The Overlook Hotel's Location and Design Inspiration
The Stanley Hotel: A Haunting Inspiration
While Timberline Lodge may have brought The Overlook to life on screen, another hotel actually inspired the story. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, has become one of the most well-known hotels in the United States, thanks in part to its connection to Stephen King's novel "The Shining." King stayed at the hotel in 1974 and was inspired by its eerie atmosphere to write the novel. Although there was no maze at the Stanley Hotel at the time of King's visit, there is now one inspired by the movie.
Timberline Lodge and the Exterior
Exterior views of Timberline Lodge in Oregon were used in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film adaptation of King's novel. The lodge's rustic mountain setting and imposing architecture were the perfect backdrop for the fictional Overlook Hotel. The staff and owners of Timberline Lodge were initially concerned that guests would be reluctant to stay in Room 217 if it were featured in a horror movie, so the management requested that the room number be changed.
The Ahwahnee Hotel and the Interior
While the exterior of Timberline Lodge was used for the film, the interior was largely inspired by the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park, California. The Ahwahnee's grand lobby, elegant dining room, and luxurious guest rooms provided the perfect inspiration for the Overlook Hotel's interior. Kubrick's use of these two iconic hotels created a visually stunning and unforgettable setting for his film adaptation of "The Shining."
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