The only reason I have ever been to Bellinger Hall is for Koinonia events - which are Christian…read moreRetreats for men and women. At first it might be difficult to find - like all things in the institute, but once you get use to the area - you will have no problems - and it's not that big - so you will eventually find Bellinger Hall! However, once you find it - depending on why you are there - it might not meet your expectations - at least if they are too high! The sleeping accommodations normally only have twin beds - in the colder months plan on your bedroom being cold - you might want to bring your own extra blankets or even an electric blanket and if you are very big at all - the showers tend to be extremely small. Now if you are going there to cook for an event - it's a huge kitchen and can almost be confusing - but there is one thing for sure - the kitchen area could use some updates - not everything works and not everything is clean, but I've had some very good memories in that kitchen! The other areas are less than spectacular as well, but it's most likely the event that brought you here and not the accommodations - so go with an open mind and enjoy the moments!

I don't understand the review saying "POC are treated diff". I was the only white person in my…read moregroup because my GodMother came up from VA Beach with her whole family. They come here YEARLY because it's so amazing and they're treated so well. Great burgers, salads, and beer selection at the eagle. Prices aren't bad at all. Very clean! Staff at the entire club are so friendly. My family (and GodMother's family) have been coming forever. Don't get discouraged by a review of someone with a bone to pick that's trying to virtue signal. I read the review outloud to my GodMother and she said "sounds like someone's starting themselves on fire then playing the victim".

Played both courses and had a great time. The courses were in excellent shape, the staff was…read morefriendly and helpful throughout the day. Will definitely go back soon.

I wanted a relaxing weekend so my boyfriend found us a 2-night stay at this charming hotel in the…read moreChautauqua Institute in February during the off season. The hotel was well-kept for its age. The rooms are writer themed and we stayed in the Agatha Christie honeymoon suite with the jacuzzi tub, which I spent a lot of time in watching snowflakes fall from our second story window. We also had fill access the two person sauna to decompress in, which was conveniently across from our room. The breakfast was great! Highlights were the zucchini bread and sunflower bread and my favorite, homemade waffles that Helen, the owner made us, were the best I've ever had. It says hotel and spa. I think they said the spa was still not being used since covid, but they helped facilitate me getting a wonderful massage within walking distance at the St Elmos Spa.

Let's just say - they have a good photographer and post compelling photos on their website…read more On the plus side, you can't beat the location. It's a few buildings down from the Amphitheater, so you can enjoy the evening symphony easily from the porch or terrace. Also, the entire staff was kind and helpful. They really tried to accommodate the guests, but there was this sense that these gals were quite fearful of screwing up. On the downside, the room was straightened up, but it didn't feel clean - especially post-pandemic clean. The room we stayed in had 1-1/2 bathrooms - both very small with no room to hold personal belongings. The shower experience was no better than you'd find at a campground. The amenities were cheap and never replenished, so we ended up buying shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at the plaza store. The floor wasn't level, evidenced by our roller bags rolling around on their own. The bed was way too soft and uncomfortable. There was no airflow in the room and there was no way to control the air conditioning. The windows were permanently shut. Despite the Spencer's charm and history, we won't be staying here again.

Run down. The two…read morestars are for the location. If you're seeing a show here, you're about 20 feet from the hotel. Also, Chautauqua Institute is a lovely place. The room: peeling wallpaper, chipped paint, cracks in the floor and cracks in the ceiling, and floors so warped it's like a little skate park. The shower is small and dingy, also unlit. There's a light over the sink, but it's doesn't really reach the shower, especially with the shower curtain closed. The concert let out around 10:30, and we took a stroll around the grounds to skip rocks and look at constellations. When we got back to the hotel, bar closed. 11 on a Saturday night. Also no food to be had. Sunday morning continental breakfast was paltry at best. Even the coffee sucks, watery and tasteless. All this for the bargain price of about $400/night. For two of the crappiest double beds I've ever slept on. All that money is for the location.

