Anyone who has been to Lenox during Tanglewood Season knows that this is one of the premier destinations in the world.    That is seconded by National Geographic Traveler (#7 on their list).   The world-class level of our attractions, shops, galleries and restaurants is attributed to the quantity and the quality of our visitors.

What if we were to drastically reduce the quantity?    That would be the Berkshire off-season.     Yes, Tanglewood is covered with snow, and the live theaters have limited offerings (notice I said limited instead of none), and some of the historic house tours do not attempt to heat spaces that even the Gilded Age crowd knew could not be kept warm in January….but….everything else is yours:    all of the museums, the vast majority of the shopping and restaurants…plus the addition of skiing and all descriptions of winter sports and activites.    The inns are about 30% less….they are flexible with their minimum night stays (you won’t find a 3-night minimum).   

At Hampton Terrace we also help you ease into relaxation mode by offering a $30 credit at the local wine/gourmet food shop in town…and then by giving you full access to our self-service family heirloom bar from the 1940s.    January is snowy, but we have 17 fireplaces on our property.   17.   How is that possible?

Maybe I am biased because I like to eat….but I think the best thing about January in the Berkshires is walk-in access to scores of highly-rated, interesting restaurants.    About a dozen within walking distance, and several notables in every surrounding town.    Many feature off-season fixed price, multiple course menus.   

I have a lot more things I can add here….but why don’t I continue with a Part 2 tomorrow?

It’s too late to turn back now.   For at least 6 years, we have offered a $30 Gift Certificate to our local wine/gourmet food shop to every couple who stays at Hampton Terrace for 2 weekend nights (or more) from November 1 to June 20, plus September.  For starters, Nejaimes is a GREAT shop, full of the best choices in wine, beer and spirits and a trained staff that can help our guests find exactly what they want.   But more than that, Nejaimes is also 50% gourmet food….a by-product of the fact that it is a key place for people who are shopping for their lawn picnics at Tanglewood.   Huge selection of cheeses, breads, home-made sides and other things that compliment your bottle of wine.

What I mean, "it’s too late to turn back now" is that this is such a popular amenity, that people come back year after year to Hampton Terrace because they feel the gift certificate is such an integral part of their stay.   We have a family heirloom bar that is open only to our guests and is stocked with glasses, openers, plates, knives, etc., and we have four public room fireplaces where our guests can settle in and enjoy their bounty.

The owners of Nejaimes told us that another local inn asked if they could start offering the gift certificates as well.   The inn said that one of their inquirers had chosen Hampton Terrace over them because of the promotion.   But that was several years ago, we know we are still the only ones doing it.

So the Romantic Weekend Package is here to stay and we welcome anyone who is looking for a Lenox bed and breakfast to give us a call and lock in your weekend.   Most of our rooms feature fireplaces and Jacuzzis and we are very proud to be currently rated #1 in the Trip Advisor rankings from over 30 Lenox inns.  

Hampton Terrace is a proud member of the Berkshire Visitors Bureau,and  the Lenox Chamber of Commerce and was recently chosen by the editors of BedandBreakfast.com as one of the top places to stay for foliage.  

As of the November 1st weekend, our rates drop 30% from the current level and include the $30 gift certificate mentioned and full breakfast buffet.