The Spencer Hotel


  • Inn Details

    The Spencer begins its second century with refreshed spa services and enrichment programming which expands on the Chautauqua experience. The hotel offers guests the modern amenities and conveniences of the 21st century in a unique historical setting, and year-round visitors find even more hospitality and service. Guest rooms and suites were hand-decorated by local artists to honor the lives and works of famous authors. Each offers a select library of thoughtfully-chosen books, and musical selections are available that further convey the tone of each writer’s life and times. Hand-painted murals grace many walls, floors and ceilings. Guests also find faux finishes and yards of English lace in addition to custom-made drapes, dust ruffles and lampshades. The parlor and dining room have Strauss crystal, Oriental carpets and beautiful Victorian antiques. An elevator services all four floors. Steamboat Gothic porches grace the front of the hotel, and are appointed with Victorian sofas, chairs and rockers that overlook the famous Chautauqua Amphitheater. The Spencer offers cozy areas that are perfect for playing a board game, curling up with a good book, or engaging in conversation. In the Monet Parlor a large television, as well as a movie projector and screen are available for use.


    Innkeeper Information

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English



    Features

    Type:

    • Other

    • Historic Inn

    • Spa

    Property Noted For:

    • Abundant Baths, Amenities, Spa Treatments

    • Down Comforters

    • Fireplace

    • Garden Surroundings

    • Heart of the Chautauqua Institution

    • Music, Library Books, Movie Screen

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Family Travel

    • Gourmet food

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings


    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Amenities Basket

    • CD player

    • In-room internet

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Hot tub/whirlpool tub

    • Ironing Board

    • Microwave

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    On Site:

    • Board games

    • Desk

    • Fax Machine

    • Fireplace

    • Internet Service

    • Piano

    • Private entrance

    • Wedding Facilities

    • Wi-Fi

    Other Amenities:

    • On the grounds of Chautauqua Institute

    • Some in-room fridges

    • Some in-room Jacuzzis

    • Elevator

  • Valentine's Day Specials

    2/10/2012 - 2/12/2012

    ~Cupid's Getaway: February 10th-12th, 2012; $595.00 plus tax. Indulge in a romantic two-night stay in a mini-suite with your sweetheart, a couple's massage, and 3 hours of chauffeured driving among our 21 area wineries. An enchanting candle-lit breakfast is included each morning of your stay. You may also choose to add chocolate covered strawberries to be waiting for the two of you upon arrival($12.00 extra).

    Valentine's Day Specials

    2/17/2012 - 2/19/2012

    ~Cupid's Wine and Chocolate weekend: February 17th-19th, 2012; $665.00 plus tax. Indulge in a romantic two-night stay in a mini-suite with your sweetheart, a couple's massage, and 3 hours of chauffeured driving among our 21 area wineries which will be hosting the Wine and Chocolate weekend. Each of the wineries will pair their own splendid chocolate creations with a delightful wine accompaniment (tickets to event included in price). An enchanting candle-lit breakfast is included each morning of your stay. You may also choose to add chocolate covered strawberries to be waiting for the two of you upon arrival($12.00 extra).

  • Agatha Christie Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $195/$325

    Full suite better known as our Honeymoon Suite, you'll feel calm and refreshed the moment you step into the room. Light and airy with green tropical palm branches on a white background, this suite features a King-sized bed, kitchenette, and corner Jacuzzi tub for two.

    John Keates

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Double

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$225

    This top-floor room with classic French inspired decor has a double bed, direct porch access from the room and a whirlpool tub

    Lillian Hellman Jr Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $175/$285

    Look upon the sky light mural and imagine you are far away in another world while you are relaxing in the Lillian Hellman corner suite. This Junior Suite features a king-sized bed, neo-angle shower and a kitchenette.

    PG Wodehouse

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Spend time with 'Jeeves the Butler' and bask in the whirlpool bathtub as you are greeted by a mural of a flapper girl on stage at the theater. This room features a king-sized bed or two twins and direct porch access from the room.

    Pablo Neruda

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    This Spanish themed king sized corner bedroom is complete with direct porch access, a European claw foot bath tub and shower-the only one like it in the entire hotel!

    Dorothy Parker

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Classically decorated with round mirrors, dresser and window treatments that cast a glow over this cozy corner room located on the first floor. Features include a king sized bed or two twin beds and a neo-angle shower.

