Run down. The two stars are for the location. If you're seeing a show here, you're about 20 feet from the hotel. Also, Chautauqua Institute is a lovely place. The room: peeling wallpaper, chipped paint, cracks in the floor and cracks in the ceiling, and floors so warped it's like a little skate park. The shower is small and dingy, also unlit. There's a light over the sink, but it's doesn't really reach the shower, especially with the shower curtain closed. The concert let out around 10:30, and we took a stroll around the grounds to skip rocks and look at constellations. When we got back to the hotel, bar closed. 11 on a Saturday night. Also no food to be had. Sunday morning continental breakfast was paltry at best. Even the coffee sucks, watery and tasteless. All this for the bargain price of about $400/night. For two of the crappiest double beds I've ever slept on. All that money is for the location. read more

See all

This hotel is old (1881), but it has tons of history and charm. That's why I love it so much. We stayed here for the first time this year, and we've already reserved our room for the 2025 season. It's mind-blowing to walk down the same historic hallways that Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, and Bill Clinton walked and stayed. We had a fantastic room at the end on the 2nd floor. It had been updated (see photos) and had a great view of the lake. There was even a charming porch area outside the room. The front desk staff were very polite, helpful, and quick to address issues. We loved our maid, too. She took care of our every need and made sure our room was cleaned properly. At the end of our visit, we asked her what some of her favorite rooms in the hotel were. She showed us each room and we reserved one for our 2025 visit. NOTE: I see that some of the less-than-stellar reviews knock the hotel for its restaurant, The Heirloom Restaurant. I agree that the food and service at the Heirloom are not that great and don't meet expectations for such a grand hotel. But I shared that in a separate 3-star review for the restaurant. read more

See all

The Athenaeum has so much character. An utterly charming place to stay. We were always greeted with smiles and hellos and enjoyed a relaxing couple of days in the area. read more

See all

Came here with the Road Scholar program, so I think we got exceptional service because we brought a lot of off-season business to the hotel. I read a lot of reviews before booking, so I requested a "renovated" room, which I think basically means new beds and fresh paint. While there is much to be said for old fashioned "charm", I wouldn't have been happy here if we were not in the "renovated" room. The hotel will soon be undergoing a complete renovation over five years and I would definitely come back after that. Can't beat the beautiful location and views. Food was fine, not amazing. read more

Well like many others who have voiced their gripes here only to go ignored by the property, I'll add to it. We were here on Memorial Day weekend. The place has so much potential but it seems they lack any leadership or direction. Poor overall drink service, disgusting Adirondack chairs outside with bird crap everywhere. Why would you not, as a leader, ensure that there is a daily checklist of things to complete each shift? Such awesome potential but wasted on lazy workers - our room had 2 bath mats and one small towel for us to use, no soap in the dispenser, paint chips all over the property, workers sitting on phones and ignoring customers, valet asked us to get our car because they weren't trained apparently, etc.. as examples. If I own this place and care anything about the property, I'm in there today changing up management and fixing what ails it. Didn't eat there so can't comment on the food. Save your money until you confirm that there is real leadership fixing the issues. read more

Holiday Brunches rival many prestigious Erie Country Clubs Great food, Attentive servers and good adult beverages make for an enjoyable afternoon. read more

The Athenaeum Hotel, built in 1881, is full of charm and staff is very nice. I did not expect the hotel not to be air conditioned. With temps near 100, it was impossible to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink. We didn't even try the restaurant. We needed some good old fashioned air conditioning. Thankfully the rooms have window units. Bring an eye mask unless you are an early riser. The shutters do nothing to keep out the light. None of the plugs in the room accept 3-prong plugs. Wish we'd known that one. And lastly, for such an elegant hotel, we were very disappointed to get raggedy towels(we use those for rags-we certainly don't give them to guests). read more

