The perfect gift for every occasion

  • The Dancing Bear Guest House is located in historic Moses W. Merrill house built in 1852. The rooms are all decorated in antique furniture. The Dancing Bear is just a 5-minute walk from all of Shelburne Falls' attractions.
    This carved wood staircase and stained glass window were installed when the house was remodeled in the 1890s.
    Guests often enjoy visiting or reading in one of our parlors or trying out the 1870s cabinet harmonium which still plays!
    Spring tulips at the Dancing Bear Guest House
    Breakfast is always homemade and wholesome.
    The Wisteria Room offers a full size bed, ideal for a single person or a cozy couple.
    The Balcony Room features a queen-size bed, an in-room coffee/tea maker and an elegant balcony overlooking the oak trees in front of the house. And additional twin-size roll-away can also be arranged, even at the last minute.
    The Rose Room includes a queen-size bed, its own coffee/tea maker and a comfortable antique sofa. A twin-size roll-away is also available, even at the last minute.
    The Blue Room, located on the ground floor, has two twin beds--together for couples, or separated by a night stand for friends--a writing desk, and an "en suite" bath.
    The Fireplace Room is a favorite spot for guests to enjoy a cold winter evening next to a crackling fire.

    • Address 22 Mechanic Street
      Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
      USA
    • Phone+1-413-625-9281
    • Phone+1-413-325-1917
    • Phone+1-413-625-2496
    • EmailContact Innkeeper
    Inn's website

    Historic 1852 house in the center of Shelburne Falls. Many antiques. Homemade breads and pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, espresso. 5-minute walk to all Shelburne Falls restaurants, galleries, antique stores, Bridge of Flowers, Trolley Museum, Glacial Potholes, etc. Frequent live events and festivals take place throughout the year.

    Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 7 Reviews

    4.5 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  4
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    5 out of 5
     

    Great B&B in Western MA

    August 28, 2010

    We had an amazing time during our stay in the Balcony Room at the Dancing Bear. Could not recommend a better place to stay in the Shelburne Falls area. Historic house was clean, warm, charming, and comfortable. Homemade breakfast was great, made with local and fresh ingredients. Philip was a wonderful host; we will definitely be staying again when we return.

    4.6 out of 5
     

    Best accomodation next to the Bridge of Flowers!

    January 16, 2010

    We're absolutely excited about this very beautiful B&B. It's not only the great rooms in this spectacular mansion soaked with historic. It's especially the familiar atmosphere inkeeper Philip gives to his guests. An other highlight was the delicious breakfast with all homemade food, Philip prepared for us.

    3.6 out of 5
     

    Great hospitality

    October 14, 2009

    Philip & Edith make all feel welcome. A great B&B for families. Great food too.

    4.8 out of 5
     

    Unique. Above the Ordinary

    October 12, 2009

    My husband and I stayed at the Dancing Bear during the Columbus Day weekend. Comfortable room, very clean...the whole house comfy and cozy, decorated in the Victorian style. We've stayed in many bed and breakfasts throughout the Northeast and elsewhere; the best breakfast we've ever had was here at the Dancing Bear. Phil makes delicious breads, muffins, entrees, wonderful coffee. He is a true gourmet cook. Other positives for us: it's fun to have breakfast family style with the other guests, meet new people and exchange information about local attractions. Phil is a great host, lots of fun to talk to. Can't wait to go back for another of those breakfasts!


    Location

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeeper(s)

    Philip and Edith Bragdon

    Innkeepers Description:

    Since opening the Dancing Bear Guesthouse in 2006, innkeepers, Philip Bragdon and Edith Bingham have welcomed guests from all over North America and around the world. Philip and Edith enjoy sharing their experiences living and traveling in different parts of the world as well as their enthusiasm for Shelburne Falls and its beautiful surroundings. In addition to running the Dancing Bear Guest House, Philip teaches Spanish and English in the local schools and Edith is a commercial artist.

    The innkeepers speak:

    • Russian

    • English

    • French

    • German

    • Italian

    • Spanish

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  • Rooms & Rates

    • Nightly Rate $99 - $119

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check In: 4 to 7    Check Out: 11

    • Minimum Stay: A 2-night min, on holiday wknds May-October

    • Deposit Amount Required: We require a credit card to hold your room, but you are not charged until after your stay. Without a credit card, payment in advance is requested.

    • Cancellations: We will not charge you for your room unless: *You cancel in the last seven days AND, *We have turned away a paying guest AND, *We cannot refill the room. NOTE: We have only had to do this twice in almost three years.

