Athenaeum Hotel

Just horrible. We were put in the Annex, which hasn’t been updated since maybe 1982. Peeling paint, gross wallpaper, worn carpet, broken AC unit, uncomfortable bed… The floor by the bathroom was so warped from water damage that the door couldn’t close. Also, shockingly, there was no security to speak of. The side door to the Annex was left wide open all night. The free breakfast was sad — white bread and some store bought pastries. The whole experience felt like a roadside motel, not a $400 per night hotel.

We loved our stay, it was a very relaxing weekend away from the city. The hotel feels very historic and has quite a bit of character. You can't beat having a drink on the porch, soaking up views of the lake. Food options were a bit sparse pre-season, but we were able to order delivery form a nearby restaurant which worked out fairly well.

Purchased a pricey room. Arrived at 3pm with my husband and our 9 month year old baby after a very long travel day. We went down to the restaurant to eat and we were rejected. After walking the grounds for an hour where nothing was open or we were turned away because they were fully booked we came back and had to beg the staff for a meal. There was barely anyone in the restaurant at 5pm! I’m sorry but for the price of our room I expect more from this hotel. Also the kitchen decided to just close the late night menu. Don’t stay here unless on a major diet😂

We had a lovely stay at the Athenaeum in the off season, right before the Chautauqua Institution's main summer season. The grounds were peaceful and quiet and the weather was beautiful. We enjoyed being so centrally located within the grounds. We especially loved the Athenaeum's charm and quaintness. The rooms were small, but well appointed, clean and fully met our expectation for a historic hotel. Having a sunset drink on the deck overlooking the lake was such a wonderful experience! The continental breakfast the next morning was a nice surprise as well. All the staff were friendly and kind. We would have appreciated a few more electric outlets in more convenient places. The comforter was thin, but luckily the temperature was very mild at night, so we felt comfortable (and did not need to use the window AC unit). Within the Chautauqua Institution, the Athenaeum is an unmatched gem and we will surely stay here again the next time we visit!

The hotel was wonderful--staff was so helpful and the environment was quite clean. The only disappointment is that too much plastic was being used by the hotel, e.g., in the morning all utensils at breakfast were plastic. yet on the institute grounds, there are signs and sculptures urging the reduction of plastic because of its damage to the environment. The hotel is not following this vision by throwing away so much plastic. I would encourage the hotel to use china plates (would this not be in keeping with one of the visions of the institute and, be in keeping with the style of the Hotel--classy. You are not the red roof in :-) I hope our next stay at the hotel shows an improvement in this area. Thank you.

Just Lovly

The Athenaeum is a trip back in time. Like the Chautauqua community, it inspires conviviality and kindness. Yes, the rooms in this 1881 hotel are retrofitted to modern conveniences, so they can be kinda funky and maybe not for everyone. But when was the last time you had pressed butter rosettes for your morning toast? A bartender who’ll make you the perfect hot toddy when the summer weather suddenly turns rainy and cold? Staff who greet you with warm, genuine smiles and go out of their way to make you welcome? Dogs are part of the family. There are grand parlors, beautiful verandas, and cozy nooks and crannies where you can find either friends or solitude. The Athenaeum feels like Grandma’s home, in the best possible way.

In spite of being 150 years old, the bldg was in great shape and the staff was attentive

Had a really nice stay at this historic hotel by the lake despite it being quite run down. Had a beautiful view from the balcony of our room but didn't want to sit in any of the furniture. Wicker furniture was in bad shape and the seat cushions were all very dirty. Should be replaced with more durable outdoor furniture that doesn't need cushions and could easily be wiped down.The whole hotel is in need of some tlc. Could be so beautiful but money definitely needs to be spent for restoring both the interior and exterior.

Property had lots of character. Exceptionally clean. Nice continental breakfast. Beautiful location. Will stay again.