we stayed at the athenaeum for a small family reunion. i grew up near chautauqua and think it is a lovely place to visit especially the chautauqua institution, however i very much regret choosing to stay at the anthenaeum rather than just renting a place. the rooms are of the quality you would get at a cheap hotel but they... More

We came for wedding. Even came a night early. Some others had nicer rooms but ours was the size of a postage stamp and not updated. Mattress and pillow both hard. We only paid $99/night. If it had been during the season and I gad paid more I might have been ticked off. Also very strange was the woman manager... More

We went for a wedding - reception was at the Hotel. It was the first weekend after the "end" of the Chautauqua season. It was very quiet and peaceful. The hotel is an old beauty. If you are expecting the latest and greatest in design and furnishings, you will be sorely disappointed. The interior lobby has a relaxed elegance that... More

Chautauqua Institute is a unique place on it's own with hundreds of cultural programs throughout the season. Add to that experience a stay at the beautiful Athenaeum Hotel with it's comfortable rocking chairs and a view to die for, it makes for a wonderful vacation. Also, the service is fabulous. with two refreshes of towels and straightening of room throughout... More

It is true, the only reason you go to this hotel is for the total Chautauqua experience. I grew up near the institute, and the hotel is a trip into the past. It has not been modernized, and it would be a shame to do so. I spent many summers going there, visiting friends at the summer music programs, and... More

Our stay was with a conference before the "Chautauqua Season" so our dining experience, which was amazingly good for buffet service, may not reflect service at other times. First, an update on the antique elevator. It has been replaced by a new modern elevator, but the old one is still visible. We requested a room near the stairs to the... More

As part of our visit to the area from NYC we always stay at least a couple nights at the Athenaeum (have been coming for over 30 years now). First off, you have to understand what the hotel is (and the hotel needs to accept what it is). It was truly a boarding house when it first opened, you were... More

We spent a wonderful evening watching "Chautauqua" on PBS from Spokane WA. this past Sunday. My wife and I both stated when next in Western New York we will have to again stay at the beautiful old Athenaeum for a few days to recapture the fun we had last time. We've enjoyed all our visits to the Institute and also... More

That being a relic of Victorian architecture and a place to sleep in otherwise lovely Chautauqua. While the Athenaeum is a fascinating building with a beautiful view, I can't say it's a very comfortable stay. Rooms and baths are small and dated, but clean. Think 1980's Holiday Inn decor meets sagging, 1880's infrastructure (with an odd antique thrown in for... More