About the Chestnut Inn
The Chestnut Inn is a lakeside destination in the grand tradition of the Catskill resorts of 1940s and ‘50s. Located on the shores of Oquaga Lake, a private swimming lake in the foothills of New York’s Catskill Mountains. Guests enjoy 400 feet of waterfront and access to seven boat slips.
First opened in 1927, The Chestnut Inn has long been a refreshing summer retreat for city dwellers. Originally operated as a 60-room hotel, the structure was built almost entirely from American Chestnut, which is now functionally extinct. Much of the original woodwork remains intact including the expansive lobby, grand staircase and lounge with a stunning bar. A massive stone fireplace that burns four-foot logs is the focal point of the lobby. The baseball size piece of marble in the center was brought from Germany by the president of Borden Dairy, a frequent guest.
Lakeside accommodations include 12 two-room king suites with a Jacuzzi bath and separate rain shower, four deluxe suites and one ADA-accessible suite. Guests may enjoy a 100-foot terrace overlooking the lake, fire pits, lakeside lounge chairs, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and watercraft rentals. The Inn also features a gift shop, library and business suite. The full-service hotel offers a waterfront restaurant, conference room, business center and event space. Each stay includes a complimentary continental breakfast.
Dining experiences available to guests and visitors range from outdoor dining on the waterfront terrace located lakeside, to the sunroom featuring stunning water views from a wall of windows. There is also the formal dining room as well as the waterside tavern for cocktails and lighter fare. Oquaga Lake homeowners can take advantage of Dock and Dine at any of the seven available slips. Indoor event space can host up to 100 guests while the tented lakeside site can accommodate as many as 200 guests.
Located 30 miles east of Binghamton, NY and 140 miles west of New York City, The Chestnut Inn provides a serene getaway surrounded by forest and farmland. Area activities include golf, hiking, swimming, boating and casinos.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, the American Chestnut is not completely extinct, but it is no longer viable in its native habitat, including near the Chestnut Inn in New York. Chestnut sprouts still grow for up to 10 years; however, they eventually die due to the blight that eliminated American Chestnut as a source of lumber.
The Chestnut Inn is built in the American craftsman style. Similar to the other Settlers Hospitality Group properties, this property was inspired by the British Arts & Crafts movement. Its large front porch, white wooden paneling, dark shutters, and shingle roofs are characteristic of this style.
When the building was constructed in 1927, it was named Hotel Monoquaga. In 1989, the Maines family, the former owners of the property, renamed it “The Chestnut Inn.”