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It’s hard to imagine, but the quiet lakefront where the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel now sits was once home to the Celoron Amusement Park—a lively summer destination that drew crowds for almost 70 years. Back in the day, people would arrive by trolley or steamship to ride the giant Phoenix Wheel, catch a baseball game, or fly down a toboggan slide straight into the lake. The park faded over time, and by the 1970s, only a skating rink remained—until that too was lost to fire. For decades, the shoreline sat mostly empty.
Fast forward to 2018, and this stretch of land has been developed by The Harbor Collection managed by The Hart Hotels with a total of three properties in Upper New York State (Watkins Glen & 1000 Islands). Late last fall, I had the opportunity to stay and enjoy this luxury property in Chautauqua County.
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The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel has brought life back to the waterfront, with a beautiful property that embraces the views and the laid back vacation vibes of the Village of Celoron. Right next door, Lucille Ball Memorial Park offers a peaceful boardwalk and green space that feels just right for morning walks or watching the boats drift by.
Chautauqua County has always been a place for rest and renewal—people have been coming here for generations. What’s exciting in 2025 is how that spirit continues, blending local history with new experiences. The hotel is more than just a place to stay—it’s part of the story this community is telling again.
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel Review
Nestled on the serene shores of Chautauqua Lake in Celoron, New York, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel offers a luxurious retreat that seamlessly blends modern amenities with the natural beauty of its surroundings. Its proximity to Jamestown’s vibrant cultural scene makes it an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration.
First Impressions & Check-In Experience
Upon arrival, the hotel’s exterior exudes a contemporary elegance that complements the picturesque lakefront setting. The lobby welcomes guests with its spacious design and tasteful décor, setting the tone for a comfortable stay. The check-in process is efficient, with staff members who are both professional and warm, providing a personalized touch that enhances the overall experience.
Accommodations: Comfort & Style
The hotel boasts 135 deluxe guest rooms and suites, many featuring private balconies with stunning lake views. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with wood floors, luxurious bedding, plush bathrobes, and eco-friendly bath amenities, ensuring a restful and environmentally conscious stay. Modern conveniences such as in-room refrigerators and high-definition flat-screen TVs cater to both leisure and business travelers.
Dining & Cocktails: Culinary Experiences
The on-site Lakehouse Tap and Grille offers a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes that highlight local flavors and ingredients. During the season (May – October), the Carousel Bar, overlooking Chautauqua Lake, provides a delightful setting for evening cocktails, where guests can unwind while enjoying panoramic water views.
Although there are no coffee machines in the rooms, I did pick up a Starbucks coffee from the self-serve coffee station. There is one on each floor and you can have coffee or tea. I brough mine into the dining room to accompany my breakfast.
There was a variety of breakfast choices but we opted for the waffles with fruit and the French toast. Bother were delicious as was the side order of sausage.
Amenities & Leisure Facilities
Guests can take advantage of both indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, perfect for a refreshing swim regardless of the weather. There are lounge chairs and an accessible chair to lower patrons with disabilities into the pool.
The hotel’s fitness center is a great spot to squeeze in a workout during your stay. It’s clean, modern, and well-stocked with cardio machines, free weights, and stretching mats—everything you need whether you’re lifting, running, or unwinding with a bit of yoga. After your workout (or a day of sightseeing), head outside to the cozy fire pits, perfect for relaxing in the fresh air. The lakeside boardwalk, just steps away, is beautifully lit in the evening and makes for a peaceful sunset stroll.
For a little outdoor fun, swing by the front desk to borrow putters and brightly colored golf balls and test your skills on the putting green. It’s tucked beside the outdoor pool and right along the boardwalk. In the summer, you can also grab snacks or a cocktail from the Carousel Bar and enjoy them outside with a view of the lake.
Accessibility, Service & Hospitality
One of the details I noticed first was the wide enterance, halls and attention to accessibility. In the pool area there was a chair to aid those with mobility concerns (see image above). This is something you don’t often see in older hotels so to see this here was a delight. As the population ages, we will need more and more accessibility rooms and services.
