Athenaeum Hotel, Chautauqua

The Hotel was built in the “Saratoga-style” in 1881 and restored in 1984. It is the center of traditions and style at Chautauqua. Many famous people and presidents have stayed at the Hotel, including Bill Clinton. This place is truly a step back in time but with modern facilities and cable TV for those unfortunate few who can’t find anything better to do. In addition to the unique Otis elevator, antique rattan chairs, desks and furniture in the hallways, all the common rooms are in great shape. Some of the floors creak especially late at night and the doors are not all plumb, but that adds to the allure of the place.

The Hotel maintains the American plan with three meals included in the room rate. Men must wear jacket and tie for dinner. I sat at the Community table and met many nice informative and friendly people. The dinning room also has tables on the porch with beautiful views of the lake. The five-course dinner was good every night and the staff served us with grace. Some of the dinner entrées and desserts that I sampled are as follows: Crab Imperial and cherry cobbler, chocolate covered strawberries, coconut shrimp and cheesecake and chocolate pudding. On a special New Orleans Day, lunch was crayfish on a mound of ice, gumbo, jambalaya, peel and eat shrimp in addition to the normal fare. For dessert, there was sweet potato pudding, funnel cake and Bananas Foster but with no brandy. (did I mention that this is a dry community founded by Methodists in 1874 and is the first example of a Learning Vacation?)

Please note that there is a gate fee to enter the grounds of Chautauqua Institution, which covers the cost of music and lectures and many other events. Although there were young families at the Hotel, in general many of the guests are in their 60’s and beyond.