Lenox Getaway: Unforgettable Howard Johnson Experience (MA)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into a review of the Lenox Getaway: Unforgettable Howard Johnson Experience (MA). And trust me, "unforgettable" is a strong word. Let's see if this place earns it.
Accessibility – The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
First off, I'd really hoped for a shining beacon of accessibility… sadly not the case. They say "Facilities for disabled guests," but the devil's in the details, right? This is the part where I wish I had a wheelchair and a team to investigate properly, but alas, I didn't. However, I saw an elevator (thumbs up!), and I did note that they have some of those accessibility-friendly features. So, a slightly hopeful maybe?
On-Site Grub and Guzzling: Restaurants/Lounges - Hope for the Hungry?
The website says "Restaurants." Plural! Promising! I like to eat. But the details are sparse. We're talking "A la carte," "Buffet," "Coffee/tea in restaurant," and "Poolside bar." Okay, I can work with that, especially the poolside bar. Always a good sign. The fact they mention a "Vegetarian restaurant" makes my crunchy heart happy. And "Asian cuisine" and "Western cuisine"? That's actually pretty ambitious! This could go either way. More on this later.
Internet - The Battle for Bandwidth
Listen, a modern hotel HAS to have internet. Period. This place seems to get it. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!," "Wi-Fi in public areas," and even "Internet [LAN]" (remember those?!). It's about time! I’m not trying to do dial-up. So, a big checkmark here.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - The Pursuit of Zen (and Maybe a Tan)
Okay, this is where it starts to get interesting. "Swimming pool [outdoor]"? YES, PLEASE. A "Pool with view"? Now you're talking! I dream of cocktails and scenic views. The "Spa," "Sauna," "Steamroom," and "Massage" are all promising ingredients in the recipe for serious chill. They've got a "Fitness center" too (blah). But hey, at least they're trying! Also "Body scrub" and "Body wrap"? I need to know more. Very more.
Cleanliness and Safety - Germaphobe's Delight (Or Nightmare?)
In the age of COVID, this section is crucial. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hot water linen and laundry washing," "Individually-wrapped food options"—all good signs. "Rooms sanitized between stays"? Excellent. "Physical distancing"? Gotta love it. "Staff trained in safety protocol"? Fingers crossed! They better be! They better be.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure
Alright, let's circle back to the food, because, as I mentioned, I'm a hungry person. They've got a "Bar," several types of "Breakfast," and even "Room service [24-hour]!" (Hallelujah!). I'm particularly intrigued by the "Snack bar" and "Coffee shop." I can't function without coffee. Also, is that a Happy Hour I detect? Maybe I'll see you there…
Services and Conveniences - The Nitty-Gritty
"Air conditioning in public area"? Essential. "Concierge"? Always helpful. "Daily housekeeping"? Love it! "Elevator"? Crucial for us lazy folks. "Dry cleaning," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage"—all the usual suspects. They also have "Meeting/banquet facilities" (hmm), and "Meeting stationery." Okay.
For the Kids - Family Fun?
"Babysitting service" might be a godsend for parents needing a romantic dinner. "Family/child friendly" is always a plus, but the details are missing here.
Getting Around & Other Practicalities
"Car park [free of charge]"? Score! Always a win. "Airport transfer"? Convenient. "Taxi service"? Good to know.
Available in All Rooms - The Creature Comforts
They list a ton of these things, from "Air conditioning" to "Wi-Fi [free]". I have a specific list of wants/needs for my room and I’m always a bit extra. A coffee-maker and a decent-sized mirror for doing makeup for me are must haves.
My Unforgettable Experience
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks, and the dirty reality with all its imperfections. I have to double down on the Food/Dining. I was excited by the list of food service. The reality? It was…patchy, to say the least. The breakfast buffet was alright. Perfectly average. Not terrible, not incredible. A generic hotel buffet experience. Meh. The poolside bar, though? A HUGE hit. The bartender, bless his heart, made a mean margarita and actually listened when I requested extra salt. And the view from the pool? Stunning. I spent one glorious afternoon just floating in that pool, margarita in hand, staring at the mountains. The sun was setting, the clouds were pink and purple, and for a few hours, I forgot all my worries and even my crippling loneliness.
