The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park

As is mentioned in many reviews of The Stanle, the construction is a huge turn off! And absolutely no mention of it when you're booking your room. In addition, when I booked my room, I did not realize that I was booking it in the Aspire building. I thought that the Stanley hotel was one big hotel. I did not realize that there were different newer buildings. In the end, though, I am very happy that we are in the other building as what is being done at the original hotel is really offputting. The staff, however, were very nice and accommodating. Besides all of the construction, they have tours going on an hourly basis that are open to anyone who passes by, for a cost of $25+, of course and no discount for hotel guests. Those tourists who have not spent several hundred per night are all over the main lobby, dirtying up the carpet, wandering around the property with screaming kids, going up and down the stairwells, and elevator if it's running, just taking up space that should be reserved for guests!! Especially guests who are paying dearly for what they thought would be an old, elegant hotel experience. It is definitely not an elegant hotel anymore. It tries, a little, but is obviously too interested in making money off of tours rather than providing an exceptional experience for guests. I had envisioned myself sitting in that grand lobby reading a book with some tea. Impossible and wouldn't be pleasant if it was possible. Our room in the Aspire was nice, and the lobby, spa and gym facilities and the outdoor pool are very attractive and peaceful. But, again, some things just don't make sense. For instance, the lovely fireplace they have in the lobby is shut down at 8 PM when the desk agent goes home. I have been looking forward all day, to just sitting by that fireplace with a nice drink and reading my book. Seems like a normal expectation for a higher end hotel in the Colorado mountains. The pool area is nice, as is the steam room and gym. There are plenty of towels, tea and coffee and nice amenities. They need little tables out by the lounge chairs on the pool deck for people to set their drinks and things on instead of the ground. The beds, linens and pillows were great. There is no mini fridge in the room, no additional amenities in bathroom like Q tips, makeup remover wipes, etc... normal amenities offered in hotels of this price range and expected caliber. There is no full length mirror in the bedroom or in the bathroom and the mirror in the bathroom is so dimly lit it is impossible for a woman to see to put makeup on and no other mirror in the bedroom. They don't make up your room or refresh towels unless you specifically request it. I understand not changing out towels for ecological reasons, but when you are paying these kind of prices for a hotel room, someone should come in and make up your bed every day and tidy up and take the trash out. We're just one night in to our stay so we shall see how the rest goes. It has been p