I have a soft spot for Wheatleigh. My husband and I make an annual pilgrimage to dine there, and recently stayed for the second time at the hotel. One certainly can be at peace here, a transformation that is sometimes instantaneous for me, sitting on deck chairs in one of the most enchantingly peaceful spots in the Berkshires, overlooking the Berks hills (not mountains, but pleasing nonetheless), and the massive trees found throughout the property. This is a quiet place that exudes elegance and historical substance and doesn't feel overly opulent despite the Italianate mansion aspect of the place, because of the spare, modern furnishings. (As an aside, if you haven't been and are comparing to Blantyre, the interiors are vastly different, so check out the photos carefully-- I think of Blantyre as a 'winter, cozy by fireside' spot, and a bit too gloomy for me for the summertime). I was grateful that we were upgraded when we arrived, given that it was our 20th anniversary, never take that sort of thing for granted, and found ourselves in a lovely room overlooking the courtyard fountain, and given some bubbly to celebrate. I can understand why some reviewers here would balk at the price. It is expensive, but that's why we just like to 'hang out' on the property and it feels worth it if that's how you like to spend your time away, without too many other people, if any, to contend with. There is also a lovely staff to welcome you and assist, and though some are 'newbies' they are earnest and sincere. You can literally walk to Tanglewood, for more lawns and massive trees, with music as an accompaniment. One word of advice-- I found that the main restaurant was closed midweek, and although we were able to eat in the library, the food was just not of the standard as the main restaurant, or perhaps I just felt the lack of choices on the prix fixe menu. The experience is decidedly different, and was not my idea of our grand 20th anniversary meal-- however, we have built up sufficient wonderful gastronomic memories there and nostalgia to have tossed off that particular dining experience. So if you are going for the 'total' experience, do make sure you can make a reservation in the main dining room, and that it is open.

We wanted to bring house guests to visit Wheatleigh for drinks on our way to Tanglewood. After calling the prior day, specifying the time of our visit and being assured of welcoming hospitality, we were coldly informed by a uniformed doorman that we should wait while he checked with the restaurant manager. A few minutes later, he returned to tell us that, "No one is available to serve us" and, "Sorry, but you must leave." You can imagine how embarrassed we were to be rudely turned away in front of friends -- especially when a couple seated nearby was enjoying drinks served by a waitress. Avoid this snooty place at all costs. Go to Blantyre or Cranwell.

My husband and I have traveled the world and styed at the best hotel. 4 Season Paris, Rits Carlton Centrail Park, One and Only, ETC ETC. This hotel was by far the nicest, finest service, most luxurious stay ever. We stayed in the Terrace Suite and yes it was expensive, but wow it was spectacular. If you ever get a chnace do stay here.. it is a fantastic, wothwhole experience!!!

I literally set up an account to write this review. I am overwhelmed by the friendliness, cleanliness, kindness, and hospitality of the hotel. This is basically what happened to us:

1) We visited the hotel to get acquainted with the property, they gracefully welcomed us and showed us around the hotel (terrace suite, junior suite, and the aviary suite). We liked the property so much that we booked for dinner reservation. Up until dinner, we were strolling around the local shops of Lenox and when dinner time approached I headed for my car only to realize that I have BROKEN my spare key !!! We were literally stranded in the cold with no solution left. I called The Wheatleigh and told them about our situation, they sent us Claire, who is from Buffalo, New York to pick us up. She extremely kind, sweet, and very prompt. A comfortable and luxurious Audi picked us up from where we are and drove us to the hotel.

2) Claire went further and beyond, she sent someone to the store to purchase a super glue in order to fix my broken spare key. ( FOR FREE !! ) Fortunately, THE FIXED MY KEY AND NOW I CAN DRIVE MY CAR BACK TO BOSTON

3) We needed some privacy as we had to perform our prayers, Larrisa, who is from Zurich, Switzerland was extremely considerable and opened us one of the rooms in the hotel to pray in !!!!!!!!

4) After we had a fabulous meal at their restaurant, Claire drove us back in her Audi to where my car was parked. And now, with my fixed key, I unlocked the car and drove back home safely.

NOW, THE DILEMMA LIES IN THE FACT THEY WE WERE NOT EVEN GUESTS STAYING AT HOTEL !!!! WHAT IF WE WERE ?? I am sure we would be OVERLY SPOILED.

I really recommend this hotel, their rooms are beautiful and the property is magnificent. The entertainment system in the rooms are all Bang & Olufson. Loved Everything about it. I would like to thank Larrisa and Claire for their amazing generosity. And wish all the readers a chance to stay at his lovely place :)