But the restaurant? The "Asian cuisine"? Let's just say it wasn't the Michelin-star experience I was secretly hoping for. The spring rolls were good. The Pad Thai? Not so much. I can't speak for the Western cusine.
The other thing that really stuck in my mind? The soundproofing. Or lack thereof. I'm a light sleeper. So, the fact that I could hear my neighbors yelling through the paper-thin walls at 3 am? That was a negative. I asked to switch rooms and it was a hassle. Another imperfection.
FINAL VERDICT?
Look, the Lenox Getaway isn't perfect. It's got its flaws. It's a maybe when it comes to accessibility and a definite maybe when it comes to the cuisine (except the poolside bar is a yes!). But that pool? That view? That margarita? That was pure bliss. It's the kind of thing that keeps you going, right past the noise complaint and the overcooked Pad Thai.
**My overall experience, the high points: and its Imperfections: **
- The Pool: The View! It had amazing pool, but it wasn’t easy to get to. But, I had to make sure I took advantage of it.
- The Bartender: He made my margaritas. Also I’m pretty sure he was having a bad day but he took it in stride and made it a good experience.
- The Soundproofing: Ugh. Need I say more?
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The Offer That's Got Real Teeth (and Maybe a Bit of Salt)
Tired of the same boring getaway? Ready for something… different?
Book Your Lenox Getaway NOW and get:
- A free upgrade to a room (if available), because you deserve it (and I got one!).
- A complimentary poolside margarita (or your drink of choice!), on the house! (Just whisper "the margarita review" at check-in!)
- A chance to write your OWN epic memory. Maybe you'll even have a good food moment!
- Just a warning: the soundproofing is a gamble. Bring earplugs.
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(And hey, if you see me at the poolside bar, buy me a drink. I'll tell you the real story.)
Madrid's Hidden Gem: Catalonia Plaza Mayor Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-organized travel itinerary. This is…well, this is me trying to navigate a weekend in Lenox, Massachusetts, specifically the glorious (and sometimes questionably carpeted) Howard Johnson. Here we go…
LENOX, MA: A Weekend of Questionable Decisions and Surprisingly Good Art (Maybe)
Friday: The Arrival (and the Immediate Downfall of My Diet)
- 3:00 PM: Land in Hartford, CT. Okay, so Lenox isn't exactly an airport town. Fly in, rent the smallest (and hopefully least suspicious-looking) car available. Driving. That's the plan. Traffic on I-91? Don't even get me started. Suffice to say, my inner monologue at this point resembled a string of colorful expletives.
- 5:00 PM (ish): Arrive at the Howard Johnson. Okay, the outside? Perfectly acceptable. A little… orange? Classic HoJo. The room itself… well, let's just say I've seen rooms with more personality. That said, the AC works, and in August, that's a win. Immediately, and I MEAN IMMEDIATELY, I spot the vending machine. This is where the diet officially goes to die. Little Debbies? Check. Giant bag of Sour Patch Kids? Check. Regret? Already setting in.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Lenox landmark: The Old Inn on the Green. I’d wanted fine dining, but it's all booked! I settle for a nice but over-priced place. The service was impeccable. My anxiety? also impeccable. Did I look like I belonged? I'm pretty sure the waiter kept calling me "sir," despite my best efforts to channel my inner elegance.
- 8:00 PM: Stroll around the town. I'm in a town that felt like it was crafted for Instagram photos. There's a boutique with cashmere sweaters I desperately want. I'm pretty sure I'll be broke by the end of this trip!
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Howard Johnson. That vending machine is calling my name.
