I don't understand the review saying "POC are treated diff". I was the only white person in my…read moregroup because my GodMother came up from VA Beach with her whole family. They come here YEARLY because it's so amazing and they're treated so well. Great burgers, salads, and beer selection at the eagle. Prices aren't bad at all. Very clean! Staff at the entire club are so friendly. My family (and GodMother's family) have been coming forever. Don't get discouraged by a review of someone with a bone to pick that's trying to virtue signal. I read the review outloud to my GodMother and she said "sounds like someone's starting themselves on fire then playing the victim".

Played both courses and had a great time. The courses were in excellent shape, the staff was…read morefriendly and helpful throughout the day. Will definitely go back soon.

Let's just say - they have a good photographer and post compelling photos on their website…read more On the plus side, you can't beat the location. It's a few buildings down from the Amphitheater, so you can enjoy the evening symphony easily from the porch or terrace. Also, the entire staff was kind and helpful. They really tried to accommodate the guests, but there was this sense that these gals were quite fearful of screwing up. On the downside, the room was straightened up, but it didn't feel clean - especially post-pandemic clean. The room we stayed in had 1-1/2 bathrooms - both very small with no room to hold personal belongings. The shower experience was no better than you'd find at a campground. The amenities were cheap and never replenished, so we ended up buying shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at the plaza store. The floor wasn't level, evidenced by our roller bags rolling around on their own. The bed was way too soft and uncomfortable. There was no airflow in the room and there was no way to control the air conditioning. The windows were permanently shut. Despite the Spencer's charm and history, we won't be staying here again.

If I could rate it lower I would. First of all there is no spa. At all. No sauna as promised. And…read morewhen I tried to sit on the porches, I was reprimanded in the most passive aggressive way possible. Everyone who works here is mean, spiteful and passive aggressive, except for the cleaning crew. They were nice. They even commented about how much water I was drinking! Here is my room which was $400 a night! I didn't complain or comment about anything until they accused me of breaking a lamp. The lamps were very precariously perched on these ridulously small shelves and I put one on the floor to avoid knocking it over while getting into bed and they were mad about that and wanted me to pay for that lamp too even though it was not broken. There is something very wrong with these people. Do not stay here. The website is full of lies. No spa! No porches for you! And they do NOT have dinner and the breakfast is not good. By the way when I fought back about the lamps and paying them an extra $400 they kicked me and my husband out of the hotel and "called the authorities" who never came, probably because they are well aware that these people are nut jobs. Probably happens every week!

Run down. The two…read morestars 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.

This hotel is old (1881), but it has tons of history and charm. That's why I love it so much. We…read morestayed 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.

Stayed at the Vera for week 6 of CHQ Institute program. Great accommodations, great location…read more Close to all venues. Could sit on our porch and hear rehearsals and all programs at the ampitheatre. Hoping to stay at the Vera next year again.

Chautauqua has held a special place in my heart since I was young. I've always loved Chautauqua and…read morewished I could live there. It's beautiful in the summer and full of amazing events, from lectures to church services to art classes and more. There is something for any one of any age. I almost don't want to keep sharing for fear that TOO many people would know about it! But seriously, this place is amazing and nestled right on Chautauqua Lake. Views of the lake are incredible and it's fun to go kayaking or canoeing at the boat shop. Go during July 4th! You'll wish it was like that everyday!

