Lodging in Berkshires

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Lodging

The Berkshires ranks among one of the more expensive areas in the country when it comes to accommodations. It tends to be a seasonal destination, and during the summer and fall high seasons, rates can be quite steep. Also, it can be tough to find weekend hotel rooms in summer and fall, so it's wise to book several weeks ahead. When visiting towns with a large college presence (Northampton, Amherst), be aware that rooms can be extremely tough to come by on weekends throughout the school year. Also take into consideration major cultural and sporting events, which can push up prices and greatly reduce availability in certain places.

You'll be charged a hotel tax, which varies among towns and counties, throughout Massachusetts.

Bed & Breakfasts

Historic bed-and-breakfasts and inns proliferate throughout western Massachusetts. In many rural or less touristy areas, B&Bs provide an affordable and homey alternative to chain properties, but in tourism-dependent communities (i.e., most of the major towns in this region), you can expect to pay about the same or more for a historic inn as for a full-service hotel. Many of the state's finest restaurants are also found in country inns. Although many B&Bs and smaller establishments offer a low-key, homey experience without TVs or numerous amenities, the scene has changed greatly in recent years, especially in upscale resort areas, where many such properties now attempt to cater to business and luxury leisure travelers with high-speed Internet, voice mail, whirlpool tubs, and VCRs. Quite a few inns and B&Bs serve substantial full breakfasts -- the kind that may keep your appetite in check for the better part of the day.

Reservation Services

American Country Collection (518/370-4948 or 800/810-4948. www.bandbreservations.com) serves western Massachusetts (as well as eastern upstate New York and much of Vermont).

Camping

Within Massachusetts' extensive state park system, parts of it concentrated in the Berkshires, campgrounds offering both primitive and RV sites abound. In state parks, you can call or book online to reserve a campsite at any of the state's 28 camping parks as early as six months in advance and as late as two days before you arrive. Park campgrounds are almost all open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but many of them also remain open throughout the year, even in winter. Some have cabin rentals, too. Based on availability, state parks also accept walk-ins without reservations, but it's best to call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Massachusetts also has dozens of private commercial RV and tent-camp parks.

Contacts

Mass Parks (Massachusetts State Park's camping reservations service) (877/422-6762). Massachusetts Campground Owners Association (781/544-3475. www.campmass.com).