A weekend away at one of the best Berkshires hotels or rental homes sounds like the ideal getaway to us. Located in western Massachusetts, less than a three-hour drive from New York City, the region boasts hiking trails just as incredible as its antiquing scene, making it the ideal weekend departure for any kind of traveler. Think fireplaces, darling B&Bs, and of course, accessible Wi-Fi—you can have it all. If you’re in the mood for an outdoors-focused weekend, look to stay close to Great Barrington, where ski culture rules all year round, or base yourself in a town like Lanesborough or Hancock, two towns that are near Mount Greylock. Fans of the History Channel will love a stay in Stockbridge, where a picturesque small town highlights the history of the mountainous region. And those looking to indulge in all things culture need look no further than Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow.
Take a more personality-based approach to booking your time in the Berkshires by considering the kind of home away from home you’re after. Cozy cottage with some Victorian flair? Photo-ready luxury hotel with just the right amount of New Yorkers on vacation? Options abound in this often-overlooked stretch of glorious mountains and hidden New England gems. Read on for the best hotels and rentals we highly recommend for your next trip.
Berkshires Hotels
Boutique-hotel style meets B&B warmth at this new spot from designer Annie Selke. With free breakfast, a happy hour, and only eight rooms, this is the perfect spot for design lovers who want to mix and mingle with other guests. Located in Lenox, its colonial landmarks as well as many miles of trails and hiking paths are perfect for hikers and history buffs alike.
Fireplace? Check. Library? Check. Gorgeous chairs you’ll want to throw in your trunk and take home? Also check. A “writer’s mountain retreat,” this 1970s lodge underwent major renovations recently, preserving just the right amount of original ’70s flair in the updated design. Replete with a vibey cocktail bar and restaurant for sit-down meals, the hotel also offers grab-and-go options for visitors who want to take advantage of their curated experiences or venture out on their own.
Opulent, experiential, and on the pricier side, Canyon Ranch is an upscale wellness retreat housed in a stunning 19th-century mansion. Offering a wide variety of fitness classes, spa services, healthy cooking classes, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a ropes course, this hotel is perfect for those who are looking for a holistic wellness experience that doesn’t skimp on luxury.
There’s a thin line between overly curated and impeccably arranged. Tourists, a hotel with a sizable social following, sits staunchly on the side of great arrangements. A restaurant in the hotel worth the trip, unique guest rooms in muted palettes, and a compelling list of on-site activities, make this the perfect spot for the traveler in the mood to get social. Plus, it’s dog-friendly for those traveling with canine companions.
Wheatleigh, tucked in a forest of evergreens, is the most luxurious take on a getaway in the Berkshires. Inspired by the original owner’s ancestral home in Oxford, England, this member of the Leading Hotels of the World has an elevated sense of isolation that’s woven into every inch of the estate. It only makes sense that the restaurant on the property has eight tables with a tasting menu.
Those looking to experience small-town living in the Berkshires should stay at The Porches Inn, located in North Adams. The hotel itself features unique designs in every room that makes up the row of converted 19th-century mill workers’ cottages. Sojourning at this hotel, neighboring the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), makes immersing oneself in the local arts scene as simple as stepping out of the front door.
If your taste skews quirky or eclectic, a stay at Hotel on North would make for the ideal weekend. Inside, a birdcage elevator stands as a two-person cocktail bar and “lightning-fast Wi-Fi beams through exposed brick from the 1880s,” according to the website. This 45-room boutique hotel, which is centrally located among the Berkshires’ greatest hits, makes for an absolutely cheeky stay.
In need of a detox? Whether it’s a physical or digital detox (or both) that you’re after, Miraval is the top choice. A stately Gilded Age mansion is at the heart of the property, which was originally landscaped by none other than Frederick Law Olmstead, but the rooms and suites have been redesigned by AD 100’s Ken Fulk with today’s modern travelers in mind. The rates are all-inclusive, with dining options that encourage mindful eating and a wide range of wellness-focused activities that include everything from equine therapy to beekeeping, not to mention Ayurvedic treatments at the 29,000-square-foot spa.
This quaint country inn has been a fixture on Main Street in Stockbridge since 1773. Filled with antiques and decorated with dainty wallpaper, it’s positively dripping in New England charm. But that doesn’t mean modern comforts are lacking. Aside from free parking, there’s a fitness center, a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and free Wi-Fi. There are also several dining options on-site, from the elegant main dining room to the Lion’s Den speakeasy that hosts live music.
Private Homes
Channel your inner Wes Anderson with a stay at this impossibly inspiring home filled with quirky details and thoughtful color choices. The adjoining garden takes the charm factor through the roof. A renovated 19th-century rectory, we’ve already dubbed it “the coolest Airbnb in Massachusetts” for a reason. The Norman Rockwell Museum also resides in Stockbridge for a fun day activity.
A guest favorite, this Airbnb that can accommodate up to five guests is filled with modern amenities to make your stay ultracozy. We recommend spending a fun-filled night testing out the pizza oven, taking a dip in the luxurious hot tub, or even gathering around the campfire pit to stargaze. There’s also a washer and dryer inside the facilities and televisions inside both bedrooms.
This house, available on VRBO, is exactly what your group chat had in mind when someone proposed a weekend trip three months ago. An outdoor pool makes for the perfect sunny solace in warmer months. Reviewers say it’s great for families, with plenty for kids to do in and out of the house. Its proximity to some of the state’s skiing makes a strong argument for visiting during the winter and it sleeps eight, so no one has to be left out of the festivities.
Ever dreamed of calling a spacious midcentury-modern estate home? I mean, who hasn’t? Try the look on for size with this lovely home complete with an office. But there’s plenty of play to balance out the office hours, a swing on the enclosed porch is perfect for reading, knitting, or just staring off into nature.
Cozy in for a charming stay at this one-bedroom cottage in Lee, Massachusetts. Located at the foot of October Mountain State Forest, near Lee, Lenox, and Pittsfield, this 1817 home has much of the original detailing, such as wood beams and floors. The white and wood kitchen is perfect for whipping up a homecooked meal. If you’re comfortable climbing stairs, make this your home away from home for a relaxed weekend.
A tavern/stagecoach stop in the 1800s, this renovated gem is centrally located within the Berkshires. Cozy nooks dot the mostly black-and-white space. The outdoor deck, which is fully furnished, is great for entertaining outdoors. With six bedrooms, you better start sending out invites.
