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Chautauqua Institution 2025 Season: June 21–August 24, 2025
Now Booking for 2025!
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More Captivating than Opening Your Favorite Storybook

Travel down the rabbit hole with Alice, step through the wardrobe to Narnia, let Jeeves the butler serve you, or go around the world in 80 days. A stay at our top-rated Chautauqua, NY, bed and breakfast puts you right in the middle of your favorite literary works. Wake up in rooms inspired by Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Browning, or William Shakespeare. As the only literary-themed hotel in the United States, our quaint Western New York resort features a unique atmosphere with each of Chautauqua accommodations dedicated to authors. Hand-painted murals, thoughtfully chosen books, and music in our 25 rooms and suites will help you escape to another world.

Century-Old Charm

The Spencer Hotel was built in 1909 by Mrs. Ensign. It was a family-owned business until 1997, when the current owner, Helen, bought it. Since acquiring The Spencer, Helen has updated the entire hotel. In 2015 The Spencer Hotel & Spa was accepted into the Select Registry bed and breakfast collection. This is an exclusive group of the finest bed and breakfasts in the country. The Spencer Hotel & Spa is also now recognized as a significant Historic Landmark Hotel by the National Parks Service. The Spencer is the only building within Chautauqua Institution with this distinction. The hotel is Steamboat Gothic style and is richly appointed with beautiful antiques throughout.

When visiting The Spencer, you will experience the old-world charm of a century-old hotel with modern amenities. Some of these amenities include central air conditioning and heating, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, monogrammed robes, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, and an elevator. A projector and movie screen are also available for use in the Monet Parlor.

In The Heart of Chautauqua Institution

Stroll down the beautiful and well-kept grounds of our historic gated community. Sit back and relax while you watch entertainment in the Chautauqua Amphitheater from the comfort of your porch. The Spencer Hotel & Spa is located right in the center of the world-famous Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York. Chautauqua Institution is a community of continued learning and personal development.

During the 9 week summer season, a multitude of events and classes are on the calendar daily. Watch an opera or ballet, see your favorite band perform, take an art class, listen to a religious speaker, visit the library, get in a few holes at the golf course, or go for a sail. There is something for you at Chautauqua Institution, whether 3 or 93.

During Chautauqua Institution’s offseason, there are still so many things to do. The Spencer is only a short walk from Chautauqua Lake. Visit some of the local shops and restaurants during your stay. Take a wine tour to some of the best wineries New York has to offer. Explore nature on one of our local hiking trails or visit a museum for the afternoon.

Exquisite Cuisine and Conversation

Have a gourmet breakfast with your friends and family each morning in the Peacock Dining Room. While dining, converse with those around you about the show you saw the night before or the speaker you are most excited to see. We are proud to offer world-class food in a family-style setting that leads to great conversations and new friendships.

Quality Service

From the moment you arrive at the Spencer Hotel & Spa, you will experience a level of hospitality and service that will exceed any of your expectations. Enjoy all the amenities and expertly trained staff of a fine hotel with the intimate and comfortable atmosphere of a bed and breakfast. Our service commitment is our promise to make every moment of your stay as relaxing as possible. Your room will be immaculate upon arrival and cleaned every morning of your stay. Sleep with ease knowing the blanket on “The Spencer Bed,” our triple-sheeted king bed, will only be touched by you. Lavatories at The Spencer must pass a “white-glove” test and feature Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities.  Please take time to stop and talk with any of our staff. They are welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable, and always love a good conversation.

Let Us Host Your Event

The Spencer Hotel & Spa is the perfect location for all your event needs. Plan your corporate retreat, shower, family reunion, or other group events here. We can provide you with food, decorations, and activities for your group. Our location in Chautauqua Institution, just a short walk from the lake, and our warm staff make us the perfect venue for your event.

Pamper Yourself

At the end of the day, you want to unwind and rid yourself of stress. There is no better place to relax than The Spencer Hotel. Grab a glass of wine and book, then take a soak in our jetted clawfoot tubs. For further pampering, spend some time in our cedar steam sauna.

Chautauqua, NY Bed and Breakfast Packages

Our packages make your stay at our Chautauqua, NY, bed and breakfast extra special. Plan your romantic getaway with our couple’s renewal or classic romance package. If a ladies’ trip or family reunion is more of your style, we also have packages for those. We have specials and packages available for just about everyone. We even have a murder mystery party package! You will not want to miss checking out these deals. If you do not see one that fits your occasion quite right, call us, and we can customize a package just for you.