    Jane Austin

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Double

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $175/$250

    Spend a relaxing vacation in this cozy corner bedroom complete with a jacuzzi, as you take in the country side and castle right out of a Jane novel!

    Isak Dinesen

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $195/$325

    Take a trip to Africa with Isak Dineson as you slumber under a mural of a dreamy safari tet and embrace th wildlife surrounding this beautiful suite featuring a king-sized bed (or two twin beds), kitchenette, and Jacuzzi tub.

    Claire BootheLuce MiniSte

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $175/$270

    Simply an elegant retreat, this corner room has a king-sized bed, large bathrooom with shower, kitchenette and wonderful view of the park-as if you were at a French cafe!

    CS Lewis

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Your journey begins in the wardrobe and continues throughout this kingsized bedroom, complete with a shower and direct porch access- it's like you are a part of the world of Narnia!

    Arabian Nights

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Gaze upon the stars in the world of Arabian Nights where a mural of elephants and a Genie await your arrival. Features a king-sized bed and neo-angle shower.

    Lewis Carroll Jr Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $175/$285

    Take a trip into the world of Alice in Wonderland in this spacious junior suite with a kitchenette, shower and king-sized bed.

    Jules Verne

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Imagine floating through the sky and let your imagination soar when you fall asleep under a fun mural of a hot air balloon. This room is decorated in rich shades of blue with beautiful beaded lamps and features a king-sized bed, neo-angle shower and direct porch access.

    Colette Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

      1 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $195/$325

    Otherwise known as the 18K gold room, this full suite has beatiful gold hues complete with a king size bed, kitchenette, pull out sofa bed, and 1 1/2 bathrooms. Perfect for a couple or family!

    Beatrix Potter

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Double

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$225

    Join in on the fun in this Peter Rabbit themed double bedroom complete with direct porch access and a whirlpool bathtub located in the center of a cabbage patch!

    EB White

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Spend a relaxing visit in this corner kingsized bedroom beneath a mural of rose trellises. Direct porch access, a shower, and of course Charlotte and Wilbur!

    110 E.F. Benson

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      2 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Escape to Rissom, a summer resort where the English went for their vacations in this beautiful room featuring two twin sleigh beds, a neo-angle shower and direct porch access.

    Robert Burns Jr Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $175/$285

    This corner suite is handicap accessible and has the largest bathroom here at The Spencer. Features inlclude a king-sized bed, neo-angle shoer(handicap accessible with wide entry door, seated shower and hand rails) and a kitchenette.

    402 Shakespeare

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Become a part of the blissful Romeo and Juliet balcony scene and slip away from the world! This picturesque room features a king-sized bed, neo-angle shower, large windows overlooking a charming park and direct porch access from the room.

    Lord Byron

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Simply fit for a King! This 18th century corner bedroom spells elegance with rich colors and beautiful antique furnishings. Features a king-sized bed and large shower.

    406 Percy Shelley

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $165/$250

    Sunbathe at the beach or rest in the warm king-sized bed while the grace of this room welcomes your stay. Aside from the king-sized bed, this room also features a whirlpool tub with a European hand-held shower and direct porch access from the room.

    Brontes Jr Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $175/$285

    Follow the river into the woods where the Brontes children had played...This junior suite is full of surprises including a handpainted waterfall and river in the bathroom. Also houses a king-sized bed (or two twin beds), neo-angle shower and a kitchenette.

    206 Charles Dickens

    Suite maximum capacity: 4

    • Beds

      1 King

      1 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $250/$365

    The Charles Dickens apartment is simply spacious and dignified, a class all of its own. This apartment can accommodate guests comfortably for a quick weekend retreat or a lengthy summer stay. The apartment has a separate bedroom which houses a king-sized bed (or two twin beds) and large windows that give you a breathtaking overlook into the garden below and the park across the street. The kitchen is complete with refrigerator/freezeer, cook-top, stove, dishwasher and small appliances.

    Brownings Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

      1 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $195/$325

    The Brownings' Suite is the ultimate romance story. The lavender lampshades and creamy colors signify the love story of Robert and Elizabeth Browning. Features include a Queen-sized bed, love seat (convertible into a twin sofa-bed), a kitchenette, whirlpool tub with European hand-held shower and 1 1/2 bathrooms.

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 3PM    Check out: 12PM

    • Minimum stay: 1 Day Minimum stay

    • Deposit amount required: Credit card deposit required. Call for details.

