Things are tough for many people and it would seem that travel is an unnecessary expense for some at this point.   However, research is showing that the vast majority of people are still planning, and say they still need, a break from their normal routine.   So most do not plan to cut back on the number of days they plan to spend on vacation.   What has changed is WHERE they are going.

Deep discounts notwithstanding, destination resorts such as Las Vegas and Hawaii are down.    Cruise ship revenue is WAY down, although the ships are continuing to fill and sail with deeply discounted packages.   Some destinations are doing okay during this recession, however, and Hampton Terrace is an example of that.    BedandBreakfast.com is the #1 directory on the Internet, featuring 7,000+ b&bs and inns, and on March 18th their blog went into this very subject.   Hampton Terrace was featured.

In summary, we had our best January/February period ever….up 30% from 2008 and 50% compared to 2007.    Our summer pre-bookings  to this point are up 20% compared to 2008, and 40% compared to 2007.  

My unresearched assumption is that people are staying closer to home.    They are driving instead of flying.    They are looking for value….which is a hallmark of an "inn" experience.     In other words, you could pay $200 for a hotel room that is the same whether you are in Chicago or Atlanta….or pay $200 to stay in a historic home that is unique and hopefully memorable.    Add the undeniable fact that Lenox and the Berkshires offer more activities, entertainment and outdoor possibilities than any region deserves to possess…all located within several hours of the entire Northeast population…..thus the probable reason for our uptick.    Knock on wood.

To read the entire BedandBreakfast.com blog, CLICK HERE.

James Taylor, now a Lenox, Massachusetts resident, performs at Tanglewood every year.   He always prepares a special show for his hometown crowd, and more often than not, proceeds of his performances remain at Tanglewood to benefit the Boston Symphony.

This year is different only in that he has put together four consecutive days of performances…each with a different twist.   He plans to perform with Sheryl Crow, Yo Yo Ma, John Williams and the Boston Pops, and other notables.

Tickets went on sale this morning for the "Shed" and although the 6,000 seats available will sell out rather quickly, 12,000 "lawn tickets" per show are also on sale and they will take a while longer to run out….although they always do for James Taylor shows.

Hampton Terrace is a historic Lenox inn which has been hosting guests since 1937.   It was originally built as a summer "cottage," if you can call a 6,000 square foot main house with 10 bedrooms, and a 3,000 square foot carriage house a "cottage."  

We have owned Hampton Terrace for ten years, and have always enjoyed hosting the James Taylor crowd each summer.   I do not think he has ever played four consecutive nights here, so we'll enjoy them all the more.   Although we have a 3-night minimum typically on Tanglewood weekends, the bookings we have taken so far have left us some one and two night gaps during his 4-day run….so please call us for information on this.   Trying to book single or double nights on the website will not be possible due to the 3-night minimum it will try to impose…but we can override those restrictions here at the inn, if we have availability.