    • Open All Year Round: Yes


    General Policies

    • Smoking Allowed: No

    • Guest Pets Allowed: No

    • Drinking Allowed: Yes

    • Drinks Available: No

    • Suitable For Children: Yes

    • Childcare Provided: No


    Discount Type

    • Massachusetts Teachers
      Percent Off: 10%

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  • Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 7 Reviews

    4.5 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  4
    • Services  4
    • Value  4
    • Cleanliness  4
    • Dining  4

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    5 out of 5
     

    Great B&B in Western MA

    August 28, 2010

    We had an amazing time during our stay in the Balcony Room at the Dancing Bear. Could not recommend a better place to stay in the Shelburne Falls area. Historic house was clean, warm, charming, and comfortable. Homemade breakfast was great, made with local and fresh ingredients. Philip was a wonderful host; we will definitely be staying again when we return.

    4.6 out of 5
     

    Best accomodation next to the Bridge of Flowers!

    January 16, 2010

    We're absolutely excited about this very beautiful B&B. It's not only the great rooms in this spectacular mansion soaked with historic. It's especially the familiar atmosphere inkeeper Philip gives to his guests. An other highlight was the delicious breakfast with all homemade food, Philip prepared for us.

    3.6 out of 5
     

    Great hospitality

    October 14, 2009

    Philip & Edith make all feel welcome. A great B&B for families. Great food too.

    4.8 out of 5
     

    Unique. Above the Ordinary

    October 12, 2009

    My husband and I stayed at the Dancing Bear during the Columbus Day weekend. Comfortable room, very clean...the whole house comfy and cozy, decorated in the Victorian style. We've stayed in many bed and breakfasts throughout the Northeast and elsewhere; the best breakfast we've ever had was here at the Dancing Bear. Phil makes delicious breads, muffins, entrees, wonderful coffee. He is a true gourmet cook. Other positives for us: it's fun to have breakfast family style with the other guests, meet new people and exchange information about local attractions. Phil is a great host, lots of fun to talk to. Can't wait to go back for another of those breakfasts!

    3.8 out of 5
     

    great spot in the mountains

    July 02, 2009

    Kathy and I have stayed at Dancing Bear twice now when visiting our daughter in the Shelburn Falls area. The inn combines historical setting, antiques, and fabulous breakfasts in a great location.

    5 out of 5
     

    Just Perfect!

    May 31, 2009

    I had the pleasure of staying at Dancing Bear in April while visiting family. Philip and Edith were wonderful hosts and Philip's breakfast is incomparable. My room was bright and cheery and the house is full of charm in every corner. Philip and Edith have done a fabulous job of creating a home away from home for all their guests.

    5 out of 5
     

    Lovely!

    March 29, 2009

    I stayed at the Dancing Bear with some friends for a weekend and it was a lovely experience. Philip was a wonderful host and breakfast was absolutely delicious. The room we stayed in (the balcony room) was very spacious, pretty, and full of light. I felt right at home here, and I would recommend this B&B to anyone!


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  • Location Type

    • Canoeing

    • Fishing

    • Hiking

    • Kayaking

    • Rafting

    • Skiing

    • Countryside

    • Downtown

    • Mountains

    • Small town

    • Village

    City - Northampton

    • Distance to city: 30 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From North and South, take I-91 to Exit 26 in Greenfield and travel 9 miles west to Shelburne Falls. Take second left turn for Shelburne Falls. This is Mechanic Street. We are in the 4th block on the right hand side. Parking is on either side of house. From Albany, take Rt. 2 east to Shelburne Falls. Take second right turn for Shelburne Falls. This is Mechanic Street. We are in the 4th block on the right hand side. Parking is on either side of house. From Boston, take Rt. 2 west to Shelburne Falls. Take second left turn for Shelburne Falls. This is Mechanic Street. We are in the 4th block on the right hand side. Parking is on either side of house.

    Airport

    • Hartford, CT (BDL-Bradley Intl.) 67 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From Bradley Airport take I-91 north to Exit 26 in Greenfield and travel 9 miles west to Shelburne Falls. Take second left turn for Shelburne Falls. This is Mechanic Street. We are in the 4th block on the right hand side. Parking is on either side of house.


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • The Bridge of Flowers

    • Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Ski area

    • Downhill Skiing

    • Fishing

    • Hiking trails

    • Kayaking

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Ski rentals

    • Snow shoe rental

    • Snow shoe trails

    • Water sports

    • Whitewater Rafting

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  • Amenities

    Type:

    • Private Home Bed and Breakfast

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Urban Inn

    • Historic Inn

    On-site

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Fireplace

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Telephone

    Guest room(s)

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Board games

    • Ceiling fans

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Library

    • Microwave

    • Wi-Fi

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  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Time Served: 8:30 or by prior arrangement

    • Serving Location: Breakfast/dining area

    Signature Dish

    Dancing Bear Pecan Rolls
    All our meals are prepared with natural ingredients, locally grown when available. We serve homemade breads and pastries, fresh fruit, egg dishes, coffee, tea, espresso, cereal, yogurt, etc. A favorite since we opened are our Dancing Bear Pecan Rolls made with whole grain yeast bread, butter, brown sugar and lots of pecans. We also regularly serve local blueberry muffins, cinnamon rolls, quiches, fritatas, waffles, etc.

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

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