First, North Adams's old mill complex became MASS MoCA, an arts centre larger than London's Tate Modern. Now a row of Victorian workers's houses across the street has been reborn as a luxury fun hotel. Although the setting isn't idyllic (there's a garage in view), The Porches Inn uses ingenuity and wit to make the most of its blue-collar environs. The rooms are smartly appointed and bathrooms, which have deluge showerheads and magnifying mirrors, are state of the art. There's free Internet access, a cordless phone and a DVD player in every room, plus a safe behind a framed painting-by-number. There is a swimming pool and spa, carved into the hillside behind the inn. From the hotel, it's a short walk to MASS MoCA. On the way in, make a reservation at Eleven, the museum's new restaurant, where dishes include pan-seared cod on braised white beans.
WHEN TO GO
Whenever there's a great exhibition across the street
WHICH ROOM TO BOOK
A two-room suite overlooking MASS MoCA's Building Number Five (from which
you can currently see Robert Wilson's 14 Stations installation). Each suite is a different colour; Number 22 is a calm-but-cheerful sage.
CONTACT
The Porches Inn, 231 River Street, North Adams, Massachusetts 01247 (00 1 413 664 0400; fax: 664 0401; www.porches.com). Doubles and suites £86-£208
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