Inn on Boltwood
Amherst, Massachusetts
Inn on Boltwood
30 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002 Original Property Opened in 1926 Historic Hotels of America member since 2011
By the beginning of 1925, the alumni council of Amherst College had approved the building of an inn on a site where the flourishing maple trees of Amherst Common met the red-brick campus of Amherst College. Originally named the Lord Jeffrey Inn, the inn was completed in 1926, in part due to successful fundraising through fraternal organizations. After its opening, the inn served as a meeting point for scholars and alumni in the New England region who traveled for conferences and reunions, including the poet Robert Frost, who attended a Yale reunion held at the inn and often stayed in the establishment while lecturing on campus.
Today, Inn on Boltwood stewards its long connection to local life in Amherst, Massachusetts. The beautiful Colonial Revival-style structure was built in harmony with Amherst College architecture and was later thoughtfully preserved in a 2011 restoration. A charming New England institution, Inn on Boltwood offers 49 stylish guestrooms and suites, updated and expanded event facilities, and a full-service locally inspired restaurant, 30Boltwood.
Discover
- Discover the heritage of Inn on Boltwood. The historic hotel has been in operation for nearly a century, hosting travelers from across the region. Robert Frost loved to stay at the well-connected inn whenever he frequented Amherst.
- Experience a stay on the Amherst Common with its charming row of maple trees. Amherst College has educated many prominent individuals, including former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge. Originally opened as the Lord Jeffrey Inn in 1926, the inn was built to accommodate the growing number of visitors to Amherst College and has hosted alumni celebrations and visiting scholars ever since.
- Tour the long architectural history of western Massachusetts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, New England’s Colonial-style mills and farmhouses dotted the region. In 1926, the inn was built in a Colonial Revival style to echo the region’s past.
Explore
- Explore the literary links to western Massachusetts. The Emily Dickinson Museum stewards the legacy of the prestigious American poet, who lived in an Amherst home with her sister throughout most of her life. The Yiddish Book Center in Amherst celebrates Yiddish language and culture of the past and present, while the Eric Carle Museum, founded by the beloved author, features the artistry of picture books.
- Visit Historic Deerfield and walk through 12 preserved houses dating from 1730 to 1850. Admire collections of regional furniture, silver, textiles, and other decorative arts.
- Tour the Beneski Museum of Natural History. View preserved dinosaur footprints, beautiful mineral specimens from around the world, and geological specimens and immersive exhibits telling the story of the local landscape through many eons of geologic time.
Experience
- Experience the arts in Amherst, Massachusetts. The Drake is an intimate live performance venue located just a short five-minute walk from Inn on Boltwood. A proud partner of Inn on Boltwood, the center hosts both local and global performers. The nearby Mount Holyoke College Art Museum collections include Ancient Mediterranean Art, while the Hampshire College Art Gallery exhibits student contributions in the visual arts.
- Experience a New England escape in all seasons. Discover the flora and fauna of the Pioneer Valley on a tour at the Amherst College Wildlife Sanctuary. Hike and kayak along the scenic Connecticut River or discover the magic of a New England winter while cross-country skiing in Mount Holyoke Range State Park.
- Enjoy the warm hearth at Inn on Boltwood’s library. With a crackling fireplace, the inn hosts charming events like holiday teas and live music.
Taste
- Indulge in a seasonal afternoon tea served in the inn’s cozy library. Delectable house-made baked goods, tea sandwiches, and mini-desserts complement the charming atmosphere.
- Taste regional New England fare at local restaurants in the Pioneer Valley. Vermont cheese, Maine mussels, and Atlantic halibut all adorn menus across western Massachusetts. Try 30Boltwood’s take on a classic clam chowder.
- Enjoy the creations of local vendors in the lively storefronts and farmers’ markets around Amherst. The region’s natural bounty includes hand-tapped syrup from the area’s prolific maple trees and crisp apples from New England’s famed orchards. The Pioneer Valley also is home to many artisans known for craft brews, coffee, and cider.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