This hotel is old (1881), but it has tons of history and charm. That's why I love it so much. We…read morestayed here for the first time this year, and we've already reserved our room for the 2025 season. It's mind-blowing to walk down the same historic hallways that Ulysses S. Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, and Bill Clinton walked and stayed. We had a fantastic room at the end on the 2nd floor. It had been updated (see photos) and had a great view of the lake. There was even a charming porch area outside the room. The front desk staff were very polite, helpful, and quick to address issues. We loved our maid, too. She took care of our every need and made sure our room was cleaned properly. At the end of our visit, we asked her what some of her favorite rooms in the hotel were. She showed us each room and we reserved one for our 2025 visit. NOTE: I see that some of the less-than-stellar reviews knock the hotel for its restaurant, The Heirloom Restaurant. I agree that the food and service at the Heirloom are not that great and don't meet expectations for such a grand hotel. But I shared that in a separate 3-star review for the restaurant.

Stayed at the Vera for week 6 of CHQ Institute program. Great accommodations, great location…read more Close to all venues. Could sit on our porch and hear rehearsals and all programs at the ampitheatre. Hoping to stay at the Vera next year again.

Chautauqua has held a special place in my heart since I was young. I've always loved Chautauqua and…read morewished I could live there. It's beautiful in the summer and full of amazing events, from lectures to church services to art classes and more. There is something for any one of any age. I almost don't want to keep sharing for fear that TOO many people would know about it! But seriously, this place is amazing and nestled right on Chautauqua Lake. Views of the lake are incredible and it's fun to go kayaking or canoeing at the boat shop. Go during July 4th! You'll wish it was like that everyday!

Chautauqua Institution…read more over 10 years ago Words can't describe or can't begin to explain how much I love it here. This place is pure paradise a getaway from the work week but still includes learning and fun. So what the Chautauqua institution is it's a place near the Chautauqua lake that has just about everything you could ask for. Classes to learn how to make a mosaic. Sitting in on a lecture at the amphitheater or just taking a dip in the lake. This place has it all. You can rent bikes to go for fun bike rides around the property. There is a huge park in the middle for tossing a ball around our hanging out on the lawn. They have cool shops cafés. And there isn't a moment that goes by where you are sitting inside bored out of your mind. We keep coming here because my aunt has a really cool apartment and she let's us use it when she is away. And it is just the perfect vacation even if you stay for just a week I promise your drive home will be memorable. Chautauqua Institution Chautauqua, NY Then vs. Now Series - Entry #4 Updated in 2025 If you've never heard of Chautauqua Institution, let me be the first to introduce you to one of the most magical hidden gems in New York State. This isn't just a vacation spot--it's an experience, a tradition, and for my family, a meaningful piece of our history. THEN (Early 2000s Me): We'd visit Chautauqua when staying at my aunt's nearby place--not far from our ski trips to Peek'n Peak. It always felt like a bonus adventure: we'd drop in for a few days and get swept up in this lakefront world filled with lectures, music, and art. Back then, I was in full kid mode--learning to sail on the lake, playing tennis until sunset, and once crafting a mosaic hot plate for my mom for Mother's Day (she still has it). There was even a festival celebrating the Mars Rover that blew my young mind. It was brain food and beach fun all in one. NOW (2025 Me): Looking back, I wish I had the words then to express what I feel now. Chautauqua wasn't just fun--it was formative. This place made space for thought, creativity, family, and joy in a way few others do. My dad, a devoted birder, adored it here. The serenity, the nature, the intellectual energy--it was his happy place. Every visit brought him peace, and watching him light up during a seminar or quietly admire a warbler in the trees left a lasting imprint on all of us. The Institution's four pillars--Arts, Education, Religion, and Recreation--are alive and well. Whether it's a symphony concert at the amphitheater, a speaker discussing global ethics, or simply lounging lakeside with a book you picked up from the on-campus bookstore, there's something here that recharges your soul. ELITE TIPS: Check out the theme weeks--there's something for every curious mind. Book sailing and tennis early; they fill up fast (for good reason). Don't skip the birdwatching trails--especially during migration season. Stay near Bestor Plaza for max access to talks, treats, and live music. Would I recommend Chautauqua? Without hesitation. Would I go back in a heartbeat? Absolutely. Will I forever treasure the mosaic hot plate I made at arts & crafts? You bet I will. Chautauqua is a place that grows with you, and every visit deepens the story. If you're lucky enough to go--pause, breathe, and take it all in. You'll understand what I mean.

