Spencer Hotel & Spa Chautauqua

The Spencer Hotel & Spa is in a wonderful location at the Chautauqua Institution. That's about all the good I have to say about it. Overall this hotel was vastly overpriced for the accommodations and services. It was one of the highest priced hotels at Chautauqua Institution and it failed to deliver. One could tell that at one time it had been very lovely and charming but it is rundown and left a lot to be desired. The room I stayed in did not match the photo on the website. It looked elegant and classy. It was actually very basic. The photo on the website has subsequently been changed to reflect current reality. It wasn't particularly clean. Extra bedding - pillows, duvet and blanket were stored under the bed directly on the floor - no covering or protection from dust, mites, or other debris. I have never experienced "clean" bedding stored under the bed. That is certainly not sanitary. I was cold one evening but would not use that extra blanket for the reasons just stated. My biggest issue had to do with food and safety. I'll address the safety first. There were several areas in the breakfast area that had small throw rugs. There were a number of senior citizens, several of whom had difficulty walking, some with walkers. I saw a woman with a walker heading to the coffee station where one such throw rug was placed. I quickly asked staff to remove it because it was an accident waiting to happen. They did so. Breakfast was provided but was very disappointing. Breakfast is listed as three courses. The first "course" every day of the week consisted of three melon balls in a small stemmed glass. The second course was oatmeal - often times not even warm much less hot. The third course was some type of individual breakfast casserole, sometimes cold, sometimes soggy. There were also muffins, croissants and the like but I had to ask for butter and jam. It was not provided unless requested. What took the cake for me was on the fourth day, that third course consisted of LEFTOVERS from the previous three days plus two other kinds that had to have been from before my week's stay there. How is that even legal to put foods that have been on a buffet back to be served at a later date. I was quite appalled at that. After that, I skipped the breakfast provided and went out to get something fresh and hot. It is advertised as a hotel and spa but I am unaware of where those services would be. I never saw any sign of it and it certainly wasn't presented by staff. In a bit of humor, another guest asked if I had cobwebs in my room. She did and was not happy. I told her I hadn't noticed but that I would expect I would probably have one as I was in the E.B. White room. (All the rooms are named after authors with decor associated with their stories.). I went back to my room and indeed did see a cobweb - from E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web." (See attached photos)

Never got our refund as agreed… the Owner ignored us…a very very old hotel in major need of renovations or demolition. Bathroom space almost inexistent. No staffing. My grand grand parents age owner should sell and retire. Hire a cook, server etc…Way overpriced. Beyond response time and cutting our losses! No need to respond. Will never return!

This is possibly the most charming hotel we have ever been to. The themed rooms are such a treat. Everything was really clean and LeAnn and Helen went out of their way to make us feel so welcome and at home. The resident puppy, Hannah, is the best girl in the world, and she made our stay even more special. Will definitely be back.