Saturday: Art, Awkward Encounters, and a Desperate Plea for Caffeine
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The bed… surprisingly comfortable. But the carpet? Still judging. I'm pretty sure it's a biohazard of dust bunnies and questionable stains. Time for breakfast. Free continental! Think stale bagels and questionable coffee. But hey, it's free. And I need the caffeine. Badly.
- 9:00 AM: This is the big one: The MASS MoCA. It’s in a giant, old factory and the art is… intense. One room is filled with… what IS this, exactly? I'm confused, I'm intrigued, and my inner critic is having a field day. I’m pretty sure an inflatable whale is more fun than some of these exhibits. But then, BAM! A piece that completely floors me. The emotional reactions kick in…
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local deli (hopefully). Something non-beige, please. I ask for the sandwich, "the Italian." The waitress, with the most pronounced New England accent I've ever heard, barely looks up from her phone. "Yeah, alright," she grunts. This is the charm of the Berkshires, right?
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Tanglewood. It was spectacular. I was so moved by that Brahms clarinet concerto that I might have wiped a tear or two. Afterwards, I found myself stuck between two elderly ladies at the refreshment stand and heard their whole conversation about which conductor was better and some things I hadn't known about the life of Leonard Bernstein.
- 3:00 PM: My first attempt at a hike. It was short and steep. I didn't plan my hike well and I wore the wrong shoes. I quickly took a wrong turn and got lost.
- 5:00 PM: After the hike. I'm not sure I liked the experience. It was hard. I decide to give myself a treat after my ordeal and head back to the hotel. A swim sounded good. The pool at the hotel? Empty. The water? Murky. I decide to skip it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I'm tired. I'm hungry. I'm cranky. But the food is good. The wine is better.
- 9:00 PM: Stare at the ceiling for two hours, feeling nostalgic for someone I haven't met.
Sunday: Departure, and the Lingering Question of That Carpet
- 8:00 AM: The dreaded continental breakfast again. I eat a bagel. It is not stale, but it's not good. The coffee's still terrible. Why is there no good coffee in this place?!
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. The front desk person looks like they haven't slept in days. I contemplate leaving a note about the carpet. Decide against it. What's the point?
- 10:00 AM: Scenic drive back to Hartford. Enjoying the views of the Berkshires.
- 10:00 AM: Drop the rental car and head for the airport. I'm tired of driving.
- 12:00 PM: Plane back home.
- 12:00 AM: I'm back. The trip was nice. I got away.
Overall Assessment: Lenox is gorgeous. MASS MoCA is a mind-bender. The Howard Johnson? Well, it's a place to sleep. And maybe dream about that cashmere sweater. And maybe, just maybe, hope someone replaces that carpet. Until next time, Lenox!
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Lenox Getaway: Unforgettable (and Possibly Slightly Cracked) Howard Johnson Experience (MA) - FAQ's You *Actually* Need
Okay, honestly, is this Howard Johnson still as gloriously, epically *retro* as it looks in the pictures? My inner 1970s child is practically screaming.
Alright, let's be real. The pictures? They're... curated. They're *lying* in the most loving, Instagram-filtered way possible. Yes, it's retro. Oh, it's *definitely* retro. Think avocado green, harvest gold, and a palpable scent of… well, let's just say 'history'. The pool? Picture yourself in a vintage postcard, but the water might have a slightly… earthy aftertaste. But listen, that's part of the charm! It's not pristine. It's real. I swear, I half expected to see a family of Brady Bunch extras wandering around. They've kept the soul, but the maintenance? Let's just say it’s not a 5-star resort.
My anecdote time! I swear, the first time I opened the drawer in my room (after wrestling with a key that clearly predates the internet), I found a pack of half-eaten cookies. Okay, maybe the previous guest just forgot them, but it immediately cemented the experience in my mind as something… authentic. Like, really, really authentic. It's the Howard Johnson of your dreams...or maybe your slightly faded, slightly chipped, and perfectly lovable memories.
