Holiday Inn Express & Suites Great Barrington - Lenox Area By Ihg

The hotel offers a welcoming and comfortable stay, distinguished by its convenient location in the heart of the Berkshires and its commitment to providing an updated and clean environment. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, comfortable accommodations, and the value offered by the included breakfast. This makes it an ideal destination for leisure travelers exploring the region's attractions, including ski mountains and cultural venues like Tanglewood. Families find the hotel particularly suitable due to its amenities like the pool and complimentary breakfast, while business travelers appreciate its quiet atmosphere and proximity to local work sites. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to minimize potential noise from the hallway or lower levels, and be aware that during peak seasons, booking in advance is advisable.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities that enhance the guest experience. Most guests appreciate the indoor pool and hot tub, which are popular, especially with families and children seeking relaxation and fun. However, some guests have noted that the pool area can be small or that the hot tub may not always be fully operational or sufficiently heated. The hotel also features a fitness center that is accessible 24/7, allowing guests to maintain their routines. For modern convenience, EV chargers are available for electric vehicles. The lobby is described as bright and inviting, creating a pleasant first impression. Guests also benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout the property. While generally well-regarded, a few comments suggest the parking lot could benefit from improved lighting.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, often describing them as spacious and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and soft linens contribute to a restful night's sleep for many. Bathrooms are frequently highlighted for being large, clean, and equipped with good water pressure, with some featuring thoughtful additions like grab bars and extra towel hooks. While many rooms are noted for their quiet ambiance, some guests have reported issues with noise levels from the heating system, air conditioning, or sounds traveling from the hallway and neighboring rooms. Isolated comments mention a musty odor in some rooms or minor maintenance concerns such as non-working charging ports or a broken sink. Overall, the rooms are generally considered well-appointed and conducive to a pleasant stay.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant highlight for many guests, often described as good, delicious, and offering a nice variety of options. Guests appreciate the availability of fresh juice, coffee, yogurt, and fruit. Specific items like fluffy eggs and cinnamon rolls receive positive mentions. The breakfast room is frequently noted as clean, organized, and spacious, providing a pleasant start to the day. While many find the breakfast to be a great value, some guests have mixed feedback, occasionally finding it to be basic, lacking fresh fruit, or having processed meat options. A few guests noted issues with limited seating during peak times or specific items like a pancake machine not having batter. The staff managing the breakfast area is often commended for their attentiveness and friendliness.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly praised convenient location, making it an excellent base for exploring the Berkshire area. Guests appreciate its proximity to ski mountains like Ski Butternut and its central position near Great Barrington, Lee, and Lenox. It is walkable to several restaurants, breweries, and a shopping center with a supermarket. The hotel's accessibility to attractions like Tanglewood is also a key advantage, making it suitable for those attending local events. While the location is generally excellent, some guests have noted that parking can be challenging during busy periods, and the parking lot lighting could be improved. Transportation to specific venues might require pre-booking and can be costly, though this is typically a regional rather than a hotel-specific issue.

Staff & Service
The staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight the warm welcome and easy check-in process, noting the staff's willingness to accommodate requests. Staff members are often described as accommodating and responsive to guest needs, contributing significantly to a positive experience. However, there are isolated instances of mixed feedback, with some guests reporting unresponsive staff or issues with communication skills. A few reviews mention challenges with key cards needing frequent replacement or inconsistencies with housekeeping services, such as not replacing towels or garbage bags. Despite these occasional concerns, the overall sentiment is that the staff strives to provide excellent service and makes guests feel valued.

Additional Information
The hotel is noted for accommodating one-night stays, which can be a significant advantage in an area where many establishments typically require longer bookings. Guests have occasionally experienced unexpected events such as fire alarms sounding early in the morning, leading to temporary evacuations and disruption. There were also comments about the hotel's policy regarding housekeeping services, with some guests being asked to leave used towels and garbage outside their rooms for collection, which some found unusual. Some guests noted the absence of an in-room information booklet, which could provide helpful details on hotel services, amenities, or local attractions. The hotel also features thoughtful design elements in rooms such as hooks for backpacks and ample space for luggage, contributing to a practical and organized stay.