The Berkshires are filled with motels, inns, bed and breakfasts and other intimate properties. The offerings vary widely from town to town, and it can be overwhelming for visitors to find the place that best suits their needs. These five are some of the best and most conveniently located near all of the region’s cultural attractions.
Tourists
A path leading to the rural chic rooms at Tourists. (Photo: Christopher Kompanek)
This boutique lodge co-owned by Wilco bassist John Stirratt is quite possibly the most stylish spot to rest a weary head. Custom wood king-size beds, outdoor showers, and Tivoli radios are just a few of the sweet touches of this 48-room retreat complete with a heated pool and hiking trails. There are also daybed nooks and a lounge serving artisanal hard ciders and tasty plates like sour cherry waffles.
915 State Road, North Adams
The Porches Inn
The original cool place to stay in North Adams was Porches and it’s still an ideal choice if you want to be within walking distance of MASS MOCA, the largest contemporary art center in the country. The property radiates a colonial-chic vibe with clawfoot tubs, cozy reading chairs, and of course, plenty of porches. There’s also a heated pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi along with a complimentary continental breakfast.
231 River St, North Adams
Kemble Inn
Kemble Inn’s stately living room. (Photo: Christopher Kompanek)
It’s easy to pretend you’re staying at a friend’s mansion when you check into the Kemble Inn. With just nine guest rooms, it can often feel like there’s no one else in the house. The lounge is great for late-night games of chess and Scrabble while the backyard provides a perfect view of Tanglewood’s yearly fireworks display. As a bonus, some rooms come with steam showers.
2 Kemble St, Lenox
The Old Inn on the Green
It’s possible to experience a taste of the Old Inn without actually stepping foot inside its historic property. Acclaimed chef/owner Peter Platt runs a pop-up at Jacob’s Pillow that is easily one of the best meals in the region, but to truly experience his culinary prowess, take a drive about twenty miles southeast to this picturesque retreat. Five antique-appointed rooms sit above the candlelit dining room with six more in an adjacent building. For music lovers, a mahogany piano that’s been in Platt’s family for generations can be wheeled into your room.
134 Hartsville-New Marlboro Rd, New Marlborough
Devonfield Inn
The enchanting Devonfield Inn. (Photo: Christopher Kompanek)
Staying in a bed and breakfast can be a dangerous gamble as anyone who’s watched Fawlty Towers knows. Those fears are instantly assuaged walking into the utterly charming ten-room Devonfield Inn run by former New Yorkers Doug Bagnasco and Jim Deblasi. The main living room features a grand piano and fireplace and makes an ideal spot for a Baileys nightcap. Cookies are always on hand in the kitchen courtesy of Jim’s crazy baking skills. He also makes a new breakfast pastry each morning to go along with a truly epic spread, all included with the stay. There’s so much to do nearby from Tanglewood to Jacob’s Pillow, but it’s easy to while away time in the oversized heated pool, which is usually blissfully empty mid-day. A pool cottage is available for those looking to splurge.
85 Stockbridge Rd, Lee
For more info and help planning your trip, check out Berkshires.org
By Christopher Kompanek