The Porches Inn
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Hotel Details
Location
23 River St, North Adams, MA 01247
United States, North America
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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.
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