I give this place a 4 because it does not deserve a 5 or a 3. The 4 is for the genuine staff, the…read morehomemade food and the general feel of the dining area. It is an old building, it is in Chautaqua NY, not Manhattan. The food is homestyle, the kind your dear Granny used to make. I know your Granny could cook but I am sure it was not better than this place. Details as follows, Fried fish, excellent, Pork ribs, very good! The salad bar was fresh and had many options, including cucumber salad and fruit salad. The desert was exceptional with many options, I got the homemade blueberry pie, excellent! The young servers worked hard to please and were of the highest caliber of young people. Thank you Tally Hoe for the genuine camp meeting dining experience!

I have returned for the last ten summers to the Tally-Ho Hotel and Restaurant, conveniently located…read moreon a quiet street inside the famous Chautauqua Institution. The Tally-Ho, family-owned and operated since ca. 1939, offers a rabbit warren of quirky, quaint, and quiet rooms, each of them unique. As the 3 conjoined structures were built in the late 1800s they have that rustic sense level due to their age. Expect to climb stairs.

Very nice rest stop. It's very clean and maintained well. In addition to the rest rooms, there is…read morealso a room with various vending machines for snacks and drinks. There is also small area inside that offers maps, booklets and magazines that highlight the features and attractions of the local area. Nice views of the lake at this rest area.

This isn't your usual rest stop. The building is like a house and is big, beautiful, and extremely…read moreclean. It aside from the "rest" area, it has a travel information area, NYS police area, and a great little vending/snack area with a microwave. Outside is absolutely amazing. It's landscaped nicely and has an outside dining area overlooking the lake and has history signage along the walk way and a pet walking area as well. Simply beautiful and a rest stop that you truly don't mind stopping at.

Funny how Misty states we were offered a full refund. No such offer was made to us. I cannot…read morespeak for the other couples. We did thank all the people that needed to be thanked. No mention of Ben who is the only reason my wedding didn't end up in my back yard. Although at this point, I wish I had. No mention of the hairdresser she hired that was fresh out of school and didn't even know how to braid. Luckily she was up front about it, very sweet girl, and I have alot of hairdresser friends whom I had to call on. Everyone but Chris, who mind you is the chef and we adored, is related to Misty. She leaves out her son painted lines on a parking lot that is really a pot holed mess from being a construction site. He was not dressed up for our elegant affair but in shorts and a t-shirt. Our centerpieces were not elaborate at all, literally a vase refilled with rocks and branches and 4 glass candle holders with candle inside they had to hang 5 crystals from the branches and scatter refilled containers of gem table scatter. How that is elaborate I don't know. For such a godly woman, alot of lying and stretching of the truth keeps happening. I'm not going to keep going with this back and forth. Misty ruined my wedding, plain and simple, but I was able to marry the man of my dreams. I don't wish on anyone what I went through, hence why I posted the review I did. Good luck to all you brides! I hope your wedding days are exactly what you dream!

I was reaching out to several venues and this was one. She responded fast but when I asked for…read moremore details she emailed me back a rude comment. It stated that she wasn't trying to be rude but I need to read my emails better as she wrote in bold and underlined that no prices are given in emails! I won't make the mistake of asking her again.