Spirit of the Stanley: A Grand Hotel and the Man Who Loved Her

I worked as a Bellman in 1986 at The Stanley. I was far from home and 18 years old sweeping the front steps early every morning, staring at Longs Peak. It was beautiful! I feel lucky to have worked there. I never realized the crazy sacrifice Frank made to save The Stanley. I thought it had always been that way. I think everyone should read this book. A story about a good man who took a chance to save a fantastic hotel and all the ups & downs along the way. I remember Frank asking me to pick up cigarette butts..and not to stop! I was happy to do it! I think everyone who worked there took pride at that place. It's a good read..

Absolutely amazing and inspiring book. The behind-the-scenes stories of the Normali family's ownership of the historic Stanley Hotel are wonderful. From Jonas Salk's skinny-dipping in the hotel pool, to the arrival of Stephen King on the doorstep, it's all here. The determination shown by Frank Normali to save this iconic hotel from the wrecking ball will inspire you. I walked away from this book with a new outlook on how to overcome adversity. Stories of paranormal activity, visits by such celebrities as the Pope, John Denver, Jim Carey and more, add luster to this tale of 20 years of being the Stanley's caregiver. You will love this book and come away with a new insight into the hotel that F.O. Stanley built.

This wonderful book tells three stories. One is of F.O. Stanley, the inventor and visionary who built this magnificent hotel in the early 1900s. It's the story of the Stanley Hotel, its early years, its restoration, and stories about it and guests who've been there. It's also the autobiography of Frank Normali, who possessed the vision, dedication, and business expertise to save the hotel. It's a well written, fascinating story, impossible to put down. All three stories are remarkable. They are a testament to great accomplishments and those who make them happen.

Nice piece of work describing all the work that Frank put into making the Stanley what it needed to be. Knowing his family, I was aware of some of the trials and tribulations involved in owing and managing the Stanley, but not to the extent described on the book. Also, knowing his daughter, I know now where she comes from.

I really loved this book. If you are a fan of Stephen Kings The Shining, if you love The Stanley Hotel, some celebrity talk, some ghost tales, some history, reading about the dynamic of a loving but troubled family written by an incredibly interesting man I highly recommend this book.

. Written SO WELL and SO readable. Couldn't put it down!!!

This book is the heartfelt and inspiring inside story of The Stanley Hotel in Colorado and why it is a splendid historic property today. This story exemplifies the results of the efforts one man who committed everything to the cause of preserving something he deeply believed in despite all odds. The most profound message of the book is how a truly outstanding leader can challenge and inspire all of those around him to accomplish incredible things. His influence reached many others through his dedication and sheer will. This quality is very rare and this very authentic and personal book clearly emphasizes that. A great story and a fabulous and interesting historical record as well. I am very grateful that this important part of both our Colorado and National heritage is going to shine on for future generations.

Spirit of the Stanley is a fantastic book about a fantastic period in American history [invention of the automobile - the Stanley Steamer]; a fantastic mountain town [Estes Park in the Rocky Mountains]; a fantastic family [the Stanley family]; a fantastic hotel [the Stanley Hotel]; another fantastic family [the Normali family]; and a fantastic film [Stephen King's 'The Shining']. It is well written, easy to read, personable, and down-to-earth. I read it over a weekend and found it to hard-to-put-down-interesting.It is likely to become a "summer classic."