The Gleason Hotel, a Victorian era rooming house, is located directly on Lake Chautauqua, offering fantastic views from both the first and second floor back porches. The front porches overlook picturesque Chautauqua Institute with beautiful trees, lawns and gardens. There are a variety of rooms ranging from good to adquate. Most have private bathrooms, and a few have kitchen facilities. There is are two communal kitchens that are outfitted with appliances and anything needed for cooking. A stay at the historic Gleason Hotel offers a charming and comfortable stay. Staying here you are a five minute walk to the Amphitheatre and the Athenaeum. You can't beat the lake views.

Made a week's reservation for July in April '24 and sent in a 50% deposit. Asked about the cancellation policy since I was traveling with a very elderly couple. Had to cancel in May. Since then 3 emails have gone unanswered. Worst lodging experience ever ... and I've had some unpleasant ones. Probably pretty happy I didn't actually stay based on some other reviews.

Book at Your Own Risk. I am sorry to say, it is completely unpredictable whether the Gleason will honor the rooms or dates that you reserve. In December 2023 we booked two adjoining rooms for eight nights in July 2024, paying half at the time of booking and the rest in March. For months, our requests for a receipt were ignored. Two days before our arrival, we received a text and learned that our rooms had been double-booked with another party (as well as having the last date dropped with no notice); we also learned that unfortunately this is a frequent occurrence. Had we not been able to stay with family instead, either our or someone else's Chautauqua vacation would have been ruined.

I spent a week at the Gleason in August 2023. My family was nearby so I was spending considerable time in my family's house. However, I found Bruce the hotel owner to be very accomodating and quite generous with sharing what his hotel had to offer. Having observed his wife with others I imagined her to be the same. In a heartbeat, I would return there! In addition, I liked the people who booked there. I was sorry I couldn't spend more time with them but I told myself there will be more time for me in the future at the Gleason. Thank you, Bruce. Mary Claudia Wall New York City

Terrible experience. Dirty, out dated, not up to code with breakers flipping off, dangerous balconies, bathrooms out of order, leaky faucets, no TP or garbage can liners in bathroom, food on our bedroom floor, no keys available for some rooms, expected to leave doors unlocked. Parking situation was never explained to us as you can't park anywhere within the institution. Had to park outside the institution and ended up paying $50. No one was even there to check us in or help when we arrived.