The “I Love Lucy” Experience at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel

I cherished watching I Love Lucy with my Bubbe, lying side by side on her shag carpet as matzoh ball soup lingered in the air. Those evenings with Lucy’s polka dots and my grandmother’s love have stayed with me always. And why I wanted to experience “I love Lucy” at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Lucy’s hometown.

From the moment you step into the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel on the shores of Celoron, NY, you’re in for a lakeside escape filled with laughter, nostalgia, and stunning views. Visit iconic Lucy landmarks and attractions, including the National Comedy Center and Memorial Park’s famous statues. Whether you’re lounging poolside, enjoying live music by the fire pits, or watching the sunrise over the lake, this charming retreat offers the perfect blend of relaxation and nostalgia for Lucy fans and lake lovers alike.

Accommodations

The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel’s 135 deluxe rooms and suites exemplify thoughtful luxury, with many offering stunning lake views and private balconies perfect for watching Chautauqua sunsets. Each accommodation features plush bedding, upscale furnishings, luxurious bathrobes, and in-room refrigerators.

Highlights:

• Sweet Dreams Alert: Get ready for the comfiest bed ever!
• Chocolate Surprise: Keep an eye out for your nightly turndown treat
• Head to your floor’s coffee station: Snag a recliner by the window for amazing lake views
• Room Request: Ask for a high floor in the North Wing for spectacular lake views

Dining

Lakehouse Tap & Grille

The hotel’s signature restaurant combines upscale dining with casual comfort, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating with spectacular lake views. The menu showcases American cuisine expertly prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Operating hours accommodate all schedules, with breakfast from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM, lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner until 9:00 PM weekdays (10:00 PM weekends). The bar remains open an hour later for evening cocktails.

Highlights:

• Request outdoor terrace seating for the ultimate lakeside dining experience
• Or ask for a window table–the floor-to-ceiling views are almost as spectacular!
• Save room for their signature chocolate lava cake
• The bar’s high-top tables offer great lake views with a more casual vibe

Recreation and Amenities

The property features both indoor (year-round) and outdoor (Memorial Day to Labor Day) swimming pools, plus an indoor jacuzzi. A state-of-the-art fitness center, business center, and professional concierge services ensure all guest needs are met. The outdoor fire pits and extensive grounds provide perfect settings for evening relaxation, while the location offers easy access to water activities and walking trails.

Highlights:

• Catch live music by the fire pits: Adirondack chairs offer perfect lake views
• Book a lakeside balcony room: Enjoy the outdoor music from your private space
• Fire pit gatherings: Especially magical at sunset
• Nature’s Show: Don’t miss the sunrise–watching pelicans  

The Lucy Legacy Memorial Park

Adjacent to the hotel, Lucille Ball Memorial Park presents two distinct tributes to America’s comedy queen. The famous “Scary Lucy” statue, depicting her Vitameatavegamin commercial scene, gained international attention and draws curious visitors worldwide. Rather than removing it, the village added the “Lovely Lucy” statue in 2016, sculpted by Carolyn D. Palmer, showing Lucy in her 1960s glamour complete with polka-dot dress and signature pearls. Beyond the statues, the park features a lighthouse, boat and kayak launch, band shell, pavilion, picnic areas, playground, basketball court, and accessible boardwalk.

Highlights:

• Start with “Scary Lucy”: You’ll spot her first with her back to the parking lot
• Walk over to “Lovely Lucy” next: The contrast is unbelievable!
• Hotel Location Perk: It’s just a short stroll from your room to see both Lucys
• Get shots with both statues for a fun comparison

Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum

Minutes from the hotel, this intimate museum chronicles television’s pioneering couple through meticulously recreated sets from “I Love Lucy,” including the Ricardo apartment and Tropicana nightclub. Visitors can view Lucy’s Emmy awards, authentic show costumes, personal memorabilia, and Desi’s original conga drum. Behind-the-scenes production materials and rare photographs provide unique insights into their groundbreaking work. The museum spans two distinct buildings, each offering comprehensive exhibits detailing different aspects of Lucy and Desi’s lives and careers.

Highlights:

• Don’t miss Lucy’s original dresses and the recreated TV control room
• Check out the original scripts with handwritten notes
• Visit both gift shops–they carry different merchandise!
• Get your picture taken on the Ricardo’s apartment set
• Try your hand at the Vitameatavegamin scene recreation

The National Comedy Center

The National Comedy Center represents Lucy’s vision for her hometown as a destination celebrating comedy. Housed in the restored 1931 Gateway Train Station, this cutting-edge facility earned recognition as USA Today’s Best New Museum. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to create personalized humor profiles while exploring comedy’s evolution through rare artifacts, personal archives from comedy legends, state-of-the-art hologram performances, stand-up comedy karaoke, and iconic props and costumes. This was Lucy’s dream for her hometown–she wanted Jamestown to celebrate all comedy.

Highlights:

• Test your comedy skills in the Stand-Up Karaoke booth
• The Blue Room for uncensored comedy content (adults only!)
• Download the museum app before your visit

Lucy’s Historical Sites

Lucy’s early life surrounds the hotel property. Her childhood home at 59 Lucy Lane features the famous lilac hedge outside her former bedroom – flowers that became her lifelong favorite. The Hunt family home includes a charming polka-dot garage, a playful tribute to Lucy’s iconic style. Lake View Cemetery offers a peaceful place to pay respects, with a special detail many miss–a heart etched in the concrete.

Highlights:

• Visit 59lucylane.com to shop for merchandise and learn about Lucy’s childhood home
• Don’t miss the whimsical polka-dot garage at the Hunt home
• Look for the heart in the concrete at Lake View Cemetery
• The historic lilac hedge has a beautiful story behind it– great photo opp

Conclusion

From the serene shores of Chautauqua Lake to the lively attractions that celebrate Lucille Ball’s legacy, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is more than a place to rest—it’s a doorway to laughter, history, and relaxation. Spend your days exploring Lucy’s story at the nearby museums, visiting her iconic statues, and wandering through Lucille Ball Memorial Park. Then, unwind by the lake, soaking up the peaceful views and enjoying the hotel’s welcoming amenities. With its perfect blend of nostalgia and lakeside charm, this getaway offers a truly memorable escape.