Vacation Village in the Berkshires

Just returned from 3 day stay, 12/18 - 12/20/2009. Originally rented an A unit, 1 bedroom, one bath, which was spacious, tidy and well equipped. The kitchen had everything we needed and more. It also had granite countertops, newer cabinets and full size appliances. We had a gas fireplace in the living room and plenty of closet space throughout.

The master bedroom was roomy and bright with a comfortable bed. Draw backs included a hot tub in the bedroom rather than the bathroom and very few drawers for clothing throughout the unit.

Unfortunately late in the evening when preparing to go to bed we realized that the sleeper sofa was broken. We called the desk for attention, which led to a struggle. The staff agreed that the sofa was broken but was unable to fix or swap it out because there was only one person providing maintenance. They insisted on moving us while we requested access to the adjoining, vacant unit given the time and inconvenience. They didn't want to dirty two rooms. It took some time for them to realize they were going to have two dirty rooms no matter which way they settled it.

Finally someone came to their senses and opened the adjoining B unit. This unit has an efficiency kitchen, fireplace, Queen sleeper, Double bed in bedroom and reasonable bathroom with a small shower. The unit is perfect for two. We paid for this unit on our second night so our two teenage children would be more comfortable.

We did attend a timeshare presentation and saw the newer A/C units. These are very nice. The C unit is bigger than the B and the A unit has the hot tub in the bathroom. Only thing I could possibly complain about is less Drawers and smaller closets. I realize I am being picky but what is a review for.

This resort has a beautiful indoor pool looking out over the ski resort, a nice, well equipped game room and a fitness room with new equipment and an outstanding view.

If you like to ski you will love the fact that the resort is only minutes away from Jiminy Peak. This is a great family mountain where we had lots of fun skiing and snowboarding. It also has a good restaurant. If you want a delicious meal visit Dakotas while in the berkshires. Our dinner was excellent and the staff was very pleasant.

We will return to this resort and the restaurants as well.

Nov.2008 Review Update: We are thinking of returning in Fall 2009 but would prefer WiFi access in the rooms. A recent email to the resort indicates that they are working on that issue now (Nov.2008) and all of the rooms should have WiFi in the near future.

Perhaps a post-October 2008 visitor to the resort could confirm whether or not the WiFi has been finalized.

2007 Review: We exchanged into this resort in June 2007 and enjoyed our stay. We would go there again.

Things we liked about it:

1) the units are laid out well

2) the resort sits on top of a hill so it gets the breezes (good in summer - not so good in winter). The other Hancock resorts are down in the valley.

3) they have a computer room in the clubhouse, currently with 4 computers. They also offer WiFi within a certain range of the clubhouse.

4) we noticed that they do allow pets but the pets must be pre-approved.

Things which might be a problem:

1) Using "dial-up access" from your room is no longer possible. The phone company recently changed and restricted the local calling area to just the Town of Hancock. The concierge said that they will be adding WiFi to all of the buildings within the next few months. In the meantime, you have to walk to the clubhouse to use your computer or use their computers. The computer room is only open 8AM to 10PM so if you are an early riser, like us, you will need your own laptop.

2) The units are smoking units. This could be a problem for someone with sensitivities. The people using the "B" unit were smokers, but I placed a towel at the base of our joint lobby door and that appeared to help a lot. I'd like to see them make this resort a non-smoking resort.

3) If you are sensitive to "pet dander", you might have a problem if pets were in the unit prior to your visit.

General comments: 1) They have stopped building for the time being. There is a large open space left in the center where more resorts will be built, possibly late in 2007 or in 2008.

2) They clubhouse was very nice..very upscale..with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, exercise room, video game room, computer room, locker rooms, etc. Plenty of seating room, with outlets, in the lobby for when you want to use the WiFi. You could also access the WiFi out on the terrace, but fewer outlets out there and we discovered that when the sun is shining you cannot see the screen.

3) The pool house, with the outdoor pool, is separate from the clubhouse and was nicely laid out, including a ping pong table. The indoor pool is located in the main clubhouse.

4) There were plenty of swings and slides for children and many small BBQ areas.

5) The units had sufficient supplies but no salt and pepper. They also offered maid service and towel exchange for a fee.

6) If you exchange in, you don't receive the unit you were assigned by the exchange company.

7) They are still selling units. If you were sitting in the lobby area, you would see a steady stream of people on "tours". We chose not to attend the "breakfast" in order to avoid the sales pitch. No one called us either.

8) They offer a lot of activities and have a concierge to assist. The clubhouse is open 24/7.

I give it a 4-Star until they get the computer issue fixed then I will give it a 5-Star.

I have stayed there twice, I usually go to Oak N' Spruce in So. Lee--I just purchased a 2-bd rm on redweek!

The location for Tanglewood is a bit far and the accommodations very small (I guess I get the Lock-off in exchanges), but new and immaculate!! I am usually one person, so it is fine for me. Lugging things up to the unit upstairs is a bit much, and long hill up is hard for bike riders which I chose not to do that week, and cell phones don't work up there either.

All that said, it does give you a closer location to enjoy Williams theater and the Clark Museum, the museum in North Adams, Mt. Greylock, and the museum and avant garde movie in Pittsfield, not to say the great new restaurants there.

If you have the smaller place, more than a couple is a crowd. Very small for a guest, if they are staying more than a night.

I have been an owner at VV in the Berkshires for a few years. I stayed there for the first time this month. I own a few timeshares, and have been to quite a few.

I brought some family along, including some children. The kids had a great time in the pool while their mother and I could watch them during our workout in the gym, or while we were in the computer room at the clubhouse. They made friends with other children while we were there and had set up their own play dates!

My relatives commented on the decor, atmosphere and cleanliness. The kids drew pictures of the resort and thanked me for bringing them. Everyone was very happy with our stay.

Trips into Burlington, Vermont, where there are several historic sites and interesting places, are 30 minutes away. A beautiful drive from any route. Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts, is ten minutes by car. There are several places to ski, bike and hike. Autumn offers the foliage season. And of course, the summer months bring Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Pops, Shakespearean theatre, and off off Broadway. Then there are the museums! Everything from Shakers and Norman Rockwell to the new Mass MoCA, a contemporary art museum, housed in an old commercial building that was converted, 20 minutes away. And of course there is the Clark Institute in Williamstown. The area is a treasure chest of the arts.

For those of you outlet junkies (I am one myself) there is the mall at Lee on the Mass pike. A charming arrangement in a village-like site plan. There are quite a few quality stores (my favorite is Kenneth Cole).

Is that enough to do? Or, you can stay at the resort and watch TV. Something I only do late at night when there's nothing else to do!

There are many Europeans visiting the Berkshires- they are known for their love of nature and appreciate the setting of the resort, high on a hilltop, with a great views of the unspoiled area (development is carefully regulated).

If you love quiet, clean, sophisticated travel with a generous helping of early American history and culture on the side, this is for you!

As far as the sales people are concerned- when you own a timeshare anywhere, you should know how to play the game. Be as assertive as they are, or moreso. They will get the message. Don't be a wimp!

The only negative thing I might add is, coming from the New York area, I can say that there is limited human diversity in the Berkshire area.

This is a GREAT RESORT! We stayed here and found the unit to be impeccably clean, well decorated, very cozy (but not small in any way). There are many ammenities to be enjoyed by all ages.

And of course.....lets not forget the SLOPES!!!!! They're awesome! That is why some come to this resort.

There is so much to do at this resort, but of course plenty of shops, restaurants, museums, attractions, and events near by!

Sure to have a GREAT TIME at this place!!!!