Historic Merrell Inn, Lee

THE PROS: The Historic Merrell Inn is conveniently located in South Lee, MA, just a few minutes' drive from Berkshire hubs Lenox, Stockbridge and Great Barrington. Guests can feel a sense of the inn's history and the care with which innkeepers George and Joanne Crockett take in preserving its charms. The inn is also beautifully situated on the idyllic banks of the Housatonic River. THE CONS: My husband and I stayed there for 3 nights this past 4th of July weekend. When I inquired via email, I was told that there was one room left that was available for Friday through Sunday nights, and it was one of the larger rooms with a fireplace. I was delighted and booked it. When I called and left a message to confirm the day before we were to arrive, I received a message that the room was not available Friday night, so we'll be placed in their best room (a riverview suite) Friday, then switched to the room that I had previously booked for the next two nights. What I find disturbing about this is that at no time did they call or email to inform me that the room I booked was not going to be available the first night. I am 9 months pregnant and would prefer not to have to move around�anyway, I booked what I booked, regardless of whether the room is an upgrade or not. I would prefer to be given an option, or least of all, a warning, before I actually get there. They said that they�ll see what they can do, but made no promises that we can be accommodated. When we arrived, they were able to offer us a room where we can stay all three nights, in a room that I gather is not as nice as the one I originally booked. While it was wonderful that they were able to arrange that for us, it was disappointing to stay in a lesser room, AND it was on the third floor. Again, I am 9 months pregnant, and stairs are much harder to climb at this stage. Plus, as Joanne had led us up the stairs, she did not at all offer to help carry any of the bags I was toting. Just poor customer service in general, I thought. Hauling my luggage up those flights of stairs was not a great beginning. IN CONCLUSION: In all, the property is on par with many other inns/B&B�s we�ve stayed in. D�cor and upkeep were very good, and breakfast was filling although not spectacular (as some other B&B�s are). Better than continental though. As far as warmth and hospitality, definitely sub-par. We�ll never stay there again, nor would we recommend it to anyone.