Athenaeum Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

See all

I love the institution and the excuse could be it was the first week... stayed at the hotel first time ever. Loved our stay and the bar was lively and people were very friendly. Every day we ate in the hotel the process of getting a table was a bit different? We would put our names on the list for a table and hostess would say, "oh, it's only 10-15 minutes" but then we would wait for 45 - 55 minutes. No big deal because hanging out and people watching is the best in the lobby by the bar. Dinner was also interesting with buffet working at the same time as ability to order the menu items. It created some confusion for all but like mentioned above - seems like they are working through what works the best for them. One thing for sure is the food is all way too salty. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner = too much salt. I know folks of the silver-haired variety sometimes can't taste food like they used to but you can't take out when it's already in there. Avoid the Ahi - not cut correctly and extremely chewy. Salad was also salty. You can't beat the views of the lake and the rocking chairs on the porch... grab a cocktail or some wine, hit the rocker, relax and just skip the food. read more

See all

Rooms completely overpriced, dated, uncomfortable. One server did not know how to open a bottle of wine. We waited 2 hours in 90-degree heat for overpriced food that showed up in random waves, with some entrees 10-20 minutes before others, only to find that all the food was either cold or had been left out for a long time and was just crusty and gross. Go to Andriaccio's pizza joint, save hundreds of dollars, and have a great meal and not have to commit several hours to it. read more

There are times when I like to pretend I am fancy. This thing I do dates back to my childhood when I first stayed at the Athenaeum, and learned how to put a napkin on my lap and understand the ways of relaxation of a certain type of elite people. Thus, when I am feeling like putting on my summertime fancy, I go back and stay at the Athenaeum. This hotel was literally built in the 1880s and is the grandest of hotels in the Chautaqua Institution--set right in the heart of the action and steps away from the ampitheater. Symphony Saturdays is one of your sure bets to score an overnight deal. Included in your rate are gate passes (your pass to the Symphony concert), dinner in the dining room, breakfast and a brunch buffet the next day. The only downside is that if you book late you risk being banished to the Annex at the side of the hotel, with outdoor camp decor, rather than staying in the main buiding, with the beautiful victorian rooms and tall ceilings. The old-fashioned grandeur is pretty special. The room keys are actual keys, for starters. The food is typically included in the rate, giving that dinner and lodging feel. The wrap around porches and wicker chairs are a complete picture of summer, with sweeping views of Lake Chautaqua. Bicyclists and runners pass by, as you rock on your rocking chair, with classical music floating into the air from the ampitheater as the Symphony practices mid-day. There are fruit infused waters in the lobby and actual bell hops. It's not perfect--the hotel is aging and the staff is mostly made up of semi-trained college students on summer break. However, you can't beat the proximity to the action, and the frozen-in-a bygone-time feeling that you get when you stay here. There is no place like the Athenaeum. read more

See all

This hotel, built 1881, was wonderful. If you enjoy history, antiquity, and simply awesomeness! Stay here. Floors creak, ceilings go up for miles!, windows open from the floor! And the surrounding area is something to behold! A gated community of Victorian homes all over 100 years old and well kept up! It was like walking in the past. Absolutely loved it. read more

Very enjoyable stay in a time warp for two nights! The Anthenaeum had a ton of charm and the staff was super nice. No complaints. Just remember the age of the place and fun to think of all the people and what their dress and lives might have been like who stayed there over the last 142-years...squeaky and slanted floors are good reminders of old ways of life. read more

Yes, this is definitely as good as it gets. It's so good in fact that I am hard put to find proper words to describe it. As a part of the great Chautauqua Institute the Athenaeum Hotel is one of the last big remaining wooden structure hotels in America and a true symbol of everything that was America back in the late 1880's. Known as a "grand dame" of hotels it has served guests since 1881 and the best feature of it is that it really hasn't change all that much. A visit to the Athenaeum is truly a visit back in time, back to what was then a golden age of culture for which Chautauqua Institute holds an unchallenged reputation throughout the world. Just a casual walk through this hotel is an experience you will never forget. read more

One of the hidden jewels of Western New York! And part of a hidden history of early 20th century Americanna that lives on, from wikipedia: "Chautauqua (pronounced /tkw/ sh-TAW-kw) is an adult education movement in the United States, highly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chautauqua assemblies expanded and spread throughout rural America until the mid-1920s. The Chautauqua brought entertainment and culture for the whole community, with speakers, teachers, musicians, entertainers, preachers and specialists of the day.[1] Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was quoted as saying that Chautauqua is "the most American thing in America." The Athenaeum hotel is the central lodging and wedding reception location providing couples a wonderful destination wedding reception with amazing victorian architecture and the charm of a few creeky floorboards. I have photographed more than 5 weddings at the Athenaeum Hotel and the food and service has always been excellent! Christine Hawkins is the coordinator there and she is friendly, and professional. read more

See all

Where to start? I arrived at the Athenaeum to spend a few days with friends at Chautauqua. No one greeted me or offered to help me with my bags. Took a long wait at the valet desk to get my car parked. Front desk check in was cursory and I was chastised for not picking up my grounds pass at the welcome center. No information was given about breakfast or any other amenities. Room was fine, a bit old fashioned but clean and somewhat comfortable. Hair dryer was from the 1970: and didn't work. Breakfast the next day I was ignored by the server the whole time. Wasn't even offered water. I was beginning to feel invisible at this hotel. Check out was cursory again, she didn't ask if I enjoyed my stay - maybe she knew how i would respond? Pros - location was beautiful, hot breakfast (other than Sunday continental - awful) was good; Cons - just about everything else. I know they have to make their money in the summer but at $350/night plus parking, valet and grounds pass (so $400+ a night) this place felt like a complete rip off. Actually quite sad because this historic hotel could be something great but suffers from lack of care and disinterest. read more

I give the Athenaeum five stars not because she is one of the best...but because she is one of the oldest. This is only my second stay within her walls but I wrap my arms around her and soak in her past and hope for her future. I am in my early 60's and during my short life I have seen too many grand hotels leave this earth. The Anthenaeum survives. Enjoy the 30 foot ceilings...the wide lake-side porches...the rockers...the young and vibrant staff...the huge old safe behind the desk clerks and the beautiful flags waving in the breeze off the lake. Come to this hotel and soak it in and hope that it stands for years to come. read more

Athenaeum Hotel - Lunch in the veranda... - Hotels Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

See all

Restaurant had a nice view. Food was ok. Rivs were not good, just ok. Service wasnt that good. Waiter would disappear for a half hour. Probably not his fault. Bar wasn't special. I make better gin and tonics. read more

went with a bus tour of the Institution and had lunch at the hotel. Amazing old world style. Loved the venue, furniture, tall ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, overlooking the lake. It was rainy that day but we still enjoyed the wrap around porch with the rocking chairs. We had a set lunch. Salad. Food was super. Well cooked, seasoned. Staff was attentive and went out of their way, even though we were a large group and they had another, larger group to feed. Creative menu. Lovely dessert. Server made sure she refilled our glasses the whole time. Great rolls. Nice area. Good for walks. Wonder what it would be like to stay there!! read more

Loved our visit! Rooms where adorable, great service, enjoyed breakfast in the morning and the Harry Potter movie + symphony in the evening! Will definitely be back! read more

I stayed at the Athenaeum Hotel for my cousin's wedding last year. The place is extremely relaxing, old, and beautiful. The history, atmosphere, people, lake, and antiques make this place worth visiting. The elevator was definitely worth getting on if you get a chance to do so in the daytime. It's not any modern day elevator you see in the malls. It's one of those OOoooooooolllllld elevators where a person must manually operate it. It's like a free historic (magic mountain) ride in itself. My relatives and I took our time walking around within the building. There are some rooms which looked really spooky or haunted. Don't take that comment the wrong way, this place is extremely safe because it's a small part of town where many academically motivated people meet for conferences! If you have extra time, come stay at this hotel and be prepared to be greeted by many friendly locals/visitors as you go out for a walk. read more

