Great Barrington
There are several acceptable motels north of town on Route 7, the most desirable being the Holiday Inn Express, 415 Stockbridge Rd. (tel. 413/528-1810; www.ichotelsgroup.com), which has an indoor pool, whirlpool, small fitness room, and rooms with Jacuzzis and/or fireplaces; rates include breakfast. The Chamber of Commerce operates a lodging hot line at tel. 800/269-4825 or 413/528-4006.
Lenox & Tanglewood
This list of lodgings is only partial, and most can accommodate only small numbers of guests. The Tanglewood concert season is a powerful draw, so prices are highest in summer, as well as during the brief foliage season in mid-October. Rates are of Byzantine complexity, set according to wildly varying combinations of seasons and days of the week as well as facilities offered. Minimum 2- or 3-night stays are usually required during the Tanglewood weeks, foliage, weekends, and holidays. Note: For visits during the Tanglewood season, reserve far in advance -- February isn't too soon.
Given the substantial number of lodgings available, and limited space here to describe them, admittedly arbitrary judgments have been made to winnow the list. Some inns, for example, are so rule-ridden and facility-free that they come off as crabby -- no kids, no pets, no phones, no credit cards, no breakfast before 9am, shared bathrooms -- and they cost twice as much as nearby motels that have all those conveniences. We say let them seek clients elsewhere.
If all the area's inns are booked or if you want to be assured the full quota of 21st-century conveniences, routes 7 and 20 north and south of town harbor a number of motels, including the Mayflower Motor Inn (tel. 413/443-4468), the Days Inn (tel. 413/637-3560), the Lenox Motel (tel. 413/499-0324), and the Comfort Inn (tel. 413/443-4714).
Williamstown
This is a college town, so in addition to the usual peak periods of July, August, and the October foliage season, accommodations fill up during graduation and on football weekends. The largest lodging in town is the Williams Inn, 1090 Main St. (tel. 800/828-0133 or 413/458-9371). Despite the name, it is a standard motel, with a dining room, tavern, and indoor pool.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
