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A local icon.

the hotel lenhart

The Hotel Lenhart – A Timeless Escape on Chautauqua Lake nestled in the heart of Bemus Point, New York, facing west overlooking beautiful Bemus Bay. The Hotel Lenhart has been a cherished gathering place on the shores of Chautauqua Lake for generations. Now undergoing a thoughtful renovation, this 40-room lakeside retreat is being reimagined to blend timeless elegance with modern comfort, ensuring a luxurious experience for every guest. While the hotel prepares to reopen its doors in renewed splendor,  guests are invited to enjoy the three Guest Houses immediately.   Each fully renovated 5-bedroom house has been furnished and designed for relaxation, comfort, and memorable stays with family and friends. Perfect for seasonal getaways, weekend escapes, or extended vacations, the homes offer private amenities while keeping you close to all that Bemus Point has to offer. From its picturesque lake views to its rich history, The Hotel Lenhart is more than a place to stay—it’s a destination where memories are made. Whether you’re visiting to enjoy summer in the village, explore the lake by boat, unwind by the water, visit Chautauqua Institution, explore local wineries, or just enjoy the best sunset from the beloved colorful rocking chairs on the front veranda, The Hotel Lenhart welcomes you to experience the best of Chautauqua Lake living. The Tradition Continues. The Experience Awaits. 

Where it all began.

Large Victorian building with group of people in front. Trees partially obscure the building.

In 1880, when Dr. JJ Lenhart married Dora Baldwin and while still practicing medicine, they moved from Pittsburgh to Bemus Point, NY. There the two helped Dora’s mother operate a small boarding house. With the influx of summer visitors to the Chautauqua region due to travel ease made possible with the advancement of trolleys, trains and steamboats, they took note and built the first hotel bearing the family name near the ferry landing. The hotel offered 40 sleeping rooms and a broad veranda offering expansive views of Chautauqua Lake. It opened to guests in 1882. The original Hotel Lenhart burned in October 1891 during the cleanup at the end of the season. By June 1st of 1892 a new larger hotel stood in its place, which still stands today. Through the years, there have been enhancements to the building. 



Here are some fun facts: Electricity and plumbing were added in 1930. In 1940, another fire occurred on the roof, which was then converted from a gable roof to a flat roof (where some would sunbathe). A sprinkler system was installed in 1953. The Lamplighter Lounge opened in the summer of 1960; it was previously a billiard room, and could usually be heard playing Big Band style music. When the hotel closed in 2022, there were 53 guest rooms, of which 37 had private bathrooms, while the others still shared a common bathroom. For all the years, the hotel operated seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Some famous people who stayed at the hotel; Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Natalie Merchant, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, Les Brown, Martha Tilton, Alfred Kunze, Eddy Duchin, Gene Krupa.


Dr. JJ Lenhart passed the management to his daughter, Charlotte Johnston, and subsequently to two additional generations of the same family. Today, The Hotel Lenhart's tradition of hospitality will be carried on by the Curry Family from Pittsburgh (what a coincidence). 


The grand porch with its many multi-color rocking chairs, will allow the local community & travelers from across the globe to carry on the tradition of slowing down. Even if for a moment, to enjoy the beauty of this prominent lakeside retreat and its views any time of day.


Where it all began.

In 1880, when Dr. JJ Lenhart married Dora Baldwin and while still practicing medicine, they moved from Pittsburgh to Bemus Point, NY. There the two helped Dora’s mother operate a small boarding house. With the influx of summer visitors to the Chautauqua region due to travel ease made possible with the advancement of trolleys, trains and steamboats, they took note and built the first hotel bearing the family name near the ferry landing. The hotel offered 40 sleeping rooms and a broad veranda offering expansive views of Chautauqua Lake. It opened to guests in 1882. The original Hotel Lenhart burned in October 1891 during the cleanup at the end of the season. By June 1st of 1892 a new larger hotel stood in its place, which still stands today. Through the years, there have been enhancements to the building. 



Here are some fun facts: Electricity and plumbing were added in 1930. In 1940, another fire occurred on the roof, which was then converted from a gable roof to a flat roof (where some would sunbathe). A sprinkler system was installed in 1953. The Lamplighter Lounge opened in the summer of 1960; it was previously a billiard room, and could usually be heard playing Big Band style music. When the hotel closed in 2022, there were 53 guest rooms, of which 37 had private bathrooms, while the others still shared a common bathroom. For all the years, the hotel operated seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Some famous people who stayed at the hotel; Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Natalie Merchant, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, Les Brown, Martha Tilton, Alfred Kunze, Eddy Duchin, Gene Krupa.


Dr. JJ Lenhart passed the management to his daughter, Charlotte Johnston, and subsequently to two additional generations of the same family. Today, The Hotel Lenhart's tradition of hospitality will be carried on by the Curry Family from Pittsburgh (what a coincidence). 


The grand porch with its many multi-color rocking chairs, will allow the local community & travelers from across the globe to carry on the tradition of slowing down. Even if for a moment, to enjoy the beauty of this prominent lakeside retreat and its views any time of day.


The Hotel Lenhart

Family and Friends Gather Here

We look forward to meeting you when you visit Bemus Point during the summer of 2026. We will be working on the project and would love for you to stop by and introduce yourself!

Covered porch with gray siding, rocking chairs, and a dark table set for a meal.

The Grand Veranda & Rocking Chairs

The iconic heart of the hotel, our expansive front veranda, is available to all guest house residents. Grab a seat in one of the beloved, colorful rocking chairs to enjoy your morning coffee, read a book, or witness the spectacular sunsets over Bemus Bay. It's the perfect place to unwind and soak in the timeless atmosphere of Chautauqua Lake.


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Sunset over a bay filled with boats; orange and blue sky; trees in foreground.
Campfire at night, sparks rising against dark sky near silhouetted trees.

The Hotel Lenhart Bicycles

Explore Bemus Point at your own pace with complimentary bicycles from The Hotel Lenhart. Available to overnight guests, our bikes make it easy to cruise through town, visit the lakefront, and soak in the charm of Bemus Point! Ask about a map for our favorite suggested routes along with our “Bike Experiences” available.

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