Federal House Inn

The inn made me feel right at home, and I’m already looking forward to coming back. Its location is handy for cultural spots, restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities in the Berkshire Mountains. There are thoughtful touches throughout the historic Federal House Inn in South Lee, Massachusetts. Gayle and Michael, along with their friendly staff, welcome you and show you around the first floor. The gathering room becomes a place to relax with other guests over red or white wine, cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, and yogurt-covered pretzels. There’s also a charming gift shop and a beautiful dining room, where attentive servers bring a three-course gourmet breakfast with juice and coffee or tea. Later, there’s even a little surprise waiting in the gathering room after an evening out. Each suite has its own character, with a comfortable bed and lovely amenities. Gayle and Michael clearly care about making guests feel comfortable.

Marcia & Ken were so welcoming and helpful when we asked where to go for dinner. They made us feel like they were happy to do anything for us, and we felt just as warmly toward them. We’ll stay again. We spent Thanksgiving week in 2017 at the Federal Inn with our family of six. We had a couple of rooms, and one was roomy enough for all of us to gather and play Clue. The rooms had lots of charm, soft beds that kept us warm on cold winter nights, and spacious, modern bathrooms. Breakfast was excellent and made to our requests, with fresh scones each morning. Coffee, tea, and cookies were available through the day, along with water, soft drinks, and beer in the refrigerator. Wine and cheese were put out before dinner.

Gail and Michael have made some amazing updates since our last visit three years ago, when the inn had different owners. We were impressed with the previous stay and owners, and the new owners left us just as impressed. Every room has been refurbished, and each has its own furnishings, decor, and character. The bathrooms are redone, the beds are wonderful, and the noisy window AC units have been replaced with very quiet, expensive split units. The innkeepers are hospitable and clearly passionate about the place. Breakfast is a gourmet meal, and there’s coffee and tea all day and complimentary drinks. Homemade cookies are often set out with chocolates, and there’s plenty to read plus board games. I can’t say enough good things about the inn and its owners. We’ll be back.

We ended up spending one snowy day curled up in the living area with a book, and it was such a comfortable spot to relax with the other guests. That was after a happy hour with delicious wine, cheese, and other treats that always seemed to last longer than an hour. The red wine was amazing, though Gayle explained it’s only sold to restaurants and hotels. Fresh cookies, coffee, tea, and after-dinner chocolates were around too. My husband and I booked two nights over the January long weekend for my birthday, and Gayle and Michael made an already promising trip even better. The property feels welcoming, with thoughtful details, spacious rooms, very comfortable beds, and high-end amenities throughout. Breakfast was some of the best food I’ve had, a creative and delicious three-course meal each morning. I told Gayle I needed all her recipes. They were also glad to offer ideas for things to do nearby and help with restaurants and activities. They went above and beyond, and I’m sure we’ll stay here again.