The Constance

The Berkshires of western Massachusetts are thriving; with ample opportunity for outdoor recreation as well as a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene, all within a manageable drive from Boston and New York, it’s not hard to see the appeal. And with hotels like the Constance on the scene, it’s an easier sell than ever. This Victorian-style tavern first opened its doors in 1825, and in its present incarnation it’s a perfectly balanced blend of historically inspired Victorian charm and contemporary boutique-hotel style.

While the rooms and suites may be antique in their atmosphere, they’re modern where you need them to be — specifically, they’ve got wi-fi, Apple TV, and modern en suite bathrooms. Some come with reading nooks, others private porches, and all are decorated with unique local artworks. With just 20 units, it’s modestly sized, and while it’s got a lovely living room for a drink or a cup of coffee, it stops short of a proper restaurant or bar — the location, on the edge of Lenox’s compact town center, places it within walking distance of just about everything in town, and Stockbridge lies just a few miles to the south.