This party has a variety of room set ups but I am always looking for the important details for my readers. I had a tour of a few of the rooms including an accessible one and the patio door opened right up onto the patio so you could access the outdoors easily. There was also a no-barrier shower and plenty of room around the bed. This is an ideal property for people in wheelchairs or use walkers.
The hotel’s commitment to exceptional service is evident throughout the property. Staff members are attentive and eager to assist, ensuring that each guest’s needs are met with promptness and courtesy. The nightly turndown service and 24-hour room service add touches of luxury that enhance the overall guest experience.
Additional services include nightly bellman to help with your luggage, nightly turndown service, a professional concierge to assist with reservations, recommendations and planning your visit to the area.
Nearby Attractions:
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel’s location offers convenient access to several notable attractions:
National Comedy Center
Located in nearby Jamestown, the state-of-the-art National Comedy Center celebrates the art of comedy with over 50 immersive exhibits, offering a journey through comedic history from vaudeville to modern times. Don’t miss the stand-up sound booths where you can test your timing or browse rare artifacts from legends like George Carlin to Lucille Ball to Sarah Silverman and John Mulaney.
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
Also situated in Jamestown, The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum honors the legacy of the iconic comedic duo with exhibits featuring memorabilia, costumes, and replicas from the I Love Lucy show. Learn about the many shows they produced and relived iconic moments in comedy history.
Robert H. Jackson Center
Dive into legal history at the Robert H. Jackson Center, which honors the U.S. Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor at the Nuremberg Trials. A standout is the full courtroom replica that brings the weight of post-WWII justice to life.
Chautauqua Institution
The Chautauqua Institution is an historic lakeside community that comes alive each summer with lectures, concerts, and art events. Be sure to take a guided tour or catch a live performance in the Amphitheater—its open-air design and buzzing atmosphere are truly unforgettable. For nine weeks in the summer it brings together leaders from the arts, music, literature and politics to create a ‘summer camp’ for adults. I look forward to returning!!!
Overall Recommendation:
This was an excellent choice both for location and amenities. I loved that they committed strongly to ADA requirements and making it accessible to all. This hotel has much to offer the family traveler, a girls getaway or a romantic couple retreat. I would love to return during the warm summer months!
Perched on the tranquil shores of Lake Chautauqua, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel seamlessly blends classic charm with modern comfort, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. The property’s expansive grounds offer a front-row seat to the lake’s natural beauty, with picturesque views and a stunning walking path that invites morning strolls or sunset reflections. Families can enjoy a variety of amenities, including an outdoor pool, seasonal fire pits, and kid-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable stay for guests of all ages.
Fine Details:
Suites:
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel features large, comfortable guest rooms and suites that are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Guests can choose from double queen or king rooms, along with one- and two-room suite options. Many of the suites include private patios—ideal for enjoying a quiet moment with views overlooking the lake or the village.
Deluxe Rooms:
- Double queen village view/ lake view/ lakeview with patio
- Double queen lake view ADA
- King sofa village view / lake view / lake view with patio
- King sofa lake view ADA
Suites:
- Suite lake view patio
- 2 room suite lake view patio
- 2 room suite village patio
- 2 room suite lake view patio ADA
- 2 room suite lake view patio whirlpool spa tub
- 2 room suite village view patio whirlpool spa tub
Room Rates:
Deluxe Rooms: begin at $159.00 USD plus tax (low season) – $269.00 plus tax (high season)
Suites: begin at $259.00 USD plus tax (low season) – $489.00 plus tax (high season)
Location:
The hotel is located at 10 Dunham Avenue, Celoron, NY 14720. Less than 10 minutes to Jamestown, NY. From London, Ontario it is located 4 hours away and Toronto is about 2 hours. Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are a two-hour drive or less away.
Phone: (716) 489-2800
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, TripAdvisor
I was invited by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and the the Hart Hotels to visit. We experience some of the attractions, enjoyed meals and walked throughout downtown Jamestown. Thank you for the invitation. All opinions are my own
🥾 Explore: Tours & Experiences
🏡 Where to Stay: Top Accommodations
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🎒 Shop: Travel Essentials