Early this summer I packed my bags for a weekend getaway at the luxurious, lake-front Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in New York. Just a five and a half-hour drive from Baltimore MD, it made for the perfect road trip! After enjoying the scenic drive up, we were greeted by the hotel staff and checked into our lake-front room for the weekend! The views were absolutely gorgeous, which we were fortunate enough to enjoy 24/7 from our spacious balcony overlooking both the pool and Lake Chautauqua. Our room boasted 2 queen size beds, a desk, a sitting chair, as well as a large, chicly designed bathroom.
Having recently opened in 2018, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel has a crisp, clean feel with décor that highlights all the area has to offer. We very much enjoyed exploring the lobby and hallways of the first floor as the walls were adorned with historical facts and photographs from times gone by. Each room in the hotel is named after former attractions that drew many people to Celoron: i.e. the Pier Ballroom, Columbia Room, etc. which are all referred to as “The Park” respectively by hotel staff. The town’s history is so well represented and truly played a huge role in the creation of this relatively new waterfront paradise!
After a few hours by the pool, we had dinner that evening at the Lakehouse Tap & Grille, which is conveniently located right inside the hotel. If you’re a seafood lover like me, this restaurant is not to be missed! We very much enjoyed the lobster rolls and seafood scampi; in fact, we loved it so much that we had it for dinner both nights! I would also highly recommend the hot lobster dip starter; it was the perfect size to share. Each morning, I called down to the Lakehouse Tap & Grille for breakfast service as well, which was always quickly delivered to our room. From pancakes to Belgian waffles and omelets, the morning room service was so enjoyable. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm stack of pancakes out on the balcony, in your pajamas, overlooking the lake!
When we weren’t lounged out by the pool or enjoying a drink at the Carousel Bar, we found ourselves out exploring all the area has to offer its guests! There are countless places to visit within a short driving distance of the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. I myself was most interested in the local museums, and of course, Lucy. Jamestown New York is known for being the birthplace of famous comedienne Lucille Ball; I Love Lucy has long since been my favorite television show, so off to the Lucy Desi Museum we went! (You can find more info on Lucille Ball attractions in Jamestown here.) We also made certain to visit the National Comedy Center which was absolutely phenomenal, with each exhibit so interactive and technologically advanced. After you’ve soaked up the local history, kick back with a drink in hand from one of the local breweries or wineries! We visited Southern Tier Brewery which is just a short 10-minute ride from the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. Other local pleasantries include shopping & dining at Bemus Point, boating, kayaking, and annual events such as the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. Guests can also enjoy ice fishing and skiing in the winter months. There is something for everyone, no matter what season you visit.
After spending a weekend at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, I am already planning my next visit! Our 2 days were most enjoyable, but there is so much more around town I would like to do next time! The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a relaxing family trip to the lake! It is so conveniently located to all the city has to offer, while still being tucked back in a quiet, waterfront location. You could even book your stay and never leave the hotel! With roaring modern fire pits and lakefront bar service in their oversized beach chairs, what more could you need? I highly recommend booking a lake-view room, as our spacious balcony was my favorite feature! The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel has 135 rooms, 15 suites, as well as several event spaces both indoor & outdoor; we had such fun watching 2 weddings take place right from our balcony! The hotel staff & concierge were always very attentive and personable; each day they even called just to see how we enjoyed our breakfast! We had a lovely experience at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel & I can’t wait to visit again!
This trip was gifted to KCOT care of the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.
