Berkshires Untold

A sudden, severe storm made travel unsafe, so I had to cancel and gave 24 hours' notice. Once conditions improved, I tried to move my booking to later in the week, but they wouldn't let me do that without paying full price for another reservation. I couldn't control the road safety. For weather like this, their policy should allow at least a partial refund and certainly a date change. I’d really been looking forward to staying here.

We probably stay here overnight about 6-8 times a year, roughly once a month. It's our choice, even though the soap, shampoo, and other scents are really strong and perfumed. The whole place smells like somebody went overboard with air freshener, though it isn't a deal breaker. We stayed back when it was Lifehouse, before it was sold to Untold. It feels pretty much like the same hotel at the same prices. We jokingly call it an Instagram Motel, because it somehow feels millennial. The rooms are clean and modern, and the place is a cut above the usual without being silly about it.

As an interior designer, I was wowed by the renovations. The fixtures and finishes look expensive without actually being so, and the rooms have a slightly rustic, masculine, minimal style. Replicating that across multiple rooms affordably while still giving a sense of luxury and value is quite a feat. Nothing was really overlooked. I can quibble over a few details, but they’ve nailed it. Big chains could learn from this approach. The restaurant, bar, and check-in area are phenomenal, and the outdoor fire pits were perfect on a chilly fall evening. The limited menu is about what you’d expect from a small motel or hotel going for an upscale feel. The person checking us in was also the bartender, and was friendly and informative. It’s impressive how the place runs with so few staff. My one change would be earlier coffee: we get up early, but complimentary coffee doesn’t start until breakfast at 8:30. There’s also a small pond beside the property with a walking loop that I’m looking forward to using while we’re here. I don’t usually write reviews, but this former Days Inn outshone every chain motel or hotel I’ve stayed in. I’d normally look for a bed and breakfast or Airbnb. The photos, price, and description caught my eye when I booked online.

The bathroom was well stocked and the shower was a good size, and the room was comfortable. The full bar with a bartender was great. We had an awesome stay, and everything exceeded expectations. For the price, it’s hard to beat. I’ll definitely stay here again.