Top 5 Reasons to Visit Wheatleigh in the Berkshires Now
With spring right around the corner, there's a special place in the Berkshires waiting just for you.
Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts
1. HISTORY
Wheatleigh, one of many Berkshire Cottages, is located in Lenox, Massachusetts. It was built by Henry H. Cook and given to his daughter, Georgie, as a wedding gift when she married Count Carlos de Heredia. Wheatleigh was designed by premier Boston architectural firm Peabody and Stearns.
Based on a 16th century Florentine palazzo, many of the materials and over 150 artisans were brought from Italy to accomplish the intricate carvings both interior and exterior. Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York, was responsible for creating “Wheatleigh Park” on the land surrounding the palazzo.
Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts
The Count and Countess resided in their “summer cottage” along with 40 in help for only 6 weeks a year. Their permanent residence was on Fifth Avenue in NYC. During the “Gilded Age” Wheatleigh was the site of many grand parties and musical events. Today, Wheatleigh is one of the smallest member of the Leading Hotels of the World featuring one of the best dining rooms on the East Coast.
2. LAWN SERVICE
Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts
One of my absolute favorite things to do during the spring and summer months in the Berkshires is to enjoy lawn service at Wheatleigh. Whether it's for a soothing glass of champagne or a sun-drenched lunch overlooking the hills—you too will love the view, service and special extras that make Wheatleigh a AAA 5-diamond and Forbes 5-star home away from home.
3. UNPARALLELED SERVICE
I've always appreciated that gratuity was automatically added onto the bill—in a very European fashion and even more so that the staff always made sure you were aware of this. However, this practice has since ended on my most recent visit.
Wheatleigh and the Dining Room have consistently been awarded AAA 5-diamonds and Forbes 5-stars since 2006, in addition to being a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The highly refined, yet unpretentious bend-over-backwards demeanor of the entire staff has kept me coming back year after year.
4. THE VIEWS
5. COME FOR LUNCH, STAY FOR DINNER
There's a little-known secret in the Berkshires and as much as I'd like to keep it that way, I feel like I must share. For an ever so peaceful afternoon lunch with a hint of exclusivity in the air, you must check out the Library—located off the main hall before the Dining Room.
The Library offers stunning views and a casually upscale atmosphere with entree selections such as sea bass and fresh, handmade pasta—as I've enjoyed. Don't worry you'll still get silver-plated flatware and crystal glassware.
Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts
Within the enclosed glass Italianate columns, you'll find world-class haute cuisine in the Dining Room. Travel + Leisure says "Some of the best cooking in the United States" in addition to the hotel's own merits the Dining Room is also AAA 5-diamond and Forbes 5-star rated. You'll be well aware without a single doubt that you're in for an epic tasting menu experience of a lifetime.
And this is just the wining and dining. Seeing is believing and once you do, you'll be reserving a room at this little slice of heaven in the Berkshires. Enjoy!
Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox, Massachusetts
