The brand-new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on Lake Chautauqua is certainly the place to stay when visiting the area.  The newly built lakeside property is conveniently located just a short drive from downtown Jamestown in western New York  and boasts beautiful views of the lakefront.

The comfortable yet upscale feel exists thanks in part to the little amenities found throughout. The Starbucks coffee stations on every floor, three fire pits on the lakeside patios and the on-site restaurant’s lake views from every seat in the house contribute to a luxurious atmosphere.

When I arrived late on a Friday evening, the lobby was quiet and multiple staff members at the check-in desk greeted me. The lobby opens into a social area with plenty of seating and a comfortable, home-y feel — if you live in a luxurious home  impeccably designed to conjure up images of Northeastern holidays, that is. The social area extends into the bar, decorated heavily with dark woods and windows overlooking the lake.

As I made my way to my room, I couldn’t help but notice the little amenities scattered throughout, like the proffered newspapers in the circular seating areas near each floor’s elevators. The seating areas themselves were a nice touch, with a half-moon of windows surrounding each for even more views of the lake. It is a theme I found throughout the hotel: continuous views of the beautiful waterfront.

Once in my room, I was impressed with the spaciousness. Immediately, there is a large bathroom with a walk-in shower to the left. To the right is a small mirror for those last-minute touch-ups before heading out. Further in, you’ll find a separate vanity, a king bed with mountains of pillows, a couch and coffee table and a table with two chairs for either working or eating. Sufficiently heavy curtains draw back to reveal a sliding glass door that leads out to a roomy balcony with seating. I knew if I happened to be visiting in the summer, this was where you’d find me.

There were a few things I came to appreciate about the guestroom during my stay. The ample seating was perfect for my husband and I to fit in a few hours’ work without getting in one another’s way. I also greatly appreciated the separate vanity, which made it easy for me to do my makeup and hair while my husband showered without us tripping all over each other. When you’re traveling with two or three people, this property gives you all the room you need and more.

I also liked that there were hardwood floors throughout. None of the guestrooms feature carpeting, which adds an extra assurance of cleanliness to an already spotless experience.

When you do leave your room, the property has you covered there as well. There are two saltwater pools, inside and outside; a hot tub; a fully furnished 24-hour fitness center; and a bar and dining.

The bar serves up Lucille Ball-inspired cocktails (Jamestown is, after all, her birthplace and the area embraces the fact wholeheartedly) and is just the kind of place I prefer to drink; it’s quiet, upscale and the perfect place for intimate conversation, rather than shouting.

The Lakehouse Tap & Grille is open all day and the menu is delicious. For breakfast, I enjoyed some of the best eggs Benedict I’ve had in a while. The oozy eggs and hollandaise made for the perfect creamy mixture to soak my English muffin and home fries. The endless stream of coffee was just the icing on the cake.

For dinner, the menu offers steakhouse favorites, with several steak options, seafood, pasta, lamb and duck, alongside traditional sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and risotto. I enjoyed the 8-ounce filet mignon with a shallot cognac demi-glace and saffron risotto. The decadent meal was just the thing to wrap up an enjoyable stay at this new property.

If the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on Lake Chautauqua sounds like your kind of place, I’d recommend you book your stay quickly. Once the word gets out, there’s no chance this property will stay quiet for long.

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

10 Dunham Ave.
Celoron, NY 14720
tel 716 489 2800