As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

Whether or not you’re a fan of Stephen King, it’s likely you’ve either read or seen one of his most famous horror stories: The Shining. After all, both the book and the film are considered classics of the horror genre to this very day. Upon mention of The Shining, a few images might automatically be conjured up in your mind. The twin girls standing in the hotel’s long hallway. Little Danny riding around on his tricycle. The red doors of the old hotel’s elevators. These images have become representative of the story as a whole, thanks to the wonderful film adaptation by director Stanley Kubrick. Although the movie wasn’t actually filmed at this Northern California destination, this grand hotel became the main inspiration for one of horror’s most terrifying movie sets.

Originally opened in 1927, The Ahwahnee Hotel (now known as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel) is a magnificent landmark in Yosemite National Park. Specifically designed to fit in with the natural landscape surrounding it, the hotel is nothing less than impressive.
Bryce Edwards/Flickr
However, visitors of the hotel might find themselves a little creeped out once they step inside. If you've seen Stanley Kubrick's renowned adaptation of The Shining, it's likely these interiors will look a little familiar to you.
Although the Stanley Hotel in Colorado was Stephen King's main inspiration for the book's setting, the interior of Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel played a huge role in designing Kubrick's movie set.
Justin Kern/Flickr
Filming didn't take place at the Ahwahnee, but the hotel's lobby, elevators, and Great Lounge were used as direct inspiration for the movie's actual sets. In fact, they did such a great job with replicating the Ahwahnee that you can barely even tell the difference when watching the film.
Chris D 2006/Flickr

Related Stories

This Hotel In Northern California Was Recently Named One Of The Best In The World

This Hotel In Northern California Was Recently Named One Of The Best In The World

 Watching Snow Fall From This One Hot Spring Resort In Northern California Is Basically Heaven

Watching Snow Fall From This One Hot Spring Resort In Northern California Is Basically Heaven

 The Oldest Hotel In Northern California Is Also One Of The Most Haunted Places You’ll Ever Sleep

The Oldest Hotel In Northern California Is Also One Of The Most Haunted Places You’ll Ever Sleep
One of the movie's most terrifying scenes featured the red-doored elevators that can be found in the hotel's lobby. Looking at them in real life, you might half suspect a huge wave of blood to start pouring out of them at any moment!
Ben Churchill/Flickr
Even the lobby's cavernous ceilings, rustic furniture, and Native American-inspired decor was matched perfectly. There's no denying that the hotel is simply gorgeous, but you can't help but wonder if it shares the same type of haunted history as its fictional counterpart.
Google Maps/Robert Kosin
The Ahwahnee/Majestic Yosemite Hotel is one of the greatest architectural wonders in all of California. It's no wonder it piqued Kubrick's interest. Today, the grand hotel is a dream destination for anybody seeking to explore Yosemite...but maybe stay away from the caretaker.
Steve Rhodes/Flickr

Did you know this interesting tidbit about this grand hotel? It looks like a lovely place to stay, but I’m not sure I would want to! If you enjoyed this article, you’ll definitely be interested in our list of 10 Places In Northern California That Showed Up In Movies.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Northern California

Featured Addresses
The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, 1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA