local accommodations

Last Updated: Feb. 24, 2001

Below are a list of local accommodations. With regard to the B&B options, I extracted these from the five college bed & breakfast associations listings. I anticipate that any association catering to the five colleges- well at least 4 of the 5 ( $$Smith$$, $$Mt. Holyoke$$, $$$$$$Amhest College$$$$$$, $Hampshire$, and UMASS)- would have top notch accommodations. I will be asking around, doing drive-bys, and checking in on as many as possible.

Look for Evie's reviews and comments in RED.

Browse Motels & Hotels in Amherst

Browse Motels & Hotels in Northampton

Browse Bed & Breakfasts in Amherst

Browse Bed & Breakfasts in Noho

Should You Stay in Amherst or Northampton?
Nothampton and Amherst are both Great Towns, but they are very different. (DISCLAIMER:Keep in mind this is Evie's two bit commentary on the subject of the two best- and possibly most expensive -towns in Western Mass.)

Amherst: The Wedding and Reception are in Amherst; this is a big plus to saying in Amherst. If you are just comming into town for the Wedding and staying one night, by all means stay in Amherst! It's a lovely town with a large "Town Green" in typical New England style. It has a very small main street and commercial district. It is predominately a lovely residential town with the best school system- and Amhest College, Hampshire College, and the main campus of UMASS.

Northampton, aka NOHO: When we were looking at buying a home we narrowed in on the greater Northampton area fairly quickly. Yes, I am biased I live here! It has a wonderful mainstreet which is active both day and evening. There are many shops and boutiques during the day, and restaurants, coffe houses, and theatres which come alive at night. Northampton's main street is lined with turn of the Century brick banks ( I swear they must have built a new one every ten years) and manufacturing buildings- Great Archetecture - Victorian, Art Deco, you name it, Gargoyles, and all!. Downtown has a definite big town/ little city feel with a really safe quality- kind of like a San Francisco left in the dryer for too long. The center of town is very concentrated and gives way quickly to the more rural feel of the neighboring agricultural communities. If you are trying to leave the rat race but your not sure you can slow down to a country crawl without shocking your system - try out Northampton. It is like one of the cities in the good ol'days that your Grandma told you stories about. Getting from Northampton to Amherst is not bad typically. Route 9 is the least complicated way to get from one to the other except during rush hour route or college games. Assuming traffic isn't a problem, it should take 15 minutes to get from downtown NOHO to Amherst.

Motels & Hotels in Amherst

Brand new building across the street from HOJO's. Looks nice and modern from the outside. I am going to investigate getting wedding guest discounts here.

Howard Johnson
401 Russell St
Hadley, MA 01035
413/586-0114
I have stayed here myself. It is standard motel/hotel, with clean rooms, workout room, clean outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and continental breakfasts.
Motels & Hotels in Northampton

Hotel Northampton
36 King Street
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 584-3100
The Hotel Northampton is a local landmark. It may be the oldest hotel in Northampton too. It markets itself as the haughty hotel in town, but reports indicate that it is very friendly and easy going. Wiggin's Tavern is the restaurant within and is the location some of the staff at West Springfield High School indulge themselves a Sunday Brunch. However, I have heard that the best brunch around is at Sylvester's just down the street- I haven't had it yet, but its on my list. Hotel Northampton is right at the main cross streets in Northampton and is ideal if you want to stroll, shop, wine and dine your way through Northampton.

The Autumn Inn
259 Elm Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Telephone 413-584-7660
Fax 413-586-4808
http://www.autumninn.com/
The Autumn in is in a great location if you are staying in the area a day or two. It is just a half mile or so from Northampton's shop and restaurant filled main street and a mile or two from our house. I drive by the Autumn Inn daily and their friendly sign which says, "lodging, fare, and spirits". It looks very inviting and a bit like an old Motel that has been fixed up like a bed and breakfast.

Inn At Northampton
1 Atwood Dr
Northampton, MA 01060
413/586-1211
The Inn at Northampton is just off of exit 18 on rt 91. It is a short drive to down town Northampton- approx. 1 mile. It is a newer motel/hotel, and is very large. It has a very good reputation locally, and I have heard it has a nice pool. In appearance and layout, it seems like an upscale Holiday Inn. Montana's Steak house is captive within the Inn.

