I checked into the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel for a New York winter getaway. This hotel, situated on Chautauqua Lake in the Southern Tier, proved to be the perfect, relaxing getaway to start my year. From brisk walks along the lake to cozying up in the indoor hot tub, I felt renewed and refreshed from this early January getaway. While Chautauqua is more so considered a warm-weather destination, winter proved to be a lovely time to visit.
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The Location
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is located in the town of Celeron on Chautauqua Lake. It is a wonderful and extensive lakeside property, similar to other properties in the collection, including Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel and 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel.
While the hotel in itself is a newly built property, it sits on a site of historical significance to the area. The hotel was built on the part of the former Celeron Amusement Park, which closed in 1962. The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel nods to its former amusement park with a few elements in the hotel, including the circular outside Carousel Bar and photos throughout the hotel of the Celeron Amusement Park.
Celeron also happens to be the home to Lucille Ball. At the park adjacent to the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, there is even a statue of this famous comedian.
The Rooms
If you are planning a stay at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, I highly recommend booking one of the Lakeview rooms. While you will surely not be disappointed with any room type at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, the Lakeview rooms will further enhance your experience. These rooms have outdoor patios with stunning views of Lake Chautauqua. Picture a morning cup of coffee or a glass of wine in the evening on the patio, taking in spectacular views of the lake.
While I didn’t spend much time on the patio during my winter visit, I rather enjoyed the view from the small table in the room and being able to see Chautauqua Lake from my bed.
I stayed in the double queen Lakeview room, and it had everything I needed and more. The room had comfortable beds a large bathroom with a separate vanity area. There was a small dining nook/work desk and some great non-traditional hotel amenities in the room, such as cotton swabs and a wine opener. While many hotels have these items available upon request, I loved that they were already in the room.
If you are looking for more space, there are various suites available. The suites are two rooms, with a separate bedroom and living room, a jacuzzi tub, and the showers.
The Food
Dining at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel was such an incredible experience. The restaurant at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Lakehouse Tap and Grille is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a wonderful menu. I enjoyed breakfast and lunch at Lakehouse Tap and Grille, and the food was delicious. I opted for the lobster mac and cheese for dinner, which was so savory. However, the best part about this restaurant is that it offers a view of the lake. I can imagine that this restaurant draws in hotel guests and locals alike. It is a fantastic restaurant.
While my dinner was incredible, my favorite meal was breakfast. I grabbed a table by the window to enjoy views of Chautauqua Lake while sipping on my coffee and enjoying a lite bite of a parfait.
The Amenities
The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel has a plethora of amenities. While the amenities are limited in the winter months, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy this property. Enjoy leisurely walks around the property in the winter months, which sits on Lake Chautauqua. There are plenty of chairs and benches scattered across the property for a place to relax and take in the view.
The indoor pool and hot tub allow you to relax while taking in the winter views of Lake Chautauqua through the large windows.
During the warmer months, there is also an outdoor pool and Carasoul bar, allowing you to further experience the outdoor space and lake views.
Things to do Near Chautauqua Harbor Hotel
You may find it difficult to drag yourself away from this lakeside hotel, yet once you do, you’ll soon discover that there are various things to do near Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. In the winter months, especially, I find these to be the best things to do. But there are plenty of other incredible things to do in the region as well.
Visit the National Comedy Center
The National Comedy Center is a museum dedicated to comedy in Jamestown, New York. It is an interactive museum with plenty of exhibits and information about comedy. This is not your typical museum; it is truly an experience and is one of the best reasons to visit this region.
Learn About Lucille Ball
There are various ways to experience the well-known actress and comedian who was born in Celeron, where the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is located. Visit the Lucille Ball Statue, drive past her childhood home and even check out the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Museum.
Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History
This natural history museum is home to the most extensive collection of Roger Tory Peterson’s works, the father of the modern field guide. His works and other rotating collections are showcased in an incredible way that brings art and natural history together.
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Come Join My Journey was welcomed to the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel as a guest, however, my opinion is as always my own.