Family funeral - looking for accommodation for 16

Question

Hi there - I am looking for what may be a unicorn... We are planning my father's funeral in Amherst, MA in late May. I am hoping to find a house or venue that can accommodate 16 people, ideally in 9 bedrooms. We'd like to be as close to Amherst as possible. It could be two houses on the same property, or a big house plus a guest house... there are no little kids but a few teens/young adults who can be flexible about where they sleep. I've looked on Airbnb and VRBO, but nothing has fit the biill so far. If anyone has ideas, please let me know! Thanks much.

Answer

I'm sorry for your loss, and I hope you're able to find the right accommodations for your family during this difficult time. In the Amherst, MA area, there are several options to consider that could meet your needs for 16 people and 9 bedrooms. Here are some suggestions for finding accommodations that may not be on typical vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, but could be great options for larger groups like yours:

1. Private Homes and Large Estates in the Area: While Airbnb and VRBO may not have exactly what you're looking for, you could try reaching out to local real estate agents or property management companies that specialize in short-term rentals. Some large estates or private homes may not be listed on these platforms. It's possible that a local agent could help you find something closer to your specific needs.

2. Hotels and Inns with Large Suites or Adjacent Rooms: While you might prefer a house, it's worth considering local hotels or inns that have suites or multiple adjacent rooms. Some properties may be able to offer a block of rooms at a discounted rate, especially for a family gathering. A few hotels near Amherst that might offer more flexible options for a large group include:

Hotel UMass: Located right in Amherst, this hotel offers a variety of room configurations, including suites, and has meeting spaces that may accommodate your needs.
The Lord Jeffery Inn: A boutique hotel in Amherst with some larger suites and a central location that could be convenient for your gathering.
Echo Lake Inn: While slightly outside Amherst, this charming inn offers multiple rooms that might be able to accommodate your group, and they may also be open to helping you organize larger stays.

3. Bed and Breakfasts or Guest Houses: Many smaller inns and bed-and-breakfasts in the Amherst area have a more intimate, home-like feel that could be ideal for your family. Some might have several rooms available or the ability to rent the entire property. You could consider reaching out to places like:

Amherst Inn: A smaller, cozy option in the heart of Amherst that may have rooms or an entire house available for larger groups.
Northampton Bed and Breakfast: While not directly in Amherst, Northampton is very close, and there are a number of large B&Bs that may be able to accommodate your group.

4. Local Universities with Guest Housing: Sometimes, universities in the area offer guest housing for visitors, especially in the summer months. You could inquire with the University of Massachusetts Amherst or other nearby colleges, as they sometimes have dormitories or faculty houses available for rent during the summer that might suit your needs.

5. Consider Renting Multiple Properties on the Same Street: If a single large property isn't available, you could consider renting two properties in close proximity to each other. In the Amherst area, there are some lovely neighborhoods where you may be able to find multiple homes or guest houses within walking distance, which could create a similar "house compound" feel. Again, local property management services might be the best way to go about finding these types of accommodations.

Additional Tips: When you find properties you like, it's a good idea to contact the host directly (if on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO) to inquire about the possibility of setting up additional sleeping arrangements, such as air mattresses or shared rooms, to make the most of the space available for your group.

Hopefully, one of these suggestions helps! If you have further questions or need more assistance, feel free to ask.