Best Lodging in Massachusetts | 2014 Editors’ Choice Awards

Looking to rest your head in the Bay State? We’ve got you covered! Check out our picks for the best lodging in Massachusetts for 2014.

BEST MANSION:
GATEWAYS INN, Lenox

The 12 guestrooms in this 1912 mansion are named for Shakespearean characters, and the gracious lodging makes an elegant base for enjoying the summer arts scene. The piano bar is a good place for a quick pre-curtain dinner and a relaxing post-curtain dessert. Rates: from $160. 51 Walker St. 413-637-2532; gatewaysinn.com

BEST RETRO LODGING:
GUEST HOUSE AT FIELD FARM, Williamstown

Owned by the Trustees of Reservations, this 1948 Bauhaus-inspired private home, filled with classic modern furnishings, could have easily become a museum. Instead, it’s a six-guestroom lodging, with ample public areas for lounging and great views of Mount Greylock. Four miles of hiking trails are a bonus. Rates: from $195. 554 Sloan Road. 413-458-3135; fieldfarm.org

BEST COLLEGE-TOWN HOTEL:
HOTEL NORTHAMPTON, Northampton

The choice of Smith College families since 1927, the Hotel Northampton certainly looks grand for its age. Spiffy Coolidge Park Café gives a light bistro option to classic Wiggins Tavern dining, and the refreshed rooms now feature granite bathrooms. For the newest digs, ask for the Gothic Garden building. Rates: from $175. 36 King St. 413-584-3100; hotelnorthampton.com

BEST 19TH-CENTURY INN:
DEERFIELD INN, Deerfield

The white-columned front porch is the perfect spot from which to survey one of the most historic streets in the state. The inn opened for business in 1884 and today features 24 guestrooms that blend historic charm with modern comfort. The innkeepers know the area inside and out and can offer enough suggestions to keep you busy for days. Rates: from $149. 81 Old Main St. 413-774-5587; deerfieldinn.com

BEST STATE-RESERVATION CAMPING:
SALISBURY BEACH STATE RESERVATION, Salisbury

To keep things orderly, the 484 campsites, each with picnic table and barbecue grill, are arranged along lettered streets. The campground doesn’t sit right on the water, but it’s within walking distance of Salisbury Beach, a four-mile strand of dunes and white sand beach, with plenty of room to spread out. Two-night minimum. Campsites: from $17. Beach Road (Route 1A). 978-462-4481, reservations 877-422-6762; salisbury-beach.org

BEST GREEN HOTEL:
ELEMENT, Lexington

You’ll feel greener than Kermit staying at this pioneer extended-stay hotel, which runs only on renewable energy and even has an electric car-charging station out front. It’s a favorite of business travelers, but the full kitchens, free loaner bikes, quick access to the Minuteman Bike Path, and guest outdoor gas grills make it a good bet for family vacations, too. Rates: from $169. 727 MarrettRoad. 781-761-1750; starwoodhotels.com/element

BEST RURAL RETREAT:
JACOB HILL INN, Seekonk

This country estate is closer to Providence than to Boston, but most guests prefer to leave city life behind to swim in the pool, play tennis, or simply swing in a hammock or enjoy sunset views from a sweet little gazebo. Ten of the 12 guest accommodations are suites, and all have fireplaces. Rates: from $179. 120 Jacob St. 508-336-9165; inn-providence-ri.com

BEST INDOOR POOL:
JOHN CARVER INN & SPA, Plymouth

The Pilgrims never had it so good. The indoor pool at this Colonial Revival–style inn features a water slide through a life-size replica of the Mayflower, plus waterfalls and a whirlpool set in a faux Plymouth Rock. Who knew history could be so much fun? Rates: from $109. 25 Summer St. 888-906-6181; johncarverinn.com

BEST LODGING NEAR BIKE PATH:
WELLFLEET MOTEL & LODGE, South Wellfleet

Biking is a fun (and convenient) way to avoid the Cape’s auto traffic. This neat and clean motel sits right on the Cape Cod Trail, making it a quick ride to Marconi Beach, LeCount Hollow Beach, or even Nauset Light Beach, where there’s parking for bikes but not for cars. Rates: from $99. 170 U.S. Route 6. 508-349-3535; wellfleetmotel.com

BEST COURTYARD:
THE ROBERTS COLLECTION, Nantucket

Located in the heart of downtown, this charming complex combines three 19th-century buildings with one new construction to offer a range of lodging choices from luxury to good value. The heart of the property is the large, brick-paved courtyard, with plenty of seating to relax with a book and a cold drink. Rates: from $175. 11 India St. 800-872-6830; therobertscollection.com

BEST HISTORIC B&B:
THE 1720 HOUSE, Vineyard Haven,Martha’s Vineyard

With its white fence and colorful roses, this sturdy home from the early 18th century looks as though it were built for this spot. In fact, it was floated from one end of the island to the other almost two centuries ago. Two of the six comfortable, traditionally furnished rooms have shared baths. Rates: from $175. 152 Main St. 508-693-6407; 1720house.com