Reservations

Anyone, regardless of Colgate or religious affiliation, may stay overnight at Chapel House. Minimum stay is two nights since it takes some time to quiet down and to discover the resources available (with an exception for Colgate students who may stay for one night). Maximum stay is ten nights. We recommend that reservations be made at least two weeks in advance to ensure room availability. Reservations can be made by contacting Kathy Keyes. The best ways to reach her are:

Accommodations 

Our guests choose to stay at Chapel House because it provides the space and resources necessary for intellectual, religious, and spiritual pursuits that are often marginalized in daily life. The only schedule for guests centers around meal times (i.e., lunch at noon and dinner at 5:30 p.m.). The rest of the time is to be used according to individual initiatives and interests.

We provide a setting for the study of world religions and personal spiritual exploration. The environment is conducive to the meditative and devotional disciplines recommended by history's great religious teachers.

Those who stay overnight will enjoy access to the following amenities:

  • A private bedroom with a bed, desk, reading chair and lamp. All rooms include large windows that overlook wooded grounds.
  • A private bathroom with shower.
  • Yoga equipment and various types of meditation cushions.
  • Personal comfort items, such as: blankets, pillows, linens, towels, room heater and fan. 
  • Access to libraries of great religious books, music, and art.
  • Proximity to Colgate's cross country trails through the woods.
  • Access to a cart full of art materials.

Policies and Restrictions

  • Chapel House serves communal vegetarian meals. Vegan or minimal-gluten options may be available per request at time of reservation. Please note that the Chapel House kitchen is NOT gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, or peanut-free.
  • While in residence, guests are asked to respect the quiet of the house. This means that guests are silent or speak softly except during meal times. Also, guests should generally refrain from visiting the campus or village. We recommend taking advantage of the natural beauty for reflective moments by taking walks through the woodlands and fields surrounding Chapel House.
  • To respect the privacy of others, please do not visit the rooms of other guests, and do not accept visitors while in residence. Please also limit the use of cell phones to emergencies and refrain from using internet-enabled devices in communal spaces such as the library and the Chapel. Guests are welcome to use these devices in their rooms or in the dining room when meals are not being served.
  • Minimum stay is two nights (with an exception for Colgate students who may stay for one night). Maximum stay is ten nights. Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m.
  • Policies and restrictions are in place to ensure all guests may have a peaceful, undisturbed experience. If you have a question about what is expected of guests at Chapel House, please contact Kathy Keyes at kkeyes@colgate.edu, or 315-228-6087, or the Director, Steven Kepnes, skepnes@colgate.edu, or 315 228-7675.

Contact Information

Chapel House
Colgate University
13 Oak Drive
Hamilton, NY 13346-1398

For questions regarding online reservations, please contact Kathy Keyes

For general inquiries, please contact Joan McCarthy.