Escape to Rissom, a summer resort where the English went for their vacation. A beautiful watercolor mural depicts life at Rissom at the turn of the century where all cares are set aside.
Edward Frederick Benson was born July 24, 1867, at Wellington College in Berkshire, where his father was Headmaster. He was the fifth of six children born to Mary Sidgwick Benson and Edward White Benson.
E. F. Benson is perhaps best known today for his delightful series of books featuring Emmeline Lucas (Lucia) and her social rival, Elizabeth Mapp. Published in the 1930’s, the stories are set primarily in Rye (called Tilling) after beginning in Broadway in the Cotswolds (called Riseholme). The books portray the rivalries, plots and melodramas of small-town life and are rich in descriptions of settings immediately recognizable to anyone who has walked the streets of Rye. The Mapp and Lucia stories were filmed in ten one-hour segments for television in the 1980s and have recently been made available for purchase in UK and US video formats.
Benson also wrote a series of books which are invaluable to students of the social and dynastic history that surrounded World War I. These include Queen Victoria, Queen Victoria’s Daughters, King Edward VII, The Kaiser and English Relations, and The Outbreak of War.
ROOM FEATURES:
- Two twin beds
- Private bathroom with neo-angled shower
- Original sink and faucets
- Exclusive access to one of 2 private porches
- Monogrammed bathrobes
- Warm bathrobes available upon request
- Gilchrist and Soames bath amenities
- Hairdryer
- Complimentary high-speed wireless internet throughout room and common areas
- Flat Screen TV
- Roku
- CD Player
- Ice bucket with 2 wine glasses
- Corkscrew opener
- Iron and ironing board
- Wake-up service
- Daily housekeeping service (Year-Round)
- 24-hour access to complimentary drinks- hot chocolate, hot tea, and coffee
- Access to our public library for our guests only. Check out each book is necessary at front desk
- Located on the 1st floor
- Free off-street parking (Sept. 1st- June 20th)
The Spencer Hotel & Spa is the #1 rated Chautauqua, NY hotel on TripAdvisor, and the best place to stay for those visiting to enjoy the Chautauqua Institution’s year-round programming. Imagine hearing your favorite speaker or the symphony play while relaxing in comfortable chairs on our porches overlooking the Amphitheater. Our guests enjoy the perfect location and modern conveniences within a whimsical literary-themed setting that encourages relaxation and renewal, including:
- The only building on campus with a full-service elevator
- The only hotel on campus with central air conditioning
- Central location allowing only our guests the ability to hear everything in the Amphitheater from our porches
- For those who love the lake our location provides a 1 block walk
- On-site restorative cedar sauna
- 3 Course hot home cooked breakfast served daily is included in the room
- Use of parlor with fireplace, easy chairs, loveseats, and projector
- 4 stories of porches with tables and chairs for all
You may sit on ANY porch at any time! Your place on the porch is waiting!
Occupancy: This room accommodates 2 people
Bed Sizes: 2 Twins
*Please note, during Chautauqua Summer Season (last Saturday in June through the last Saturday in August) rooms are rented by the week, from Saturday to Saturday. We are open year-round and welcome 2-nights during the rest of the year.
Full week stays during the 9-week Chautauqua Season includes breakfast every day. The Spencer can also assist guests in arranging travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that may cause a guest to cancel their reservation.