The Athenaeum ruined my wedding night. My husband and I called a few months in advance, and requested the nicest room they had. We paid a large deposit, and were assured that the room was special and everything we were looking for. We arrived to a room that was bare bones with a musty smell, dirty window unit air conditioner, and a shower that could barely fit one person. Being exhausted, thirsty, and hungry after a long wedding day, we went down to the bar. We were still in our wedding clothes, but the bar tender ignored us. After several minutes my husband was finally able to get the bar tenders attention. He asked for two ice teas. The bar tender said nothing and walked away to serve some other people. After another 5 minutes, my husband was able to get the server's attention again and asked if he could have the ice tea. "Oh yah", said the bartender who handed him two paper cups with tea but no ice. "Can I have some ice in my ice tea?", my husband asked. The bartender said nothing, took the cups and plopped a few ice cubes in each. It was about 11pm, and no food was being served anymore (also- no room service, so don't ask). We thought it would be a good idea since we were downstairs anyway to let the front desk know that we were given the wrong room. We did not want to be charged for the suite we booked. The lady at the front desk said she could move us to a different room that was exactly like the one we were in. She said the rooms were given out first come, first served and that we got what we got. She did not apologize, and said she could not do anything about the money or give us a refund. We would have to wait until the manager was there in the morning. She told us that in fact, we had reserved the "deluxe package". My husband said that we did not get any kind of package, and the person we spoke with to make the reservation did not say anything to us about a deluxe package. He asked, "what does this deluxe package come with?" And the front desk person said, "two gate passes." He told her, "we don't need gate passes. We already have them. We are staying with our family for the week in a condo, and only wanted the hotel room for our wedding night." The lady said again, "you got what you got and I can't change it. You'll have to speak to the manager in the morning." She started ignoring my husband and looked down without saying anything - just started typing. Even after my husband tried to get her attention, she kept on ignoring him. So then I tried to reason with her. I said, "we put down a deposit for a suite! This is my wedding night, can't you help us?" She said,"I already told him I can't do anything, and you will have to talk to the manager in the morning." I was so shocked at how unhelpful and rudely we were being treated. We decided to take another breath, and go back to our room to figure out what to do. The hallway smelled like stale cigarettes, alcohol, and weed. As my husband was reaching his hand out to open the hotel room door, three intoxicated people came out and started talking to us. One of them looked at me and said, "you got married at the chapel here didn't you. I know you- we've been talking about you all day long. You were late to your wedding, and this is your 2nd marriage isn't it! I know all about you!" I was devastated that strangers in the Chautauqua institute were gossiping about me, and apparently judging me for getting married again. This insult was the last straw. Plus, the room at the condo we were sharing with my family was a lot nicer than the room at this hotel so we decided to leave. I returned the key to the front desk and said I would be back in the morning to speak to the manager. We had to walk back to the condo- at that point, the buses weren't running anymore in the Chautauqua Institute. The next morning, instead of relaxing, and getting ready for day after wedding brunch with my family and friends- I had to go back to the Athenaeum to get a refund. Please help some light shine through all this mess - learn from my horrible experience. Do not stay here. Do not reserve a block of rooms here. And certainly don't expect to have a nice room for your wedding night. Don't even expect anyone to be nice to you or treat you like a human being. I went back the next morning (the day time staff seem to be helpful). They refunded the money, but they will never be able to make up for ruining my wedding night, or the precious time I lost with wedding guests the following morning. read more

We just returned from a long weekend at the hotel and had a GREAT time! Our standard room was updated and very comfortable. It has a great 19th century feel that is so rare these days. The staff is friendly and they try hard to ensure a comfortable stay. We would have given five stars but the restaurant is a solid four star. The food is plentiful, brkfst is included with many choices, overall good but opportunity to do better based on the price. Stay here on your next visit. The hotel is very cool, the staff terrific, views that cannot be beat, and you are right on the water. read more

