Hotel Lenhart

For those exploring "Hotels Near Of Me" in the beautiful Chautauqua Lake region of Western New York, the Hotel Lenhart in Bemus Point offers a truly unique and nostalgic experience. Situated at 20-22 Lakeside Dr, Bemus Point, NY 14712, USA, this historic hotel, originally built in 1880, has been a cherished landmark for over a century, providing a distinctive "old-timey feel" that transports guests to a bygone era. It's crucial to note that the Hotel Lenhart is currently under new ownership and undergoing significant, extensive renovations, with a projected grand reopening for the start of the 2026 summer season. This introduction will detail its historical offerings and the exciting plans for its future, as the new owners aim to blend its rich heritage with modern comforts.

The Hotel Lenhart has always boasted an enviable location directly facing west, overlooking the beautiful Bemus Bay on Chautauqua Lake. This prime position offers guests spectacular sunset views, especially from its expansive veranda. The veranda, a defining feature of the hotel, famously wraps from the side all across the front of the building and has been adorned with 40 multicolored rocking chairs. These chairs have historically provided the perfect spot for guests to relax, enjoy a drink, catch up with friends, and simply soak in the tranquil lake scenery. The view of the water is consistently highlighted as a major draw for visitors. This iconic veranda and its rocking chairs are planned to be retained and will continue to be a central part of the hotel's charm after the renovation.

Bemus Point itself is a quaint, rural village in Western New York, known for its charming community and relaxed pace. The hotel's location within this walkable town means that guests can easily explore the local history and enjoy the small-town ambiance. While the hotel traditionally offered a serene escape, past guests noted that external noises, such as power yard work in the mornings or boisterous activity and loud music from boats on the lake late at night, could be heard due to the older construction's sound insulation. The extensive renovations may address some of these issues, but the inherent vibrancy of a lakeside town in summer means some ambient sounds are to be expected. For light sleepers, requesting a room that doesn't face the water might still be a consideration once the hotel reopens.

Historically, the Hotel Lenhart operated with a strong emphasis on maintaining its original character and offering a simple, yet charming, stay. It was run by the same family since 1880, fostering a deep sense of tradition and hospitality. The new ownership, Bemus Point Holdings, LLC, led by William and Jill Curry, is committed to preserving this rich history and unique ambiance while undertaking a nearly $10 million renovation to introduce modern conveniences and transform it into a year-round destination.

Previously, the hotel featured four floors of guest rooms. In keeping with its historic authenticity, many rooms originally did not have private bathrooms, although all rooms included a sink, with shared bathrooms available on each floor. A notable aspect was the absence of air conditioning, with only a box fan provided in each room. Similarly, there was no elevator, meaning guests navigated stairs to access upper floors. Electrically, the hotel's age was apparent in its older receptacles, which were two-pronged and often loose.

The extensive renovation plans will significantly upgrade these amenities. The hotel will be reduced from 53 to 40 guest rooms, allowing for more spacious accommodations, and crucially, all rooms will have private bathrooms. Modern conveniences will be added, including the installation of an elevator, air conditioning and heating throughout the building, and updated electrical systems. The hotel will also feature ADA-compliant improvements, ensuring accessibility for all guests.

Historically, the staff was consistently described as "super friendly." This dedication to hospitality is expected to continue under the new management, Chautauqua Lake Hospitality, LLC. The main floor traditionally featured a lobby and the "Lamplighter Room" cocktail lounge, known for playing Big Band music and offering affordable drinks and simple food options (historically $1-5 for snacks). The hotel dining room also provided meal services, including breakfast. The renovation plans include an expanded dining area and the addition of a chef's table restaurant and wine pairing center, elevating the culinary experience. A separate facility behind the hotel is planned to become a bakery and creamery.

Beyond the hotel itself, the new owners also acquired three adjacent "guest houses," which will be available for weekly rentals on a year-round basis, beginning in the 2025 summer season. Each of these five-bedroom houses provides spacious accommodations for families or groups and includes dock access, making them perfect for larger gatherings or events.

Additional amenities planned for the revitalized Hotel Lenhart include a spa, a heated pool, and a rooftop area with an an elevator for breathtaking views, further enhancing the luxury and recreational options available to guests.

The Hotel Lenhart's most compelling features lie in its deep historical roots and the unique ambiance they create, which the new owners are dedicated to preserving and enhancing:

• Authentic Historic Experience & Modern Elegance: Built in 1880, the hotel is one of only two remaining grand hotels from Chautauqua Lake's busy resort era. The renovation aims to marry this genuine "step back in time" feel with "modern elegance," retaining beloved elements like the "beautiful wallpaper" while introducing contemporary comforts and amenities.
• Enhanced Lakeside Veranda: The massive front porch with its famous rocking chairs and stunning lake views will remain a signature feature, continuing to provide an unparalleled setting for relaxation and socializing.
• Year-Round Destination: A significant change is the transition from a seasonal operation (Memorial Day to Labor Day) to a year-round hotel. This expansion will allow visitors to enjoy Bemus Point and Chautauqua Lake in all seasons, from summer activities to fall foliage and winter sports.
• Elevated Dining and Amenities: The introduction of an expanded dining area, a chef's table restaurant, a bakery/creamery, a spa, a heated pool, and a rooftop bar will transform the Hotel Lenhart into a more comprehensive luxury destination.
• Ideal for Gatherings: Historically, the hotel was a "PERFECT for a family gathering," a sentiment that will be reinforced by the addition of private bathrooms in all rooms and the availability of adjacent guest houses for larger groups.
• Charming Bemus Point Location: The hotel's presence in Bemus Point village allows guests to easily explore the charming, local community, enjoying the rural Western New York feel and historical surroundings. The renovation project is also seen as a major boost for tourism and economic development in the area.

The Hotel Lenhart is currently undergoing extensive renovations and is projected to reopen for the start of the 2026 summer season. This means it will remain closed throughout the 2025 summer season. However, the three adjacent "guest houses" will be available for weekly rentals on a year-round basis, beginning in the 2025 summer season, offering a taste of the Lenhart campus experience prior to the main hotel's reopening. For inquiries regarding the guest houses or future bookings for the main hotel (post-2026), guests should contact the Hotel Lenhart directly via phone at (716) 386-2715 or +1 716-386-2715. It is highly recommended to monitor the official Hotel Lenhart website or related news sources for updated booking information, rates, and detailed descriptions of the new amenities and services as the renovations progress.

The new owners, William and Jill Curry, have expressed their excitement and passion for this project, seeing it as a privilege to uphold the hotel's legacy while making it a vital and modern part of Bemus Point. Their vision is to create an "upscale year-round waterfront destination" that combines "modern elegance and historic charm flawlessly." This commitment, coupled with the significant investment in renovations, promises a revitalized Hotel Lenhart that will continue to be a cherished landmark on Chautauqua Lake for generations to come. For those searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in the Chautauqua area, the future Hotel Lenhart promises to be an exciting and compelling option, offering a unique blend of history, charm, and enhanced hospitality.