The Cornell Inn, Lenox & The Berkshires

The Cornell Inn, Lenox & The Berkshires Overall Rating: 6 out 10 Date of Stay: October 2025 Our experience was a mix of genuinely warm hospitality and several notable drawbacks that ultimately prevent us from recommending a return visit. The hospitality was truly the best part of our stay. The staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and very helpful with all our requests. The breakfast served each morning was pretty good. The location is okay, offering decent access to the Lenox area. Final Verdict While the staff and the complimentary breakfast are truly excellent, the combination of the tiny, dark room, the inability to get fresh air, the maintenance issues (dirty carpets), and the restrictive alcohol policy severely impacted the overall impression. For the price point, we expect greater comfort and fewer restrictions. I unfortunately don't think I would ever return to The Cornell Inn.

The Challenges Unfortunately, several issues detracted significantly from our comfort. Our room was tiny and dark, with noticeably low ceilings. The biggest frustration was the lack of fresh air, as the windows would not open, which made the small space feel even more stuffy. As expected with a very old property, the building is noisy; everything seems to screech with every movement. However, the age does not excuse the general cleanliness in common areas. The carpet on the stairs and upstairs hallway was dirty and full of stains, which gave a poor first impression. Finally, and most frustratingly, were the restrictions regarding outside alcohol. After a long day of driving, being told we couldn't enjoy our preferred, favorite beer felt like an unnecessary rule imposed solely to squeeze more money by forcing purchases at the inn's bar. The money is not a problem for me, but lack of freedom of choice is a problem. Final Verdict While the staff and the complimentary breakfast are truly excellent, the combination of the tiny, dark room, the inability to get fresh air, the maintenance issues (dirty carpets), and the restrictive alcohol policy severely impacted the overall impression. For the price point, we expect greater comfort and fewer restrictions. I unfortunately don't think I would ever return to The Cornell Inn.

Large room with king size, comfortable bed, nice modern bathroom. Awesome homemade breakfast. Close to Tanglewood in the heart of the Berkshires

Nothing

The breakfast was delicious! It was a very relaxing place to stay.

Amenities and room decor

The Cornell Inn was a 10 out of 10. It was the staff with whom we were so impressed. Jennifer was so outgoing and genuinely warm. The breakfast was served after a very comfy nights sleep, by Lindsay. She ran that breakfast room like a champ. It was delightful. Superb and definitely will return!!

Walking distance to the town

Tiny room, noisy on the street side, noise from walking upstairs. We were offered a room away from the street by an employee who called us before our stay. This was not honored. Since we traveled with friends, and the inn was full, I wasn't able to say anything, so I called the next day. I was told we were not offered that since I booked with Booking.com ( I was!).

Great location, beautiful rooms, very comfortable. Lovely complimentary additions which were unexpected and delightful! Reception staff, particularly Susan very helpful. Love the jigsaws !

It was a wonderful stay but and I can’t believe I’m writing this but breakfast service needs to be improved. It would have better if the system to be seated was explained. It wasn’t clear whether you helped yourself to juice and coffee and therefore we missed out, additionally the food order was incorrect with items missed. This would not have been a problem but for the first time , traveling across America, we found the attitude of one server a bit abrupt and condescending which put us off raising any issue. Hopefully this feedback will lead to some improvement .

Very nice inn. And nice breakfast. However, big differences in room quality, and you don’t get to choose your room unless you go thru Hotels.com and non-inn website. Unfortunately we got one of the rooms in the back of the carriage. Was very disappointing and staff was unable to move us to another room.

I booked a Superior and chose a specific one at booking. However, upon checking, I was told that because I booked through Expedia, the room type was not guaranteed.