Note: this is a rating for a Fall weekend (off Season). I love Chautauqua and have just not been able to justify paying for a hotel room AND grounds fees AND parking to come here in Summer. I've always wanted to stay at the Athenaeum and at an off season rate of $122 a night (plus about $16 taxes) this was my opportunity. The hotel is an old gem, the rooms are small but very comfortable (besides who comes here to spend time in the room). I loved the feel of grandeur and will probably make this Fall visit an annual event. read more

I agree with the other review. The hotel is HUGE, and has a lot of character to it (from the large lobby to manual elevator to the sloping floors in the long halls). This hotel was one of if not the first hotel built with electricity, since Thomas Edison lived in a nearby house at the Chautauqua Institution. read more

Excellent food & service. Very pricey, but it is a cut above the rest. The Morrocan stew had a unique & excellent taste. I would highly recommend the Athenaeum to anyone willing to pay their prices. read more

Athenaeum Hotel - Morrocan stew. Sooo tasted! - Hotels Near Me - Chautauqua, New York

We stayed the week of 9/3-9/5 It was off season. The atmosphere was what made the place. The rooms were very small and the bathroom smaller. We order food one night; roast beef and it was not good at all. Too over cooked and skimpy especially for the $20 cost. Rooms were clean and porch is what made the place read more

It's hard to know what to say about this place. So, I'm going to do it as a list of pros and cons... Pros: - Location - This is a grand building right on the lake and directly adjacent to the amphitheatre. We were only at the Institution for the weekend, so it was nice that we didn't have to drive in and out all the time. - Restaurant - We heard that the restaurant changed hands in the last year or so and they were making improvements. The food was delicious at dinner and fine at breakfast. The breakfast buffet didn't blow me away, but there was also nothing to complain about. The omelet and smoothie stations were highlights. - Service - Yes, this place is staffed mostly by summer students, so it's not always the polished service you would get at other hotels at this price point. That said, we found service to be consistently quick and friendly. - Common areas - the lobby and wrap-around porch were lovely as were the grounds - History - A place where Edison spent lots of time as well as numerous US Presidents, the place oozes history, which is kind of cool. Cons: - Facilities - It's all very dated. Very. Floral wallpaper that you can see the seams on, bathroom fixtures that haven't been upgraded in decades, tube TV, 80's dressers, sagging mattresses, loud window heating/cooling units. Our room also smelled of its age. Neutral: - Price - Chautauqua is expensive. You can't deny it. Our room was definitely over-priced for what we got but it was still the best deal we found in our planning. We scored a great weekend package that included the room, dinner each night, breakfast, brunch on Sunday, parking, and our gate passes. Even with the rooms being what they were, we still felt good about the choice. I'm not sure Chautauqua is my thing but that is beside the point. read more

It was the worst room I spent the night in (five nights actually) in fifty years. I'm old. I have spent the night in Super 8 motel rooms far more comfortable than this. Our current favorite chain is the Residence Inn by Marriott. Two major problems were the room is tiny with absolutely no counter top space and a rare few power outlets and second the furnishings were old and beat up. It had broken down wooden shutters on the INSIDE of the room. Total furnishings consisted of 1) one king size bed 2) two small bedside stands 3) two small old shabby wicker chairs 4) two tall skinny, beat up drawer units and 5) one small old tube type TV. No desk. No table. Very ugly wall paper from (it seems) the 1940's. We were there in October (off season) with a group of Road Scholars so noise is not a problem except when one hard of hearing person is talking to another hard of hearing person. Our average age was about 85 give or take. There was no late party activity even though I understand they have abandoned the old rule that you could not bring any alcohol onto the property. The food served was mostly pretty good except for our final night when the young guy wearing the tall chef's hat carved the prime rib with the grain instead of across the grain and it was almost inedible. We will never stay in this hotel again. read more

