By Jeff Parker
Historic charm and “Wilderness Chic” design is the new look for the popular Wyndham hotel nestled in the heart of ski country in downtown Ellicottville.
Ellicottville, New York, often feels like a scene plucked from a cherished painting, where the seasons sweep through the village in vibrant hues and a warm, small-town welcome is always in store. Soon, a familiar local inn will embrace this enchanting spirit even more deeply. The Wingate by Wyndham is poised for a $2 million transformation, blossoming into The Huntley House Hotel, a unique destination under the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels. Guiding this exciting evolution is General Manager Amanda Walsh, who envisions a hotel that serves not only as a cozy retreat but also as a heartfelt tribute to Ellicottville’s rich past.
below a rendering of what it plans to become by this fall.) The decision to
affi liate with Choice Hotels’ Ascend Collection was deliberate, driven by the
desire for creative freedom. Walsh explained that “The Ascend Collection
gave us the opportunity to really do anything we wanted with the hotel.” This
allowed their own creative design to fl ourish, which was “very appealing as
we wanted to incorporate specifi c items into the hotel” —a contrast to the
brand uniformity required under their previous affi liation. This newfound
independence is key to crafting a truly bespoke Ellicottville experience.
blossoming into The Huntley House Hotel, a unique
destination under the Ascend Collection by Choice Hotels.
The current hotel, a comfortable haven since its opening on December 23, 2005, offers 84 rooms and 12 suites, alongside a fitness center, indoor pool, and whirlpool. With a dedicated team of eleven full-time and one part-time employee, the hotel anticipates growth before its redesign. Walsh notes that with the busy season approaching, “we will be looking to add to our housekeeping staff as well as our laundry staff”, a sure sign of the vibrant future ahead.
The inspiration for The Huntley House Hotel is deeply woven into Ellicottville’s own narrative. Walsh shared that the team at Ellicott Hotels, which owns the property, felt a strong desire to incorporate elements of the area’s extensive history into the building’s new identity. Research into the past revealed the significant role the Huntley family played in shaping the Ellicottville community. They once owned a home known as “The Cattaraugus Mansion House,” affectionately nicknamed the “Huntley House,” where they were known for their hospitality to travelers and locals alike. It’s this enduring legacy of warmth and community welcome that The Huntley House aims to rekindle, “creating a place guests want to be, while continuing to provide the type of service they have enjoyed in years past”.
The new aesthetic, dubbed “wilderness chic,” promises an atmosphere of rustic elegance and enveloping comfort. Imagine, as Walsh vividly describes, “A glass of wine in your hand with big puffy snow falling around you while you sit next to the fireplace just after dark, your kids are warming up after a day of skiing in the outdoor pool that will be set to 104 degrees.” She further clarifies this vision, stating, “Wilderness Chic to us is the use of natural materials used to create a cozy place to relax after a full day of exploring Ellicottville.” The ultimate goal is to cultivate a serene escape, allowing guests—whether in town for skiing, the numerous festivals, family reunions, or special events like weddings—to “feel a sense of calm when they come to the hotel.”
Guests can anticipate significant enhancements designed to elevate their stay, particularly on the first floor. The current meeting room will be thoughtfully redesigned into a new breakfast area, while the existing breakfast space will be upgraded with plush, soft seating to create a more comfortable and inviting gathering spot. A new tap area, offering a selection of beer, seltzers, and wine, will provide a relaxing atmosphere for guests to unwind. The vision extends outdoors, with plans for a year-round outdoor pool and welcoming fire pits; the team is also exploring the addition of two infrared saunas. Every corner of the hotel will see renewal, with improvements to all rooms including new carpeting, wall coverings, bedding, and furniture, while hallways will also receive fresh carpeting, wall coverings, and lighting.
The decision to affiliate with Choice Hotels’ Ascend Collection was deliberate, driven by the desire for creative freedom. Walsh explained that “The Ascend Collection gave us the opportunity to really do anything we wanted with the hotel.” This allowed their own creative design to flourish, which was “very appealing as we wanted to incorporate specific items into the hotel” —a contrast to the brand uniformity required under their previous affiliation. This newfound independence is key to crafting a truly bespoke Ellicottville experience.
The transformation is set to unfold swiftly. Work is ideally slated to begin July 1st, with the goal of completing the renovation process before Ellicottville’s bustling Fall Fest weekend. Following the renovations, the hotel will continue to operate as a Wyndham property with the full, official switchover to The Huntley House Hotel under Choice Hotels’ Ascend Collection anticipated by mid-November. These exciting changes are expected to bring positive growth, and Walsh foresees a need for “new faces to help bring our vision of the hotel to life.”
Looking ahead, Walsh’s aspirations are firmly centered on delivering an exceptional guest experience. “My hope for the Huntley House Hotel is to provide a great guest experience. Somewhere you enjoy just as much as being in the actual village,” she shared. The overarching vision is for The Huntley House to become a cherished destination where you can gather with friends and family, appealing to a diverse array of travelers, including families, couples, and those visiting for corporate purposes.
Even amidst this exciting new chapter, guests can expect the same unwavering dedication to service. Walsh confirms that the hotel will remain open during renovations, committed to providing the excellent service guests have come to know. A current special, the “Bike and Stay” package with Holimont, is available from May 29th through Fall Fest weekend, offering another way to experience the area’s charm.
As Ellicottville continues to enchant visitors with its unique blend of outdoor adventure and quintessential small-town warmth, The Huntley House Hotel is poised to become another beloved thread in its rich tapestry. It’s a story of thoughtful evolution, where local history is honored, and new memories are just waiting to be made.
For those eager to follow this transformation, more information on the renovation, packages, or general updates can be found on their website through ellicottvillewingateinn.com or via their parent site at https://ellicotthotels.com/.