Tell us about FF Bentley Brook in the Berkshires Please!

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

We have recently become great grandparents! We are hoping to find an exchange near the new baby....what is your opinion of the FF in Berkshires....general info and what airport would you fly in/out of for the trip? Any other ideas/concerns regarding the resort. Greatly appreciate any help you can offer.

[Sance Member Find all posts View Profile Close Sance]

We just spent the July 4th Holiday at Bentley Brook. It is a Ski Lodge Property. With a Main Lodge and an Upper Lodge, In Summer I would perfer the Main Lodge becaue that is where the swimming pools, Hot Tub and free use computer are located. We had a two bedroom unit. Very nice typical Fairfield furnishings. They have an elevator in both buildings to all floors. Constrction of the unit could have been soundproofed a little better as kids do seem to like to run down the hallways.The Staff was friendly and helpful. On site you will get no cell phone coverage as it is out of cell phone range just a few miles away my cell phone worked fine. We had a great time in the area lots to see and do very artsy area. As to flying in Albany, NY would be the closest Airport but Hartford 's Bradley would be quite do able. I would go back again.

Hope this Helps
Bob

[gophish Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close gophish]

Bently Brook is located in the Birkshire Mountains in Mass. I'm not sure what the closest airport would be but you could fly in to Albany, NY. It is about an hour or so drive from there.
The resort is units are very nice. It is located at Jiminy Peak Ski Area. There is a ski lift right at the back of the resort that connects to the major trails.
There is a lot to do in the area, Lennox, Adams and Williamstown Mass, There are museams in the area as well as restaurants although it does require some driving to get to most, ie 10-20 miles.
Where do your grand children live?
In the winter they do get some snow and roads can be bad at times, although they do take pretty good care of them do the ski resort.
If you are looking at a trade there is also Vacation Village in the Birkshires which is located right across the street from Bently Brook.
Let me know if you have other questions.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Thank you both for your very quick and very helpful answers!

We need a 2 BR and if we could find 2BR in either FF or VV, which would you pick? We are thinking of this Sept/Oct for the trip. Grandkids live on border of NY and CT; that is why we are thinking the Berkshires is a good location.

[EAM Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close EAM]

Vacation Village mini-review

VV is just across the street from Bentley Brook. Bentley Brook has a better location for skiing. I was in a 2BR lockoff at VV. The units are large and well equipped. There is a laundry room on each floor of each building. VV has a lovely indoor pool. I think I would enjoy staying at either VV or BB in summer but would prefer BB for skiing.

The Clark (or Clarke?) Art Institute is worth a visit. The view from the top of Mt. Greylock is great on a clear day.

[gophish Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close gophish]

I agree with what previous poster has told you. If in winter and you want to do any skiing then BB. I think that the units at BB are a little more upscale but don't get me wrong the VV units are very nice. There are some restaurants at BB but again it is almost right across the street. I know that VV has lockoffs but don't know about real 2BR, assume they do. We had stayed in A side of lockoff. It had a gas fireplace and jucizzi tub in bedroom. Some of the units have electric fireplaces, the gas ones are better, real flames. Anyway I don't think you would go wrong with either one. The indoor pool at VV is nice but you have to go outside to the main building to get to it.
If you have any other specific questions let me know.

[Republiman Member Find all posts View Profile Close Republiman]

Bentley Brook v. Vacation Village

Although I have never stayed at the VV in Berkshires, we did drive through the property. It seems to be very nice but a bit of a walk from some units to the pool. The pool/clubhouse seems to be the centerpiece of the activities, along with some playground equipment for kids.

Bentley Brook is adjacent to Jiminy Peak, so in addition to the winter skiing previous posters spoke about, in the summer there are amusements like a big slide and rides up the mountain on the ski lift. There are also a couple of restaurants within walking distance, including John Harvard's Brewhouse, a chain which is basic American fare.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Although I have never stayed at the VV in Berkshires, we did drive through the property. It seems to be very nice but a bit of a walk from some units to the pool. The pool/clubhouse seems to be the centerpiece of the activities, along with some playground equipment for kids.

Bentley Brook is adjacent to Jiminy Peak, so in addition to the winter skiing previous posters spoke about, in the summer there are amusements like a big slide and rides up the mountain on the ski lift. There are also a couple of restaurants within walking distance, including John Harvard's Brewhouse, a chain which is basic American fare.

Beware that 'big slide,' I believe you are talking about the Alpine Slide, it is no 'slide,' but a dangerous driver controlled contraption that goes careening down a cement/fiberglass chute. My son is still recovering from the second degree burns he suffered falling off the one at Stowe 10 days ago. Today is the first day the bandages were able to come off, we won't know about scarring for some time, but fortunately his face appears to be healing well. Too soon to tell about his leg. Numerous injuries are experienced at these 'slides...' but I didn't find about that until it was too late...