Escape to Oak 'n' Spruce: Your Dream MA Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Oak 'n' Spruce: My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) MA Getaway Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL deal on Escape to Oak 'n' Spruce. Forget those sanitized, PR-approved reviews; I'm here to tell you the messy, glorious truth. And spoiler alert: it's mostly glorious. But first, let's just be clear: This isn't just a stay, it's a vibe. A very… Massachusetts vibe. Think cozy fireplaces, crisp autumn air (okay, maybe not all the time), and a general feeling of "escaping" the everyday grind.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Where's the Ramp?!"
Let's kick things off with the practical stuff. Accessibility is… well, it’s a mixed bag. The website claims to be accessible, but I'm not going to lie, there's room for improvement. Wheelchair accessible isn't as clear-cut as it seems. While there are, blessedly, Elevators, I spotted a few potential challenges with navigating some areas. I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm specifics and, if accessible features are a must-have, triple-check your needs with the hotel before you go. Seriously, don't just trust the website! I would like to see more information regarding the facilities for disabled guests.
Once in the lobby though, I was instantly struck with a warm feeling, welcoming and ready to experience more, with the Front desk [24-hour] team always there to answer all and any of my queries. They were super friendly!
Rooms: Cozy, Comfy, and Did Someone Say "Free Wi-Fi?" Hallelujah!
Okay, the rooms. THIS is where Oak 'n' Spruce truly shines. My room (a Non-smoking haven, thank goodness!) was a haven of comfort. The Air conditioning blasted the perfect chill, especially helpful after a long day exploring. The Blackout curtains are a godsend for anyone who appreciates a proper lie-in (guilty!). And the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? That's right, fellas, no fighting over the password. Streaming my favorite shows from my Laptop workspace was seamless.
The Additional toilet was a life-saver. The bathroom was well stocked too, with Toiletries, Hair dryer, and fluffy Bathrobes. Plus a Coffee/tea maker for those early mornings, and a mini fridge to keep all those drinks cool. My In-room safe box allowed me to store my valuables without fear. I loved my Seating area and the Sofa, the Interconnecting room(s) available would have been great for a family.
The bed was comfy, like, "I could happily live here" comfy. The Complimentary tea was a lovely touch. Seriously, I was prepared to love this place.
Internet: Fast, Free, and Finally, No Annoying "Premium" Options!
Speaking of Wi-Fi, let's talk Internet. Free Wi-Fi throughout the rooms and in many Wi-Fi in public areas, thank the heavens! And not just any Wi-Fi, this was the good stuff. Fast, reliable, and actually FREE. Forget paying extra for a "premium" connection. I needed to do some work on my Laptop workspace, and it was flawless. There’s also Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless for different needs!.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: Spa Day (and Maybe A Little Regret)
Now, for the good stuff! They have a Spa, complete with a Sauna, Steamroom, and offering Massage, Body scrub, and Body wrap treatments. I opted for the massage. It was… divine. Honestly, I sunk into the table and forgot all my troubles. Now, the regret? I didn't book a longer treatment! Seriously, make sure you factor in plenty of spa time. I didn’t get the Pool with view but the Swimming pool [outdoor] was fantastic.
There's also a Fitness center if you're into that sort of torture (just kidding… mostly). Plus, the area around Oak 'n' Spruce is gorgeous for a walk or bike ride. There's even a Poolside bar where you can let go of your worries.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups): The Restaurant Rundown
Okay, let's talk food. The Restaurants here are varied. The Breakfast [buffet] was solid, with a decent spread of options. The A la carte in restaurant was great. I love a good Coffee/tea in restaurant. I appreciate a Vegetarian restaurant and also options for Asian cuisine in restaurant. I indulged in a few too many of the Desserts in restaurant (shhh, don't tell anyone). And for those late-night cravings, the Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver.
The Happy hour at the Bar was a fun way to unwind. I really enjoyed the Soup in restaurant. I saw they also offer Alternative meal arrangement, to suit all tastes.
