isn't that the point?)

Remember "The Shining"? Stephen King based The Overlook Hotel on The Stanley in Colorado, after staying the night there, and film buffs would be madder than Jack if they missed it. Even if you don't stay the night (it's probably pricier than other hotels lower down in Estes Park) just a glimpse of the place is fascinating. However the roads really are blocked sometimes on the way up to Estes, so bear that in mind and inform yourself before starting on your way.

The hotel is big and colonially white. Those who have seen the film will expect to see vast, high-ceilinged, reception rooms and long, narrow, psychadelically-carpetted corridors. And won't be disappointed. I stayed there at Christmas in 1995 in a double room with bathroom, and so was able to imagine the freaky woman behind the shower curtain. Any gore or unpleasantness is entirely up to your imagination though: the hotel is warm, comfy, clean... and makes you feel pretty privileged.

Down sides are that there is no maze: that was filmed somewhere in England. And the merchandising in the foyer is discreet but there nonetheless.

Colorado is stunnning... I didn't ski, or go to Aspen, but I did drive through the Rockies (mind-bogglingly big). Denver is not a bad place, and entertaining at that: people actually wear cowboy hats and chaps in the street. I did visit a quaint (how nice to be able to apply that word to somewhere in the USA) Casino town, called central City. There are two others (Black Hawk and Cripple Creek) made legal in 1991 for post-goldrush economic revival. These towns are in valleys, and offer hiking and historical tours.

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