Dotted with restaurants, coffee shops and parks, Lenox caters for visitors with a number of unpretentious accommodation options, including several charming B&Bs.
(Photo: Whistler’s Inn),
A popular destination in both summer and winter, thanks to the famed Tanglewood music festival that takes place here every July and the proximity of the renowned Bousquet Ski Area, the town of Lenox in Berkshire County, Massachusetts has an impressive choice of accommodation options. Among them are some Bed & Breakfast properties that combine comfort and intimacy with character and charm. We’ve picked out 5 of the best below.
Whistler’s Inn
Perched on a grassy verge and surrounded by lush trees, Whistler’s Inn benefits from a delightful bucolic setting. Inside, guest rooms boast antique finishes and unique decor, and all come with a private bathroom and free WiFi. Some rooms also offer scenic views of the enveloping foliage. Elsewhere in the property, there’s a parlor room with a piano and well-stocked library, and full breakfasts are served in the dining room each morning. Tanglewood Musical Center is located 2 miles away and a 5-minute walk brings you to Kennedy Park, popular for outdoor activities including hiking and biking.
Gateways Inn
(Photo: Gateways Inn)
Situated down a paved, gated driveway, this inn has oodles of character. Opulent wooden-framed beds and period furniture give the guest rooms a classic look and feel, while mod-cons such as a flat-screen TV and contemporary bathroom provide an up-to-date touch. Guests can avail themselves of deluxe bath robes and slippers and some rooms also have a comfy seating area. An on-site bar and restaurant is ideal for unwinding after a day’s sightseeing. As for nearby attractions, just minutes away on foot is Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum, a 19th century Jacobean Revival mansion.
Birchwood Inn
Cosy fireplaces in some of its individually-styled rooms exemplify the warm and welcoming character of this splendidly charming inn. Bright colours, wood floors and plush bedding are utilised throughout, and each also has a private bathroom and free WiFi access. A large terrace and communal library encourage guests to relax and socialise at their leisure, and concierge services and daily newspapers are also available. Continental breakfasts are served every morning, ensuring a hearty start to your day. The wide open spaces of Kennedy Park are within easy walking distance.
The Cornell Inn
(Photo: The Cornell Inn)
Set amid four picturesque acres of land connected to the northern borders of Kennedy Park, this exceptional inn features traditional exteriors and stunning designer guest rooms and bathrooms. Rooms are equipped with cable TV, high-speed internet, and coffee machines, and some have an inviting fireplace and private balcony. Table-served breakfasts are offered daily and guests can also relax on a private deck next to a pretty koi pond and waterfall. For space and fresh air, the vast green expanse of the park is on your doorstep.
The Rookwood Inn
This grand Victorian-style inn is set back among landscaped gardens, a few minutes’ walk from Lenox Village. Guest rooms are all individually decorated in classic colours and come with antique furnishings, quilted bedding and a private bathroom. Some also have a TV, fireplace and garden views. Communal areas include a cosy living room with a fireplace and a dining room where daily continental breakfasts are served. Breakfasts can also be taken out on a cute veranda overlooking the gardens, or at the inn’s sister property’s restaurant, Ophelia’s, which is just around the corner.