Chautauqua Institution…read more over 10 years ago Words can't describe or can't begin to explain how much I love it here. This place is pure paradise a getaway from the work week but still includes learning and fun. So what the Chautauqua institution is it's a place near the Chautauqua lake that has just about everything you could ask for. Classes to learn how to make a mosaic. Sitting in on a lecture at the amphitheater or just taking a dip in the lake. This place has it all. You can rent bikes to go for fun bike rides around the property. There is a huge park in the middle for tossing a ball around our hanging out on the lawn. They have cool shops cafés. And there isn't a moment that goes by where you are sitting inside bored out of your mind. We keep coming here because my aunt has a really cool apartment and she let's us use it when she is away. And it is just the perfect vacation even if you stay for just a week I promise your drive home will be memorable. Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua, NY Then vs. Now Series - Entry #4 Updated in 2025 If you've never heard of Chautauqua Institution, let me be the first to introduce you to one of the most magical hidden gems in New York State. This isn't just a vacation spot--it's an experience, a tradition, and for my family, a meaningful piece of our history. THEN (Early 2000s Me): We'd visit Chautauqua when staying at my aunt's nearby place--not far from our ski trips to Peek'n Peak. It always felt like a bonus adventure: we'd drop in for a few days and get swept up in this lakefront world filled with lectures, music, and art. Back then, I was in full kid mode--learning to sail on the lake, playing tennis until sunset, and once crafting a mosaic hot plate for my mom for Mother's Day (she still has it). There was even a festival celebrating the Mars Rover that blew my young mind. It was brain food and beach fun all in one. NOW (2025 Me): Looking back, I wish I had the words then to express what I feel now. Chautauqua wasn't just fun--it was formative. This place made space for thought, creativity, family, and joy in a way few others do. My dad, a devoted birder, adored it here. The serenity, the nature, the intellectual energy--it was his happy place. Every visit brought him peace, and watching him light up during a seminar or quietly admire a warbler in the trees left a lasting imprint on all of us. The Institution's four pillars--Arts, Education, Religion, and Recreation--are alive and well. Whether it's a symphony concert at the amphitheater, a speaker discussing global ethics, or simply lounging lakeside with a book you picked up from the on-campus bookstore, there's something here that recharges your soul. ELITE TIPS: Check out the theme weeks--there's something for every curious mind. Book sailing and tennis early; they fill up fast (for good reason). Don't skip the birdwatching trails--especially during migration season. Stay near Bestor Plaza for max access to talks, treats, and live music. Would I recommend Chautauqua? Without hesitation. Would I go back in a heartbeat? Absolutely. Will I forever treasure the mosaic hot plate I made at arts & crafts? You bet I will. Chautauqua is a place that grows with you, and every visit deepens the story. If you're lucky enough to go--pause, breathe, and take it all in. You'll understand what I mean.

The CHQ Barn was such a wonderful venue for us to have our wedding. From start to finish, the team…read moreat the barn was super helpful and ready to do whatever we needed. The space itself is so pretty we didn't need much for decorating. They landscape the whole outside and 2 potential ceremony sites that are on the grounds. Our wedding had 145 guests and it was plenty of space but the barn has capacity to hold over 200. They really are one of the best teams to work with and we can't recommend them enough!

I give this place a 4 because it does not deserve a 5 or a 3. The 4 is for the genuine staff, the…read morehomemade food and the general feel of the dining area. It is an old building, it is in Chautaqua NY, not Manhattan. The food is homestyle, the kind your dear Granny used to make. I know your Granny could cook but I am sure it was not better than this place. Details as follows, Fried fish, excellent, Pork ribs, very good! The salad bar was fresh and had many options, including cucumber salad and fruit salad. The desert was exceptional with many options, I got the homemade blueberry pie, excellent! The young servers worked hard to please and were of the highest caliber of young people. Thank you Tally Hoe for the genuine camp meeting dining experience!

I have returned for the last ten summers to the Tally-Ho Hotel and Restaurant, conveniently located…read moreon a quiet street inside the famous Chautauqua Institution. The Tally-Ho, family-owned and operated since ca. 1939, offers a rabbit warren of quirky, quaint, and quiet rooms, each of them unique. As the 3 conjoined structures were built in the late 1800s they have that rustic sense level due to their age. Expect to climb stairs.

Very nice rest stop. It's very clean and maintained well. In addition to the rest rooms, there is…read morealso a room with various vending machines for snacks and drinks. There is also small area inside that offers maps, booklets and magazines that highlight the features and attractions of the local area. Nice views of the lake at this rest area.

This isn't your usual rest stop. The building is like a house and is big, beautiful, and extremely…read moreclean. It aside from the "rest" area, it has a travel information area, NYS police area, and a great little vending/snack area with a microwave. Outside is absolutely amazing. It's landscaped nicely and has an outside dining area overlooking the lake and has history signage along the walk way and a pet walking area as well. Simply beautiful and a rest stop that you truly don't mind stopping at.