    • Cancellations: Cancellation varies depending on season. Please visit hotel website for specifics.

    • Open all year round: Y


    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: No

    • Guest pets allowed: No

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinking description: Alcohol may be purchased as part of a Spencer Package

    • Drinks available: Y

    • Suitable for children: Yes

    • Childcare provided: No


    Discount type

    • AARP
      Percent off: 10% Days required: 1

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Gourmet

    • Serving location: in the Salon, Dining Room


    Special meal options


    Additional food services

    • No


    Recipes

    Dessert

    Pumpkin-Apple Streusel Cake
    Serves: 8
    Prep time: 25 minutes

  • Location Type

    • Bemus Point

    • Lake Chautauqua

    • Lake Erie

    • The Chautauqua Institute

    • Airport

    • Countryside

    • Lakeside

    • Small town

    • Village

    • Wine country


    City

    • Buffalo, Erie, Pittsburgh

    • Directions to property:
      From NY I-90, exit 60 to 394 to Chautauqua Institution; through gate turn right on Massey; turn left on Bowman; two blocks; right on Palestine to the Spencer 25 Palestine. From NY Route 17, exit for 394 to Chautuaqua Institution.


    Airport

    • Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo/Niagara International) 50 miles


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Beach

    • Casino

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Lake

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Chautauqua Lake

    • Bemus Point

    • Lake Erie Wine Trail

    • Lucy-Desi Museum

    • Niagara Falls

    • Chautauqua Institution

    • Performing Theater

    • Religious Services

    • Rodeo

    • Ski area

    • Vineyard

    • Winery

    • Bicycle rental

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Canoeing

    • Cross-country ski trails

    • Downhill Skiing

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Hunting

    • Kayaking

    • Mountain Bike trails

    • Sailing

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Snow shoe trails

    • Swimming

    • Tennis courts

    • Water sports

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

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    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in luxury lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    With all of the options in Chautauqua, put this one at the bottom of your list. We had read lot of negative reviews and thought they could not all be true based on the information on the website. But we now wish we had listened. The "hotel" is barely an adequate B&B and the "spa" is a converted room where services are brought in from the outside on an as needed basis. Even the technicians complained about the facilities. But we decided inspite of this to make the best of our 3 days there. When we were leaving, we emailed and left a voice mail asking for an invoice and accounting of our stay. We never received that but got a lot of charges on my charge card. When I repeatedly asked for this, I finally got a voice mail message from the Innkeeper saying that I was a terrbile person who was threatening her and harrasing her so that I could rip her off and get a free stay. WHOA!. All I wanted was an invoice. Not an unreasonable request. We really enjoyed the area. And we travel all the time so we have enjoyed so much better. Amazingly better. And a few that were not good. But we have never had a run in with an owner who treated us so shabbily. Run, don't walk, to any other option in the area. We will the next time we are in the area.


    Stay somewhere else

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    I have traveled the world, this was the poorest return on my dollar that I have ever experienced. I booked a romantic get away. We agreed on a specific spaciousness room based on sleeping arrangement, first floor easy access ( I am handicapped), jacuzzi tub, and internet access (My wife needed to finish some work tasks). I called back the following day to add a third day and make spa and dinner arrangements. No one there was able to help me, it seems that everything is arranged personnally by Helen the owner. She later called back a indicated that everything was arranged as I had requested. Upon arrival I was flabbergasted to discover that, without my knowledge or approval, she had switched us to another room totally different from what I had arranged and payed for. Top floor, sporadic internet access, cramped room, the water in the tub was tepid and mold burbled out when the pump was started. Helen apparently became vindictive and did everything she could to minimize our enjoyment of the facility. As the time went past it became apparent that everything that transpires there is in accordance with her personal whims and desires. The food was excellent, the decor was very nice. Helen does an excellent job with the decorating. The staff were all friendly, courteous and accommodating. My wife used all of the spa services. The spa contractors which she brings in all performed flawlessly. However, they had to work around the inefficient conditions imposed because of Helen's emphasis on appearance instead of functionality. She will probably attempt to blame housekeeping or our "Room Change" for the unsanitary tub, but as I said - EVERYTHING - that happens here is exactly as she dictates. If you are looking for a place where the views of one person override common sense, efficiency, and hospitality this is the place for you.


    weekend getaway

    About the reviewer

    • Between 36-45 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Loved everything about the hotel and site!


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