The Red Lion Inn

Red Lion inn in Stockbridge MA is well known historical inn and pub. The inn itself has this romantic char and people go there for the experience. It is a piece of history; you are not there for modern amenities and luxury. The tavern where we opted to eat offers shortlist menu options, but it is ok as you are there for the atmosphere and the chance to dine in a historic establishment. With that said the bar has limited seating capacity and it is rather small but very authentic. Tables in the pub area are also very economically sized. Waiter was extremely nice, food on the other hand was not. My Atlantic salmon dish contained microscopic piece of fish for $28 and the fish and chips were disappointing tasteless as well, combined with two glasses of red Pinot Noar which contained miserable portion of wine at $15 each. If you are there for the atmosphere and the experience is ok, but if you want good food do your research in advance and don't fell for the tourist traps at least not for the first and most obvious one.

Overpriced and Underwhelming - Service Was Abysmal This review is a continuation of my Little Lion Motel review. After our disappointing experience there, we were offered a night at the Red Lion Inn and were excited to experience a property we'd heard great things about. The "Year-Round Heated Pool" Isn't Really Accessible Year-Round Upon check-in, we asked about the pool. We were told the changing rooms were closed for the season, so guests would need to arrive in swimsuits and leave wet in the middle of winter. If your changing facilities are closed, you shouldn't advertise a year-round pool. The Room Was Run Down Our room in a separate house "Steven's House" was OK but clearly neglected—peeling paint, uncomfortable beds that sagged in the middle, and no modern amenities. We also had no idea we would be placed offsite, a 7 minute walk away from the main Inn on an icy sidewalk. I understand they're going for a historic aesthetic, but there are tasteful ways to maintain a property. I would have been incredibly upset if I paid full price for this room. The charm we were seeking was complete neglect and you'll find the same in the main Inn with dirty carpets and unhappy workers. Service Was Consistently Poor The real issue was the service, which was shockingly bad for a $400+/night property: The Speakeasy: Packed like sardines with zero ventilation. Hot, musty, and uncomfortable. The Bar: We waited 15 minutes before the bartender even acknowledged us—no greeting, no apology. He was openly unfriendly except when chatting with other staff members who complained about wanting their shifts to end. Other guests around us were voicing similar frustrations about wait times. The Hostess: Didn't greet us or offer any hospitality. Just stared until we spoke first, then gave us minimal information about breakfast. Breakfast Was a Disaster Service the next morning was even worse despite the restaurant not being busy: - 10 minutes to be greeted - 15 minutes for drinks (which arrived incomplete) - Coffee sat so long it went cold as we waited for cream - 30 minutes for simple breakfast items (oatmeal, pancakes, eggs) - Food arrived without requested condiments/sides - By the time we got what we needed another 15 minutes later, everything was cold - Multiple tables around us looked equally confused about the delays. Bottom Line The Red Lion Inn is overpriced, run down, and plagued by poor service. For the same weekend, we stayed at the Shaker Mill Inn the following night and had an incredible experience—proof that other local properties understand hospitality. I cannot recommend the Red Lion Inn unless you're comfortable paying premium prices for a subpar, frustrating experience.

We stopped into the Red Lion Inn while exploring Stockbridge, and even without staying overnight, it was absolutely worth the visit. The amount of history here is incredible. You really feel it just walking the halls. We popped in to warm up with hot beverages, relax in the lobby, and explore inside. As a kid, I remember hearing stories about the inn being haunted, and learning more about the building now, it’s easy to see why people say that. Some of the older architectural details, like rooms with adjoining bathrooms, always stood out to me and add to the character. The location is perfect- right near the Norman Rockwell Museum and surrounded by charming shops and walkable streets. It’s cozy, inviting, and very classic New England. Even as a short stop, the Red Lion Inn felt special. If you’re visiting Stockbridge, it’s worth stepping inside just to experience the history and atmosphere.