Feel the flavor and history of Massachusetts through the art of objects

The XV Beacon, which reigns over the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood in its turn-of-the-century landmark Beaux Arts building, is more than just picture-perfect on the. outside. Inside, it takes its curated art collection very seriously. That’s why specially commissioned works by Martha Lloyd, Joe Greene, Tony Evanko and Ben Freeman hang in the boutique hotel’s 63 luxurious rooms and suites. But guests will feel the artistic sensibilities as soon as they walk into the hotel and see Jules Olitski’s joyful “Green Dot” canvas. The hotel’s distinguished collection also includes, in the restaurant wine cellar, a stunning Roman mosaic from the fourth or fifth century, canvases by iconic American portraitist Gilbert Stuart and works by contemporary artists like Maggi Brown.XV Beacon ranked 1st on Conde Nast's list of 10 Top Hotels in Boston: Readers Choice Awards 2017-20.

You could say the Hotel on North has lots of surprises in store, and it would literally be true, since the boutique hotel’s two 1880s buildings once housed a menswear and sporting goods store. That might explain the tin ceilings and birdcage elevator, now the stationary site of a cocktail table for two. It also explains the hotel’s dedication to its deep Berkshire roots, which means art, textiles and furniture in each room crafted by local artisans. The accent on art also is highlighted in the Gallery on North, a rotating exhibit of art, sculpture, photography and other curated pieces just off the lobby. And then there’s the library suite, with 125 bookshelves and a rolling ladder to help make your selection.

With the magnificent Mass MoCA as its neighbor, it’s no wonder the Porches Inn, in the historic community of North Adams, is a work of art itself. Each of its 47 rooms and suites is architecturally unique, some with spiral staircases, or cozy porches, or Jacuzzi-style tubs, or welcoming fireplaces, all done in rich palettes of color and texture with whimsical touches from vintage plates on the wall to retro furniture. Outside, a woodland of native plants awaits visitors, along with a heated outdoor pool. Healthy continental breakfasts are provided along with the “granny chic” atmosphere. In the area, visitors can explore art and history museums, state parks perfect for hiking, cultural venues from galleries to theaters and an eclectic assortment of places to dine and shop.

Celebrating the vibrant arts community of Essex County, the Briar Barn Inn has made its interiors a showplace for the work of local artists. Each of the elegant inn’s 30 suites has individually curated original artwork, custom furnishings and antique pieces that add to the unique atmosphere of this country retreat. And, of course, the inn’s surroundings and buildings are works of art in themselves. There’s the spacious courtyard (visible from each wing of the U-shaped inn), landscaped garden paths and Grove, the inn’s farm-to-table restaurant in a post-and-beam barn, complete with two double-ring black industrial chandeliers and rustic farm tables. Even the inn’s entrance has an artistic sensibility, a bright, airy space reminiscent of a silo.

Art is in evidence everywhere at the Red Lion Inn, where guests have been gathering to relax since Silas Pepoon established a tavern on the site in 1773. Each of the inn’s rooms and suites, and the rooms in its guest houses and village houses, has individual paintings, antiques and whimsical objects as well as luxurious linens, fluffy bathrobes and free wifi. The china in the main restaurant is antique, the pewter colonial. Historic signs and posters hang on the tavern’s walls. And there’s an artist-in-residence program, where artists spend time at the inn, offering talks and exhibitions. The Berkshires area is known for its celebration of the arts, from renowned galleries and art museums to theater companies, historic homes, Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow.