Last week, Hampton Terrace and Lenox MA were featured by USA Today in a centerpiece story about the bed and breakfast industry.

A stay by Travel Editor Laura Bly was predicated by a Professional Association of Innkeeper's Survey which indicated that in spite of the current economic environment, inns and b&bs nationally were not only surviving, but bucking trends that were causing the lodging industry in general to be down almost 30% in 2009.    Most inns are showing flat to slightly negative trends….and some, including Hampton Terrace, are demonstrating significantly higher revenues as more travelers take vacations within driving distance of their homes.

Ms. Bly contacted BedandBreakfast.com, the largest on-line inn directory, to inquire what US destination might best exemplify this trend, and they recommended Lenox, Massachusetts as one of the best concentrations of upscale inns in the country.   They went on to single out Hampton Terrace, sharing that our 2009 numbers through June were 60% above comparable 2008 dates.    Our summer also continued this trend, with revenue up almost 20%, in spite of the fact that we did  not raise our rates, and it is hard to squeeze more room nights in when you are already almost sold out.

To see the actual article, CLICK HERE.

We credit our success at Hampton Terrace to many factors, not the least of which is our loyal base of returning guests…..friends who consider us a "home away from home."   As a matter of fact, Sandra Aplin of Boca Raton, Florida said exactly that  in the USA Today article.    Another factor is our attention to guest reviews, especially on Trip  Advisor.    Before check-in, we e-mail every guest to let them know that they should alert us of any issues or improvements to their stay WHILE THEY ARE HERE, so that we can address them.   Then immediately upon their departure they get another e-mail from us asking how things went.    This is important because most negative Trip Advisor reviews result from unaddressed guest issues….and we do not want there to be any at all.   So we have spent most of the last two  years sitting at the top of the Trip Advisor rankings for Lenox..    With more than two dozen inns, that is an important accomplishment.

Finally, to distinguish ourselves from a plain vanilla hotel stay, we make  sure we communicate that staying at Hampton Terrace is an EXPERIENCE.    A chance to "Turn Back the Clock to the Gilded Age."   And we price our rooms to make people feel they have received a good VALUE.    Ms. Bly wanted to know how much we were discounting in order to maintain our revenues this  year.   Our answer is that we have not  had to discount at all….other than our normal price breaks for off-season and mid-week.   That is contrary to the deep discounting trends that are haunting the lodging industry in general.  

When your hotel room looks the same in Tulsa as San Diego, and when a traveler has the option of getting off Interstate Exit 89 or 90, then price does play a role.    An experience at Hampton Terrace?    Priceless.    Well, not really, but you understand the concept.

Lenox, MA– Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfast, located in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, was selected by BedandBreakfast.com editors as one of the best undiscovered inns for fall foliage trips.    Out of more than 7,000 inns listed internationally, Hampton Terrace joins a selection of less than 10 inns in the Northeast earning this designation.   BedandBreakfast.com is considered the leading b&b and inn directory on the web.

 “Lenox, MA has always been one of my favorite fall foliage destinations,” stated Sandy Soule, Editor of BedandBreakfast.com and one of the most highly recognized authors in the B&B industry.  “Hampton Terrace’s fabulous in-town location in the heart of the Berkshire Mountains, stately accommodations and architecture, along with the finest hospitality certainly made them a choice for one of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in New England,” Soule finished.

 “We are proud to be in such good company on this list of great places for fall foliage viewing,” stated Stan Rosen, Hampton Terrace co-owner. “It is gratifying to be recognized among the top inns in the United States for exceptional autumn appeal and quality accommodations. We think that our location, romantic amenities, great breakfasts to fuel a day of leaf peeping, and our attention to guest satisfaction contributed to our being selected by BedandBreakfast.com’s editors,” explained Rosen.

Step into Hampton Terrace, Lenox’s top-rated inn, and return to the gilded age of simplicity and beauty.  Built in 1897, this stately mansion was home to several of the wealthiest families in the country. An Inn since 1937, Hampton Terrace is located within an easy two-block stroll of Lenox town center and is one mile from Tanglewood, home to the famous music festival. Inside the inn, guests enjoy beautifully detailed common rooms and guests rooms, many complete with private fireplaces and double whirlpool tubs.  The inn’s signature three-story suspended staircase welcomes guests who immediately feel the sense of “WOW” from this grand building. While guest rooms are updated, air-conditioned and free wi-fi is available throughout the inn, the distinction of the gilded era is captured in antiques and vintage fabrics and wall coverings throughout the inn. A heated outdoor pool and beautiful gardens make autumn the perfect time to visit. Walk to Lenox's heralded shops and restaurants, alive in Berkshire mountain color, just two blocks away.
 
Call visit 800-203-0656 for reservations or look for more information at www.HamptonTerrace.com for your upcoming getaway.