Athenaeum - Chautauqua

It's an antique, but that's it's charm. And you can't beat the location right on the lake behind the amphitheater. Rooms: 4 Service: 5 Location: 5 Hotel highlights: Great view, Quiet

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.

Very expensive. Three cocktails, $50 with tip Service: 5 Location: 5

Charming and unique atmosphere. Enjoyable experience. Rooms: 5 Service: 5 Location: 5 Hotel highlights: Peaceful.

Walkability: Strolling through the gated community was like stepping into the early 1900s, with all the homes being over a century old and beautifully maintained. Rooms: 4