The area of downtown Stockbridge used to be more active as many shops are now closed. This is not a responsibility of the INN but worth noting. The INN is showing its old age and lack of attention to the basics of regular upkeep and cleaning. Management appears to be playing on the idea that regardless of the condition people will come and pay. We were given a room upgrade to a queen suite, which was nice but it was in the front of the INN so the street noise was overly loud and nonstop during the day and into the early evening. The furniture in the room and Inn overall was old, and sticky, with dirty carpets, and very uncomfortable furniture to sit in. For example, the wood was sticky and there was zero padding in the chair cushions and you sunk into a hole where the cushions used to be when you sat. The bed was nice but nothing special comfort-wise. The amenities were average for what is supposed to be a top-tier INN. The dining and bar areas were also very well-worn. We ate dinner there the first night and we were very surprised at the limited menu and excessively high prices. The dining prices are insane for a hotel restaurant even for Stockbridge at the end of the season. We asked for the lunch menu and it was gladly provided by our waiter but the head waiter did not seem pleased. The lunch menu was better priced but the selection was also very restricted. I overheard another table being told that the offerings were based on the cooking team's wishes. Interesting that the menu was not customer-driven or period-based. The tables were so close together that we could not have a quiet conversation because the tables around us were so close and loud. The dining room was not full and there was plenty of space but the INN seems to think that they will fill the place nightly, which we experienced. The actual service was very slow in that we waited 45 min for the main meal. The portions were average but the selection was below average and about 2x what a meal costs at other local venues. The best part of the inn is the expansive front porch but the chairs are also well-worn and dirty. The bar options are average but priced very high. There is no service for drinks on the porch so you have to secure a seat then get up to order your drink, whereby you risk losing your seat. The porch seems to be used by guests and visitors to the porch. The staff were there but gave the vibe that you were bothering them. when asking questions. The checkout and check-in process was very simple, but the INN added a preservation fee to the bill, which was not stated at the time of reservation and this fee is not even discussed just charged. The added fee is also then taxed by both the state and the city. I read a placard about how the INN owners are embarking on a multi-year project to renew the INN, but it seems to be a very slow process if they are collecting 20 bucks per night from guests. I hate stealth fees and this time I got caught, but not again at the Inn. I am fascinated by how owners seem to shift the true operational costs to the guests. I am not sure why they waited so long but the Red Lion Inn got the last of my money. On my next trip to Stockbridge, I will seek a nice Bed and Breakfast, of which I see there are many as they offer better accommodations, dining, value plus friendlier staff in my experience. The local shops and food venues all offered excellent choices and value. It is those places that will draw us back to Stockbridge, not the Red Lion Inn, I am sorry to say.