Seriously, what's the *actual* condition of the rooms? Are we talking "charming" or "mildly concerning mold situation"?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the avocado-green room: the rooms. They're… a mixed bag. I've seen reviews that range from ecstatic to “burn it all down with fire.” (Okay, maybe that second one was a *bit* dramatic). They're clean-ish. They’re functional-ish. They are, however, relics. Think worn carpets with patterns that haven’t been updated since the Nixon administration, and possibly a slight (and I mean *slight*) musty aroma, which I kind of secretly loved. But go in knowing that the cleanliness standard might not be what you're used to. You're not paying for 'luxury,' you're paying for experience!
I booked a suite, and I kid you not, the water pressure in the shower was… like a gentle, slightly apologetic whisper. My partner, being a practical person, just sighed and said, "Well, at least it's hot." I, however, was envisioning a tiny, sad little waterfall, trapped in a tiny, sad little shower stall. And you know what? It felt perfect. Embrace the imperfections. It's part of the magic!
The pool! Is it actually swimmable? I've seen pictures, but I'm picturing algae.
The pool… ah, the pool. It's… a commitment. Listen, on a hot summer day, is it refreshing? Absolutely. Is it pristine? Probably not. Be prepared for the possibility of a stray leaf or an errant bug or two. (One time, I swear I saw a small frog…but maybe I was hallucinating from the chlorine smell). But it's a vintage experience. It's the perfect backdrop for some great, fun summer photos, even if you are a little wary to take a dip.
My own, personal pool horror story? One time, I dropped my sunglasses in it. (I was clumsy, okay? Don't judge.) Finding them? An adventure. It felt a bit like treasure hunting, only with more chlorine. And algae. And a sinking dread that those sunglasses were never coming out. Luckily, I found them! So, yeah, the pool? Totally swimmable. But prepare to be…acquainted with nature.
They mentioned a restaurant... Do I need to pack my own food, or might I survive?
The restaurant! Ah, the restaurant. (Deep breath.) It's… *there*. Look, it's not fine dining. Think hearty, comfort food. Think classic diner fare, perfectly suited to absorb all your regrets from the previous day. It may have a limited menu, potentially a surly waitress, and absolutely zero pretension. You *will* survive. You might even enjoy it, but remember, it's not the food you're there for. It’s the adventure! And the story you'll be telling later.
I had the burger. It was… a burger. The fries were crispy, the milkshake was thick, and the whole experience felt… authentic. Almost like I stepped into a time capsule. The waitress, with her seen-it-all demeanor, just added to the whole experience. No frills. Just classic American food and a whole lot of nostalgia. Honestly, the best parts of it, are the laughs and anecdotes that I have about it.
Is it family-friendly? I'm dragging kids. Please, talk me off the ledge.
Family-friendly? Well, yes and no. Listen, kids *love* the nostalgia. Seeing the pool, the retro décor, it's all a novelty. It's a cool experience for them! You, the adult, may need to take a deep breath a few times. The rooms aren't *huge*, so pack light, or, you know, prepare for the "we need more space" complaints. And be prepared to answer questions about what a "Howard Johnson" even *is*.
I took my little nephew, and he thought the whole place was the coolest. He didn't care about the slightly worn carpets or the iffy water pressure. He just had a blast by the pool and loves the retro style. Plus, the classic diner is a perfect way to keep those little humans happy. Just make sure you set your expectations, and go in prepared to make the most of it. Because you can. And you should.
What's the deal with the location? Is it close to things to do?
The location is… good. It’s Lenox, MA. A charming town in the Berkshires. It's close to Tanglewood! That's a huge plus. Within easy driving distance of all the cultural attractions the area is known for. But remember, you're there for the location *and* the experience of a retro resort! That, is the true value.
I remember when I took my family. We went to the Norman Rockwell museum. It was fun. But it was the Howard Johnson that will be remembered. And that is what makes a vacation, an experience.
Seriously, should I book this thing? I'm tempted, but is it a total disaster waiting to happen?
Okay, deep breaths. Is it a disaster waiting toHotel Search Tips
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