The Porches Inn
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Hotel Details
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The Porches Inn ยท Berkshires, United States
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Expert Review: The Porches Inn
The Porches Inn, a Michelin Key Selected property in the Berkshires, United States, consistently garners high praise for its unique blend of historic charm, contemporary design, and exceptional hospitality. Housed in a collection of beautifully restored 19th-century Victorian millworker rowhouses, the inn offers guests a distinctive and memorable stay in North Adams.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The Porches Inn holds a strong overall positive sentiment, reflected in its Michelin Key selection and high guest ratings. Verified Michelin Guide guests rate the overall experience at 17.9 out of 20, while other platforms show ratings such as 8.9 on Agoda and 8.8 on Booking.com, categorized as "Very good" or "Excellent" by guests. The general consensus highlights an "artsy feel without the artsy attitude," "unpretentious and homey," and "luxury and convenience at a reasonable price."
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently praise The Porches Inn for several key aspects. Its "industrial granny chic" design, which thoughtfully blends vintage pieces with modern comforts, creates a whimsical and inviting atmosphere. The inn's signature long front porch, lined with rocking chairs, offers a relaxed space for lounging and socializing. Other beloved amenities include a year-round heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, a Finnish-style sauna, a bonfire pit, and picturesque woodland gardens. The complimentary breakfast and the inn's direct proximity to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) are also frequently cited as major draws.
3. Room Quality
The 47 guest rooms and suites at The Porches Inn are individually decorated, each offering a unique character while maintaining a crisp, clean, and vibrantly colored aesthetic. Rooms pay tribute to the historical style of the Victorian rowhouses but are updated with a contemporary decorator's eye, featuring curated vintage and retro-inspired furnishings. Modern comforts abound, including Apple TVs, minibars, and complimentary wireless internet. Some of the more luxurious suites include home-like amenities such as kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and fireplaces, catering to both short and extended stays. Thoughtful touches like waffle weave robes and occasional unique details, such as frosted glass separating the bathroom and bedroom or even hidden safes behind paintings, add to the charm and comfort.
4. Dining Experience
The Porches Inn provides a complimentary continental breakfast for all guests, which can be enjoyed in the dining room or, uniquely, delivered to rooms in retro metal lunchboxes. The breakfast typically includes a variety of juices, coffee, breads for toast, cheese, fruits, cereals, and hard-boiled eggs, with attention to dietary needs. While there isn't a full-service on-site restaurant currently, a "swanky little bar" with a fireplace and liquor is available for evening socializing. Plans are underway for the future design and construction of an on-site, farm-to-table restaurant.
5. Service & Staff
Guest feedback consistently highlights the exemplary service and friendly nature of the staff. Reviewers describe the staff as helpful, friendly, and cordial, with many noting that they go "above and beyond" to ensure a welcoming and well-taken-care-of stay. The inn aims to provide attentive service akin to a small, hospitable inn with the conveniences of a modern urban hotel.
6. Location & Accessibility
The Porches Inn boasts an ideal location in North Adams, Massachusetts, situated directly across the street from the renowned MASS MoCA, America's largest contemporary art museum. This central position makes it a perfect base for exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene of the revitalized former mill town. The inn is easily accessible by car, offering complimentary on-site self-parking. Guests appreciate the walkability to other local attractions, including galleries, restaurants, and nearby hiking trails. Major Berkshire destinations like the Clark Art Institute and Mount Greylock are also a short drive away.
7. Value & Pricing
The Porches Inn is often lauded for offering "affordable luxury" and "luxury and convenience at a reasonable price." Agoda, for instance, gives it an 8.0 rating for value for money. While specific pricing can vary, standard rooms can be found in the range of approximately $174-$211, with suites commanding higher rates depending on size and amenities.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring minor criticisms have been noted. Guests occasionally mention the challenge of steep stairs when carrying luggage, as the inn does not offer valet service. There have been isolated comments about the outdoor pool not always being "that heated" and suggestions for a guest-accessible ice machine and microwave. A few reviews also expressed a desire for an upgrade to the lounge area. The idea of a "remote location" was mentioned in one instance, though this contrasts with the majority of feedback praising its convenient and central position within North Adams and the Berkshires.
Sources
Google Reviews
275 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Ilse Damkoehler
We used Porches for our wedding block in October, and got ready and did our first look and private vows on the property. It was such a beautiful and relaxing setting for our wedding weekend! We booked the two-bedroom suite so there was plenty of space for our wedding party to get ready (two bathrooms are key!), lots of natural light for hair and makeup, and plenty of room to relax after the excite...
Jonathan
The decorative plates on the wall vibrate at an annoying high pitch every time you move within your room, every time someone walks by, or every time someone in an adjoining room moves. This drove us nuts! For a 'higher-end' place, one would think there would be soft-close toilet seats. Nope....and this is an easy, cheap fix. Our room was extremely loud. Walls are paper thin.
Jan Hollenbeck
I had my second enjoyable stay at The Porches. Things I like: walk to MassMOCA, walk to town, welcome note and yummy cookies waiting for me as a return guest, bathrobes, a comfy chair and ottoman, amazing shower, lots of tv channels with channel guide, fun retro kitschy decorations (granny chic as they call it), breakfast included (and especially the grapefruit with grapefruit spoons!). Thanks for...
Response from the owner
Hello Jan,<br>We are very thrilled to hear that you had another great stay. Please plan to come back soon.<br>Best,<br>Porches Team
Marley Nielsen
Came here for a long weekend with family, it was pretty nice. The rooms were clean and comfy and there a nice selection for breakfast. They gave us a free upgrade to a suite, and the atmosphere is calm and cozy. Obviously it's near Mass MoCA, and downtown is walking distance, which is a nice plus. We had no complaints, and we had a great time (for the short time we were here).
Rin Fillmore
We loved our two-night stay at The Porches. The staff were helpful and friendly, from the check-in experience through check-out. I love the eclectic mix of furniture, much of which clearly has history - the kind of lamps, art, and occasional tables and chairs you find in tag sales, but all working together to augment the more standard, comfortable bed, armchair and couch (we had a suite). The bath...
Lisa Langsdorf
the hotel facility itself is nice and convenient to Mass Moca. the staff was also nice and welcoming to my dog. downside was the room specifically the lack of insulation and sound proofing. couple below us were arguing and we heard every word. when the man fell asleep he snored ALL night long, very loudly. It kept me awake. Bed is also quite small. Overall, very expensive for what it is.
Hyatt
