The Stanley Hotel to undergo US$300M renovation to enhance film, tourism appeal

USA – The historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, has announced a major US$300 million renovation funded through municipal bonds, aiming to elevate its film industry presence and expand tourism offerings as part of a long-term redevelopment strategy.

The Stanley Hotel, famously tied to The Shining, is set for a major transformation that reinforces its place in both hospitality and cinematic culture.

In development for over a decade, the ambitious project is a collaboration between the hotel’s owners, state authorities, and cultural institutions, with a shared goal: to make the property a definitive destination for horror film fans and filmmakers alike.

The plan comes at a pivotal time, as the Sundance Film Festival is set to relocate to nearby Boulder in 2027.

The Stanley, already known for its ghostly charm and heritage status as a National Historic Place, is poised to benefit from increased regional attention.

The 40-acre property currently offers 196 rooms, outdoor pools, a spa, restaurants, and a concert hall.

It also holds the distinction of being the only full-service hotel near the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Key to the redevelopment is the addition of 65 new guest rooms, a reimagined lobby and arrivals area, and a large-scale event center.

This venue will include a museum and horror film archive curated by Blumhouse Productions, complete with film memorabilia, sets, and exclusive events—creating a year-round draw for horror enthusiasts and cinephiles.

The expansion will be financed through tax-exempt bonds issued by the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority. While the bonds are unrated—indicating potential risk—the hotel’s revenue will serve as the repayment source.

Owners acknowledge that rising costs from tariffs on imported construction materials could be a hurdle, but they remain optimistic about the project’s cultural and economic impact on the region.

In addition to its expansion, the Stanley will continue to host the Sundance Directors Lab, which it has supported since 2024.

Once the renovations are complete, the property will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the state-run issuer, cementing its role in Colorado’s cultural infrastructure.

This bold initiative aims not just to modernize the Stanley, but to reposition Estes Park as a vibrant hub for film and cultural tourism, in line with Colorado’s rising profile in the creative industry.

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