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October 2023 by Carol757
The restaurant hadn’t yet opened for the season when were in Chautauqua, so we ordered dinner from the bar and ate outside on the porch, overlooking the lake, on a beautiful spring evening. Our burgers were very good and the view was lovely. The service was just a wee bit slow, probably because the bar was overwhelmed by a large group from the Road Scholar program who were staying in the hotel.
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October 2023 by Brian Rayne
Quaint and interesting mileau. Fun.
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October 2023 by Alexis McAvoy
Inclusive gathering facilityWalkability: On the ground of Chautauqua Institute, it is a pedestrian community. Fantastic for walking.
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October 2023 by Kenneth Labuskes
Very expensive. Three cocktails, $50 with
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October 2023 by Brad Richter
This is one of the hardest reviews I've had to make as I really had such high expectations and was left upset and just wanting to leave before we really got into our room. In one hand, you have this grand old Victorian building which was quite the lady back in her day in a beautiful neighborhood on the lake. In the other hand, you had a grand old lady that needs about 5 million dollars or more to make her right again and whose stay couldn't even compete with a Super 8 despite charging over twice the price.The Good: Beautiful location and on the water. That's the end of the good.The Bad: Despite the expectations, you are left with an experience far far from those expectations. They try to push the valet service as the actual parking lot is on the edge of the neighborhood and not on or near the hotel. I hate to say this, but the room was horrific. Dirty, mildew, TINY, uncomfortable and not level. Like the whole 142 year old building, any part of the floor not supported by a beam is sunken and spongey. Our room listed heavily from one side to the other, which means the bed listed in this direction too. You can see the blocks of wood they put under the table legs to help level them out. The bed was not comfortable. The bathroom was way too small. Seriously, the bathroom sucked. If you are over 150 pounds, you will struggle with the toilet and shower. I had to shower sideways to avoid touching anything and even that was impossible to do. I've been in cheap mobile homes with more room and comfort than this hotel.I had a lot of hope and anticipation for this hotel. But as soon as I arrived things just started going the wrong way for me and our stay ended the next morning with us leaving at 5:30am short of much of any sleep. I couldn't stand it anymore, was angry, frustrated, and just wanted to get the hell out of there. I was probably better off just staying in the bed of my truck. I would encourage those who manage and own this hotel to stay a night in Room 22 as an actual guest and tell me I'm off in my review here. And also make sure your staff is blowing off the inconveniences as no big deal. Sorry, but that is off putting and insulting. It IS a big deal when you've been driving 12 hours by the time you get there and you're told to purchase valet or put your car blocks away at the top of the hill. It was not worth the money, ended in great disappointment, and am not at all encouraged to stay here again. Again, I hate to write a review like this, but I have to call it as I see it.
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October 2023 by Nancy Dedenbach
If you don’t like this place then go stay at a brand new Holiday Inn. We thoroughly enjoyed the 1881 hotel. It was like stepping into the past. Sure the floor boards creaked but just look at how it was built! Buildings today can’t compare! Enjoy!Walkability: Walking around in The gated community was like walking back in the early 1900’s. All homes are over 100 years old and well kept.
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October 2023 by chris mead
so far so good. it’s an ancient hotel with a bad view out the window but it’s got charm. fun spot, happy staff. super high ceilings - what’s not to like about a place built early 1800 (i think)
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September 2023 by cherylhT8896OI
I am here for a Road Scholar program. I happen to love old hotels so very much enjoy the old-fashioned porches and the surrounding charming community. But what has made me happiest is how friendly, helpful & caring the staff here at The Athenaeum all are. From front desk to housekeeping to dining and maintenance, all treat guests like we are not just important to them but dear to them. I had some requests that they went above & beyond to help with. Special shout out to Beth on Housekeeping who made my week here work. ❤️
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September 2023 by Joal Savino
This is a toughy to review. I'm sure it was magnificent a century ago, but it is run down now and lacking fine hotel services and amenities. The location is to die for. Luxurious porch overlooking the quintessential lake view. Central to the community and venues. There is no alternative hotel, though.
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September 2023 by Elisabeth Huhn
It's an antique, but that's it's charm. And you can't beat the location right on the lake behind the amphitheater.
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August 2023 by SusanS
Very historic Antheneum Hotel setting; dining on the porch with views of the lake was pleasant and restful. Staff were helpful without being overly attentive. Outstanding food selection at Sunday brunch, and all items tried were delicious, especially the omelets. . . . Only suggestion would be more GF and V options.
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August 2023 by Oreo716
This is the first time that the Athenaeum Hotel has bee. A major disappointment. We booked a weekend package that included a room, breakfasts and dinners and tickets for concerts. At the time of booking we made dinner reservations for dinner at the Heirloom restaurant. Between May and July we had 2 calls reconfirming our reservations. Upon arrival we confirmed Saturday dinner and there was no record of dinner reservations. We were told we could have dinner 10 minutes before the concert or order from the bar. We opted for #2. We ordered dinner around 5:30. Ten minutes later our dinner was given to someone else. Twenty minutes later a waiter came with soup and flatbread which we did not order. I asked the bartender about our dinner and he seemed surprised we had not been served.
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August 2023 by GeraldV
The food is good. Unfortunately if you are on a low sodium diet, you cannot order the buffet as everything is too salty. The menu choices are also salty. So you are pretty much out of luck.
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August 2023 by chuck
Food was great but service was a bit disjointed. If you order dips, they should actually bring you something to dip into them. I guess it was the free chips, but the food runner looked confused. We would go back but make sure you have plenty of time.
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August 2023 by KenN
Food was excellent. Only issue was that it was very hard to hear. They sat our party of two with six other guests, and at times it was impossible to hear the person across the table. Can you add some sound absorption?
