Splurging in the Berkshires

Even during the off-season, vactioning in the Berkshires can get a little pricey. But once you’ve splurged on a weekend in the scenic locale, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without all of the pomp and frills found at some of the region’s premiere inns.

Built in 1902, Blantyre in Lenox is one of only three inns in Massachusetts to receive the illustrious Relais & Châteaux designation, an exclusive honor given only to the most luxurious small properties around the world.

Blantyre offers a variety of lavish lodging options, from its spacious suites found in the inn’s main house to its cozy cottages that are perfect for a private, romantic getaway. In addition to Blantyre’s luxurious suites and rooms, the country house hotel also has a sumptuous spa area.

Blantyre’s Blue Room, located in the inn’s main house, comes complete with a spacious king size bed, full bath, and a fireplace.

Blantyre has over 14,000 bottles in its wine cellar. The inn’s most expensive wine, a super-sized bottle of Petrus, Pomerol Grand Vin, costs $48,000 and can serve between 30 and 40 people.

Blantyre’s executive chef Arnaud Cotar offers a different five course, prixe fixe dinner menu daily. The surprise menu is created with the best fresh produce available on that day.

The Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox was built in 1893 by a New York financier named Henry H. Cook as a wedding present for his daughter, Georgie. The inn’s design is inspired by the architecture of a 16th-century Florentine villa.

The Wheatleigh Hotel has a range of room options from its $715 a night Small Room to its luxurious Palazzo suite, which includes exclusive use of the entire property and 24-hour customized service with its price tag of more than $21,000 a night.

The Wheatleigh Hotel’s biggest draw is its AAA Five Diamond award winning restaurant helmed by chef Jeffrey Thompson. The prixe fixe summer dinner menu includes four decadent courses and costs $125 per person.