A slight hiccup? Sometimes the service felt a little… well, slow. But the quality of the food mostly made up for it. I even tried the Asian breakfast and I was not disapointed!
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Era Peace of Mind
Let's get serious for a sec. In these times, Cleanliness and safety is paramount. Oak 'n' Spruce takes it seriously. They have implemented all the expected things, like Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Daily disinfection in common areas. The Rooms sanitized between stays and Safe dining setup made me feel comfortable. Seeing the Anti-viral cleaning products being used gave me greater peace of mind. I did not need the Room sanitization opt-out available.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Let's delve into the little things that can make a big difference in a stay. The Concierge was super helpful with recommendations. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The Coffee shop downstairs was great. They also provide Cash withdrawal service. The Elevator and Luggage storage were really beneficial. The Laundry service was really useful too, for getting a load of clothes washed! The Ironing service came in handy. They provide a Doorman, and Safety deposit boxes.
For the Kids (or the Kid in You)
I didn't travel with kids this time, but the hotel is definitely Family/child friendly. They offer Babysitting service and Kids meal.
Getting Around: Easy Parking, But Consider a Taxi
Parking is a breeze. There's Car park [free of charge] and ample Car park [on-site]. A Taxi service is available if you'd rather not drive.
My Overall Verdict (and a Few More Ramblings)
Look, Escape to Oak 'n' Spruce isn't perfect. But it's got heart. It's got charm. And it ticks a LOT of boxes. The rooms are comfy, the spa is blissful, and the staff (mostly) lovely. The food is tasty, the Wi-Fi is free, and the location is prime for exploring the area. It's a great place to relax and enjoy your time.
Emotional Verdict: 8.5/10 – I'd absolutely go back. Just… maybe book a longer spa treatment next time.
Here’s your chance to break free! Book your escape to Oak 'n' Spruce now and get a FREE upgrade to a room with a fireplace (subject to availability!). Plus, enjoy a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival and 15% off all spa treatments during your stay! Don't miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories. Click here and create your dream MA getaway today!
(Don't forget, if you have mobility issues, give them a call BEFORE you book!)
Escape to Italy: Hotel Leon & Ristorante Al Cavallino Rosso Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into a hot mess of a travel itinerary for the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Oak N' Spruce Resort by IHG in Lee, MA. Prepare yourselves, because this isn't your glossy brochure, folks. This is REAL LIFE.
Subject: Oak N' Spruce: A Whirlwind of Pines, Pancakes, and Panic
Day 1: Arrival – The Curse of the Suitcase
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Oak N' Spruce. Or, attempt to arrive. The GPS, bless its synthetic heart, led us on a scenic tour of… a very quiet, leafy residential area before finally, grudgingly, spitting us out at the resort. Already, I'm sweating. Mountains + driving = my personal nightmare.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in: Smooth sailing, mostly. Until… the suitcase. You know, the one that looked so sleek and organized at home? Apparently, it decided to develop sentience and refused to cooperate. Kept getting jammed in the trunk. Gave it a swift kick of frustration -- probably dented it. Ah well, a few battle scars never hurt anyone, right?
- 2:00 PM: Unpack (ish). Okay, "unpack" is a strong word. More like… "scatter the contents of suitcase across the generously sized living room" and pretend it's feng shui. I'm digging the HUGE fireplace in the living room. Makes me instantly want to cozy up with a horror film.
- 3:00 PM: Reconnaissance mission: Explore the freaking grounds. This place is HUGE. Walking to the pool, realized I forgot sunscreen. Idiot move.
- 3:30 PM: THE POOL! (and the mild panic). Chlorine, heat, slightly too much sun - I'm living my best life. But, the pool is crowded. And I'm already feeling like I need a nap.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner Prep (Failure). Decided to be ambitious and try to make a simple dinner in the kitchen. The "fully equipped kitchen" seemed to be missing a can opener. Or, you know, basic cooking skills. Ordered takeout: Pizza. A classic.
