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The Hotel Lenhart has been one of my favorite hotels and places to visit for many years. Located in Bemus Point, New York, the hotel faces west and overlooks Bemus Bay on Chautauqua Lake.

Early morning sun over Chautauqua Lake, New York, July 2007
Creative Commons License photo credit: Conlawprof

A veranda wraps from the side all around the front of the hotel and in my opinion adds to the elegance of the hotel. This is perfect for watching the sunrise and sunset over the Chautauqua Lake. And the multicolored rockers, 40 in all, attract visitors and residents of the town of Bemus Point.

The architecture and history of the hotel has always fascinated me. Owned by the same family, since 1881 the hotel has character. During my first visit to the hotel I entered the hotel and approached the reception desk.  I was  greeted by a orange tabby who was none to happy I disturbed his nap under the lamp.

The hotel design has a main floor and three upper floors for overnight visitors. The rooms range from large parlor type rooms on the ground floor to small single bed rooms on the top floor. The feel of the older bed and breakfast boarding rooms lives on in this historic hotel. I must admit I enjoy staying at Bed and Breakfast hotels and Chautauqua county New York has many bed and breakfast accommodations.

Originally the hotel was built without plumbing or electric. With time all rooms have had an added sink, but many still do not have a bathroom. There are two private baths on each floor for those rooms without baths. I have stayed in many bed and breakfast’s where you share facilities and the atmosphere in such accommodations adds to the experience. Now, many would not agree with me on this point.

One of my favorite day trips is to head to Bemus Point have lunch or dinner at the hotel dining room and enjoy the lake. The Lamplighter Room, a cocktail lounge, is located just off the lobby and has live entertainment, a perfect ending to a relaxing day. The music is usually Big Band and the music travels the air and adds to the beauty of an evening by the water. Often times you will see the Chautauqua Belle or Summer Wind traveling on the lake.

The first Hotel Lenhart was built by Dr. J. J. Lenhart and his wife in 1881 and open for business in 1882. The hotel was known for miles and had a reputation for excellence. But ten years after being built the hotel was destroyed by fire. The following year Lenhart rebuilt the hotel, in the same location. The new hotel contained fifty-two rooms.

Bemus Point has a rugged winter and being a tourist town the hotel keeps a seasonal schedule being open from Memorial Day and closing on Labor Day.

A summer is not complete until I make a trip to the Hotel Lenhart, enjoy a meal and take in the beautiful scenery