Chautauqua is a special place that I have been visiting for 50 years. I finally decided to stay at the Athenaeum due to its history. It was a horrible disappointment. The room was dated and just ordinary. I stayed for a week and never got my sheets or towels changed. The mattress was so old and uncomfortable. This place could be a jewel if it was made to look beautiful as in the late 1800s. Food was fine, but not special. Prices were outrageously high for the product and service. I can say I stayed there once, but never again. read more

Dinner party of six around 5pm on a Wednesday. What could go wrong? Everything! Service was lazy, food was mediocre, prices were really high, and the dining room was loud. Oh yeah, and they required reservations, but were not clear on how to take a reservation over the phone. This place is a joke. Save yourself. Do not go. You'd be better off getting takeout literally anywhere else (spoiler: you have almost no options here!) and eating by the lake. On the bright side, the chocolate cake dessert was okay. They failed to bring extra forks when asked, though. read more

Arrived today for our 4 night stay for the 6th year in a row . Heirloom restaurant in hotel a BIG disappointment tonight . Waited 30' in line to be seated , then our food did not arrive for another 45' from ordering it !!! The kitchen cannot handle high volumes of people . Late to our show . I'll be eating dinner elsewhere this year . read more

We stayed here last week with our two kids. Our room was large, but dated. You can tell this was once a very grand hotel but it is in need of many updates! We had to take quite a route to get to our room in the annex. Our package included the daily breakfast buffet. This was probably the best thing about staying in this hotel. They had a very nice selection which changed daily and our service was always great. read more

We were looking forward and expecting a lovely experience on the beautiful terrace overlooking Chautauqua Lake at the Institution, but instead it was terrible. Three adults, three children, we made a reservation for 9:30AM, which was the latest available reservation for the breakfast "grand buffet". We were seated, served coffee by inexperienced (probably seasonal) waitstaff, and then we had to ask about where to find the buffet, all within 10 minutes of our reservation time. When we got to the buffet, the food was GONE! They had cleared every tray of food and the omelet station was closed. All within 10 minutes of our reservation. The manager was not at all helpful. After much quarreling, she had the kitchen bring back the OLD food, crusty and disgusting from the kitchen. She was rude, defensive, and unhelpful. With three small, hungry children, we had no choice but to leave without breakfast. What a disappointment. Such a beautiful setting, with such a disappointing poorly managed restaurant. The Athenaeum needs a major overhaul to improve upon their dining situation. We received better food, better service, and a better attitude from the diner instead.Terrible! read more

My meal was absolutely delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed it overlooking the stunning scenery of Chautauqua Lake. And the service from Robin and Alexandria was exceptional. This delights me because I love Athenaeum Hotel. read more

Beautiful setting, but the hotel is disappointing. We stayed over the 4th of July weekend 2011. The room was very noisy with sound easily penetrating from the outside and from the inside: the room upstairs and hallway. Our bed was exceptionally uncomfortable with a hard mattress and poor quality pillows. Staff seemed overwhelmed and not particularly friendly. On the plus side Chautauqua is a remarkably interesting place. read more

We booked a block of rooms here for our wedding and our guests were so happy! The hotel staff was so helpful and accommodating - I would definitely recommend! not to mention that the history here is a huge draw as well! read more

The Athenaeum Hotel is most famous for all of the celebrities, and operas, plays. I worked at the Athenaeum while I was in college. I had the honor to assist Marian Anderson and Nelson Rockefeller, when I was a server. But better than that, I learned that it was a lifetime achievement. I was extremely fortunate to gain this experience. Since then, I own a home in the "grounds" that I allow family members & close friends to stay there. The reason I am not there for "the season", is because my husband takes me and family members to different places, such as "Hilton Head". Because of that, we don't spend the entire summer there! read more