Day 2: Adventures in "Relaxation" (a.k.a. Battling My Inner Procrastinator)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, bleary-eyed, to the glorious sound of… birds chirping. And my internal alarm clock, screaming "PANCAKES!"
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast: Pancakes. Glorious, fluffy, syrup-drenched pancakes. If heaven had a smell, it'd be maple syrup. My partner burned them. I did the dishes. A team effort.
- 9:30 AM: Plan for the day. I'm actually really trying to be chill… but there is always an inner nagging voice. A mountain hike? Maybe. A leisurely stroll? More likely.
- 10:00 AM: The Hike (sort of). We attempted a "moderate" hike. Turns out, "moderate" translates to "a series of increasingly steep inclines that my out-of-shape self was NOT prepared for." We made it… after about a thousand stops to "admire the view" (aka, catch our breath). The views, though, were actually stunning.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: We did NOT pack a lunch. So we found a deli and ate sandwiches. Delicious.
- 2:00 PM: Hot Tub! The ultimate in relaxation. Found myself drifting off. The only real danger was the occasional splash from hyperactive children.
- 4:00 PM: Nap. Required. Because, well, mountains, hiking, and general existence.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner - Cooked something basic, again. Actually pretty good this time!
Day 3: A Day of "Almosts" and Goodbyes
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. The first good sleep.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast. Pancakes, again! There is so much maple syrup.
- 10:00 AM: Planned on walking around the lake. The weather did not cooperate -- raining!
- 11:00 AM: Visit the gift shop and, in doing so, get reminded of the fact I will soon be leaving this place.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Ate whatever was available.
- 1:00 PM: Packing. The dreaded suitcase had to be coaxed into submission again.
- 2:00 PM: Last look around the resort. Taking it all in.
- 3:00 PM: Depart.
Final Thoughts (Messy, but Real):
Oak N' Spruce was… a mixed bag. Beautiful scenery, comfy accommodations, and the promise of relaxation. But also: the daily battle with my own inner critic, the slightly-too-arduous hikes, and the never-ending quest for the perfect pancake. Would I go back? Maybe. After a serious gym membership and a crash course in can-opening. And definitely with a fully charged phone and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor. I'll miss it. And god, I'm exhausted. Time for a vacation from my vacation.
Kokansai Beach Resort: Your Dream Diveagar Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Oak 'n' Spruce: Your Dream MA Getaway - FAQs (and my brain dump about it)
Okay, so, *what* is Oak 'n' Spruce anyway? (And should I even bother?)
Alright, alright, settle down, my friend. Oak 'n' Spruce? Think... quintessential Massachusetts. Like, covered bridges, crunchy leaves, and a general feeling of "Oh, this is *nice*." It's a collection of maybe slightly rustic, charming cabins/cottages (depending on which one you snag) nestled near the Berkshires. They tout "rustic luxury," which, honestly, had me a little skeptical at first. "Rustic" usually signals "leaky roof and questionable plumbing" in my experience. But, GUESS WHAT? It's actually...pretty darn good. Not ALL-OUT luxury, mind you. Don't expect a butler. But the beds are comfy, the kitchens are functional, and the whole vibe screams "relax, you deserve this."
Should you bother? Well... depends. Are you looking for some peace and quiet? Escaping the city? A romantic getaway that’s NOT the cheesy, predictable kind? Then yes. Absolutely yes. If you’re after a bustling nightlife, hardcore shopping, and a constant stream of people… probably not so much. You might get bored. Especially if you're like me and need to *do* things. (More on *that* later...)
What's the deal with the cabins/cottages? Are they all the same? (Because I HATE surprises.)
Nope, they’re not clones. Thank heavens. You've got options. Big ones, small ones, cabins with fireplaces, ones closer to the pool, you name it. I, being a naturally indecisive person, spent a WEEK agonizing over which one to choose. My recommendation? Check out the floor plans (they're usually on the website, thank goodness for technology). Then, read the reviews, paying *close* attention to any complaints about specific cabins. I had a friend who booked one and ended up next to a very... enthusiastic rooster. Not a pleasant experience, I assure you. (She swears she’ll never stay at Oak 'n' Spruce again. Me? I'm still considering a return trip. I’m a glutton for punishment, apparently.)
