"How did it strike you on arrival?A string of 19th century Victorian row houses, lined by porches with slightly ominous identical rocking chairs. This place is dwarfed by Mass MoCA just across the street, but you notice the hotel owner’s attention to detail as soon as you park. Is that a hot tub where you can sit under the stars late at night with your bourbon? Was that a cat in the lobby? A real fireplace? Dang. What’s the crowd like?Art handlers who travel the world might be here, fresh off an installation. There’s the couple on the leaf-peeping trip up from Pennsylvania or over from Boston. And of course there are the art obsessives, who won’t sleep a wink till they make it into Mass MoCA itself. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.Vintage plates line the wall of one room, where the bureau is pale green distressed wood. Your room key is sturdy and promising, like an adventure awaits, even though this is a quiet part of the world. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?There’s a Goldilocks charm to the bed every time we’ve stayed here. It always seems like it’s not too small, nor too large, but is just right. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?The tubs are so gorgeous you’ll want to pull yours from the floorboards and take it home. Also, if you miss out on the hot tub, at night, under the stars and foliage, with a neat spirit in your hand (they’re fine with that at the front desk), you are not doing it right. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The fat robes, so plush they’re almost unwieldy, are a damn dream. __Anything stand out about other services and features? __Take note of the heated pool, knockout hot tub, an good whisky selection. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?So long as you're not a diva needing to count threads in the sheets, Porches' style and attention to detail may just ruin you for other boutique hotels." - Alex Van Buren
