The Best of the Colorado Rockies

Sunset, July, 2000 by Hal Clifford

* ESTES PARK Stanley Hotel. The stately Stanley Hotel is only 6 miles from the main entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Built in 1909 by Freelan O. Stanley, coinventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, the Georgian revival mansion recently underwent a $5-million restoration. The lobby boasts a grand staircase, an operational 1909 Otis elevator, and--in a tribute to its founder--a 1906 mint condition Stanley Steamer.

Rooms are attractive, even if one has a certain supernatural aura: While staying in Room 217 during a winter storm, author Stephen King conceived the idea for his best-selling novel The Shining and later wrote several chapters of the book onsite. 135 rooms from $159. 333 Wonderview Ave.;