Also, the "rustic" vibe varies. Some are legitimately charming, some are… well, a little more "lived in." But honestly? That's part of the charm, to me. It's not a sterile hotel room. It's a *place*. A place you can actually *breathe* without worrying about scuffing a designer carpet, which, as a clumsy person, is a HUGE win.
Okay, so, what's THERE to DO? Besides, you know, *doing nothing* (which I’m terrible at).
Right?! "Relaxing" is a skill I'm still learning, bless my heart. Oak 'n' Spruce offers a pool (which, full disclosure, I didn’t use because I was too busy doing other things), hiking trails (definitely recommend!), and a general atmosphere of "chill out." They often have things like horseshoe pits and other games on the property, too, if that's your speed.
But here’s where it gets good for the restless souls like me: you’re near the Berkshires! This opens up a whole world of possibilities. Think:
- Hiking, of course! Mount Greylock is a must-do (but it’s a hike, be warned!). Pack snacks! I made the mistake of not thinking about my hunger. I was ravenous by the time I reached the top. My friend, who brought all of the granola bars, got a free pass on my food. *Grrr.*
- Art and Culture. The Mass MoCA is HUGE and amazing. Plan on spending a whole day there. Seriously.
- Cute Towns. Stockbridge is ridiculously charming. Stop at the Norman Rockwell Museum (very touristy, I know, but still worth it!).
- Shopping! If you must. Plenty of little antique shops and boutiques in the area. (I might have bought a ridiculously overpriced scarf, but it was *gorgeous*, okay?)
Honestly, plan your itinerary *before* you go, or you’ll end up wandering aimlessly, like I did on the first day. It's a recipe for mild panic, trust me.
Let's talk FOOD. What's the food situation? (Because hangry me is NOT a pretty sight.)
Okay, food. A critical factor, obviously. The cabins have kitchens, praise be! So, you can cook. There's a grocery store nearby (Price Chopper – it'll do the trick). I made the mistake of not packing ANY food on the first day. Big mistake. (See previous paragraph about hiking hungry and not prepared). I spent hours searching for a decent restaurant, which ended up being a mediocre diner. Learn from my mistakes, people. Stock up on snacks. And coffee. Coffee is essential.
The area has some decent restaurants, varying in quality, and some *amazing* farm-to-table places (which are usually pricey, but worth it for a special occasion). Research ahead, make reservations, because it can get BUSY, particularly on weekends. I ate a pizza one night, which was fine, but nothing to write home about. But then, *the next day*, I found an amazing little bakery. It served perfect coffee and the most delicious pastries ever made. I went back *every* day...and ordered ten. (Maybe I have a problem). Just do your research. Ask locals! Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path, there are probably even more amazing places that I didn't discover, because... I'm terrible at planning.
Is it kid-friendly? (Because I’m traveling with a horde of tiny humans.)
Yes, mostly! They do seem like they cater to families. I saw a LOT of kids running around. The pool's a big draw, obviously. They have some kid-friendly activities, too. But...and this is a big BUT...it probably depends on *your* kids. If they're the type to run wild, scream constantly, and generally create chaos, maybe... consider a cabin far, far away from the quiet ones. Seriously, I'm not saying don’t bring the kids, I'm just saying, be considerate of others. Because some of us are trying to RELAX. And we might have brought earplugs. (Just kidding… mostly.)
Also, consider the size of the cabin. If you're crammed into a tiny space with a gaggle of rugrats, you will probably need to re-evaluate your life choices. (And maybe invest in noise-canceling headphones for yourself. You’ve been warned.)
What's the Wi-Fi situation? (Because I need to stay connected, even when I don't *want* to.)
It exists! Thank goodness. It's not the fastest, by any means. Think… adequate. Don't expect to stream movies flawlessly. EmbraceHotel Search Today
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