Frequently Asked Questions
The 2025 Chautauqua Season runs from June 21st to August 24th.
During this time, you are required to have a gate pass to enter on to the CHQ grounds but can schedule any St Elmo Spa appointments without purchasing a entire 2025 CHQ Season pass – We will provide a CHQ guest “Destination Pass” and complimentary parking pass as needed for your scheduled appointments.
During “Off-Season”, there is no gate pass or parking fees, and you can drive directly to the St. Elmo Spa.
Please inform the main gate and/or parking attendant that you have a St. Elmo Spa appointment:
During Season from June 21st to August 25th, 2025, please use the event parking lots accessed from the stoplight at the Main Gate, directly across the street from the Chautauqua Institution. During season, you will need to walk into CHQ or use a complimentary shuttle bus to travel to the Welcome Center.
“Off-Ground” Guests will receive a complimentary parking voucher from the spa desk upon checking into their appointment, which should be given to the parking attendant upon your exit, at the end of the day.
During “Off-Season”, you may drive onto the grounds and park inside the Chautauqua Institution, or closer to the St. Elmo building, at no charge.
During the 2025 Chautauqua Season; a gate pass is needed to enter the CHQ grounds.
A “Destination Pass” if you are not staying on the grounds during the CHQ Season will be created for you upon scheduling your appointments with the St. Elmo Spa and is required to enter the Main Gate. Your pass will be available for pickup before your scheduled appointment at the Business and Information Desk.
To retrieve your Destination Pass; you may either drive into the Main Gate lot and park temporarily behind the The Dr. Robert R. Hesse Welcome and Business Center; or use the complimentary shuttle bus to travel to the Welcome Center from the special event parking lot.
The Business and Information Desk is located inside the Main Gate Welcome Center.
- The Welcome Center GPS address is 1 Massey Avenue, Chautauqua, NY. Accessible parking (for 30 minutes) is available in the Main Gate Welcome Center Parking Lot.
*Please allow yourself an extra 15-20 minutes for in-person, ticket pick up as wait/line times will vary.
If you book your St. Elmo Spa appointment online and need a Destination Pass, please call the spa at (716) 357-2224 with any questions. A 48-hour notice is appreciated for processing, same day changes are extremely limited.
Information and FAQ’s regarding CHQ accessibility features, policies and recommendations can be found here: Accessibility at Chautauqua
If you or your guest require the use of an elevator please let us know at the time of booking so that arrangements can be made to allow parking behind the St. Elmo building on Wythe Ave.
Entering the Grounds through the Main Gate during the Season:
Follow the Vincent St. Brick Walk down to Pratt Ave or Bestor Plaza. The brick walk will lead you to either the steps down to the side entrance of the St. Elmo building or the front main entrance of the building.
During “Off-Season”, there is no gate pass or parking fees, and you can drive directly to the St. Elmo Spa.
The St. Elmo building is labeled A11 on the CHQ Map and is located on the lower-level concourse of the St. Elmo building. Printable CHQ Map
We accept all payment types: cash, credit, debit, check, and gift certificates.
The St. Elmo Spa requires a credit card to book and reserve any appointment. However, you may choose your preferred method of payment at the end of your scheduled service and are not required to use the card on file.
Please review our Cancellation Policy for answers to further appointment questions or changes.
You must give us a minimum of 24 hours notice to cancel, change or reschedule any pre-booked service. Failure to call within this timeframe will result in a charge of 100% booking fee of the full value of your scheduled services to the credit card on file.
Electronic intake forms will be sent to your phone and/or email when you schedule your appointment with the St. Elmo Spa. A reminder will also be sent 24 hours prior to confirm your appointment(s).
It is important to complete these forms before your appointment if possible. Please update us with any major health changes. Call the spa at (716) 357-2224 with any questions.
Please plan to arrive about 5-10 minutes early to the St. Elmo Spa before your scheduled appointment. This will allow time to complete any needed paperwork and use the restroom or ask the desk any appointment questions you may have.
We offer complimentary coffee, tea, and/or water at any time.
Alcoholic beverages are permitted at the spa under our B.Y.O.B. policy, but we ask that you drink responsibly.
There is no bottle fee.
Persons under 21 are prohibited from consuming alcohol inside the St. Elmo Spa and St. Elmo building, even if provided by a parent or legal guardian.
The St. Elmo Spa reserves the right to “cut off” any patron at any time if deemed necessary.
Yes, if you are hosting an event at the spa you may bring snacks for your group to enjoy. We can provide a small table for any food items but space remains limited.
*NEW 2025 Season: Lunch Pre-Order Menu will be provided by On the Fly CHQ, Mobile Food Trailer
Please call the spa at (716) 357-2224 with any questions and to confirm date availability.
Submit event details here: St. Elmo Spa Event