Bed & Breakfast Near Amherst

http://www.allenhouse.com

http://www.bbonline.com/ma/fivecollege/east.html

A,C,E,F

The Allen House is in a very old part of Amherst. It is down the street from Emily Dickinson's Estate and a long, but manageable walk from down town Amherst. The exterior of the house looks wonderful just what you would envision as you sit in your cubicle thinking, "Gosh, I need to go somewhere this weekend- may be a little bed and breakfast ...." It appears to be a well renovated and maintained victorian house, in an in-town environment.

Clark Tavern Inn Bed & Breakfast
http://www.clarktaverninn.com/
http://www.bbonline.com/ma/fivecollege/east.html
98 Bay Road
Hadley, Massachusetts 01035
(413) 586-1900
(413) 587-9788
Michael & Ruth Callahan, Innkeepers.
The Clark Tavern Inn is a beautifully restored 1740 colonial tavern located in a tranquil setting minutes from Amherst and Northampton. Perfectly appointed guest rooms offer private bath, TV/VCR, queen beds, and cozy reading chairs.
Rates: $75-135. A,C,E
The location of the Clark Tavern Inn is in more rural, agricultural Hadley/South Amherst. It is only 10 minutes from the church, but it should give you a more off-from -the -beaten -path feel. I have not been out there yet, but intend to check it out. I have read some great reviews in local B&B handbooks. Stay tuned for more.

The Birches Bed & Breakfast
http://www.bbonline.com/ma/fivecollege/east.html
236 Middle Street
Amherst, Massachusetts 01002
email: Birchesbb@aol.com
Orca & Julio Giarrusso, Innkeepers
We welcome you to enjoy our cozy and comfortable home in this peaceful South Amherst setting. We coddle our guests with comfortable beds, a hearty breakfast and good classical music.
Rates: $60. A,C,E
(413) 256-6257
Haven't had a chance to check it out yet.

B&B Amenities Codes:
A: Smoke Free B: Children Welcome C: Children Welcome Over Specified Age (please inquire)
D: Handicapped Access Available E: Sorry, No Pets F: Most Credit Cards Accepted

Bed & Breakfast Near Noho

The Knoll Bed & Breakfast
http://www.crocker.com/~theknoll/
http://www.bbonline.com/ma/fivecollege/west.html
Florence, MA - 413-584-8164
In operation since 1982, The Knoll, a fifteen room house of Tudor design, is
situated on 17 acres in the residential section of Florence, a suburb of Northampton. Set well back from Route 9.
Rates: $60-70. A,C,E
The Knolls in out in the country. It is off of route 9 beyond Northampton. It is about a 5 + minute drive from mainstreet Nothampton, and perhaps a additional 15-25 from the chapel. It is a BIG Beautiful Tudor Estate. It is very near Look Park which is a local day spot in the summer. I have no doubt it is a great place to stay and unwind. It easily 100 yds removed from the road.

The Saltbox Bed & Breakfast
www.javanet.com/~saltbox
http://www.bbonline.com/ma/fivecollege/west.html
153 Elm Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060
Carol & Craig Melin, Innkeepers
Three private and unique suites, fireplaced guests' parlor and surprising amenities are offered in this lovingly restored 18th century homestead. Conveniently located in the historic Elm Street/Smith College area.
Rates: $85-130. A,C,D,E,F
The Saltbox is in a great location it is directly across the street from Smith College's main gates. It is situated at the West end of Mainstreet and is in easy walking distance to the many shoppes and restaurants in Northampton. The building is an old salt box with what appears like a farmhouse addition in the rear.

Lupine House
http://www.westmass.com/lupinehouse/
http://www.bbonline.com/ma/fivecollege/west.html
185 North Main Street
Northampton, Massachusetts 01062
413-586-9766
1-800-890-9766
Recently renovated c. 1872 home, near Look Park; three guest rooms with private baths. Owner's quarters at rear of house, to ensure guests' privacy. Homemade breakfast includes breads, muffins, granola, fruit, juices and hot beverages.
Rates: $65-$85. A,C,E
The Lupine house is in Florence. From the outside has a very country, "shabby chic" decor. They have clearly labeled guest parking, area just inside of the white picket fence.and appear to take their B&B business seriously.

Lodging Map

Return to Top of Page

Return to Main Index