The 8 best hotels in Montauk, including overhauled motels, design-forward boutique properties, and upscale beach resorts

Book Driftwood on the Ocean

Set between two state parks on a wide stretch of beach, Driftwood on the Ocean is a refreshingly affordable find. Technically, the hotel is just over the border in the town of Amagansett, but I can attest that spiritually it's more connected to Montauk. 

At first glance, the condo-style property looks sterile — like something you're more likely to see on the Florida coast, with a decor that can be hit or miss. Some rooms have been renovated with a crisp blue-and-white coastal decor, while others are a throwback to the early '80s. Many of the rooms are equipped with kitchenettes or have a terrace overlooking the ocean. 

But you're not coming here to stay inside. Swim in the outdoor pool. Play a match on the tennis courts. Compete in a heated game of shuffleboard. Grill up some local seafood on the BBQ. Take a hike through Hither Hills State Park. And don't miss out on the star of the show: the wide beach, which is often blissfully uncrowded, even in the height of summer.

COVID-19 policies can be found here.

Book Haven Montauk

A few years ago, my family and I were renting out our house, so we decided to do a weekend staycation in Montauk. We chose Haven, a modestly priced motel from the '70s that has been updated with a pared-down Scandi-chic style. Our daughter (who was a toddler at the time) loved hanging out on the pint-sized chairs in the garden and floating on a big inflatable swan in the kidney-shaped pool.

There are so many hotels in Montauk that are hyper-focused on a cool pool scene, but Haven appeals to both families and couples who don't mind if a 5-year-old is splashing around in the water next to them. Indeed, Haven celebrates life's simple pleasures, like grilling s'mores over the fire pit. The hotel even provides guests with a free s'mores kit.

Haven is located in Montauk's Harbor area, a quiet neighborhood where fishing boats bring in the daily catch. Two of my favorite restaurants in the Hamptons are right nearby: Salivar's Clam & Chowder House (great sushi) and Swallow East (eclectic small plates). Just across the street is a small bayside beach where the hotel can set you up with a free umbrella and a blanket for the day.

For current COVID-19 policies call 631-668-7000. 

Book Solé East Resort

One of my favorite Montauk memories was celebrating a dear friend's 40th birthday at The Backyard Restaurant at Solé East. It's no wonder her husband chose this location to host the milestone birthday: The restaurant is set among 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens, complete with outdoor seating, twinkling lights hanging in the trees, hammocks, and a fire pit.

The restaurant is just one of the many things that make Solé East so special. The building itself is beautiful: a landmark Tudor building overlooking Fort Pond. There are 60 uniquely designed rooms and seven garden cabana suites; each has luxurious touches like 300-thread count Italian linens.

On the grounds, there's an oversized, heated pool surrounded by St. Tropez-style daybeds, where guests can relax and listen to live music and poolside DJs. Want to head to the ocean? It's just a five-minute walk or a three-minute bike ride to the beach, and the hotel has a fleet of cruisers that you can rent to take you there.

The hotel also has a sister property, Solé East Beach, in case you prefer to stay right on the ocean. Guests at Solé East Beach have access to all the amenities at Solé East Resort, though not vice-versa.

For current COVID-19 cleaning procedures call 631-668-2105.

Book Montauk Beach House

The Montauk Beach House combines the best of all worlds — it's a block away from the Atlantic Ocean surf beaches and just a short stroll to Montauk's shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Adding to the appeal: a sophisticated design and a social vibe.

With vintage furniture, claw-foot tubs, and soaring ceilings, the rooms feel like you're staying in the beach house of your dreams. Additionally, the Montauk Beach House features sustainable sheets, towels, and robes from the company Farm to Home, which sources its lush, organic designs in India.

The public areas are impressive, too. The lobby is filled with cool artwork and will be hosting cultural events throughout the summer, including a digital NFT exhibit, interactive light installations, film screenings, and more. Actress Naomi Watts has set up a poolside outpost of her brand, ONDA Beauty (which specializes in natural, clean, non-toxic products). And as if that weren't enough, the hotel also has a fleet of BMWs that guests can borrow. Not to be missed: the hotel's weekly Friday Sunset Session, with live music and cocktails under the sunset-streaked Montauk skies.

COVID-19 policies can be found here. 

Book Marram

I was not happy when I found out a couple years ago that one of my favorite laidback oceanfront Montauk resorts was being transformed into a wellness retreat. But I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the new Marram provides a fresh addition to the local boutique hotel scene with an easygoing approach to wellness that's not in your face. 

Though just five minutes from the main strip in Montauk, Marram encourages guests to slow down. Rather than the party vibe that Montauk has become notorious for, there's morning yoga, sunrise meditation, and evening pranayama (breathing) experiences led by local and visiting yogis. You can take guided and self-led nature walks along the bluffs of Shadmoor State Park. The hotel also has a global point of view with a South American counter-service café, Mostrador, led by two chefs from Uruguay. 

The property itself takes inspiration from the surrounding landscape. It's named after the wild grass that grows on the dunes around the property. With its unfinished white oak walls, hand-trimmed cedar exterior, and mahogany walkways, Marram's architecture and design evokes the natural beauty of the Atlantic seaboard. A fun fact: There's a famous surf break called Terrace right in front of the hotel, so don't miss riding the waves with Marram's world-class instructors. 

For current COVID-19 policies email hello@marrammontauk.com.

Book Hero Beach Club

At Hero Beach Club, you'll find a lovely blend of tranquility and tradition, all set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The property's nostalgic nod to the culture of Montauk (artists, fishermen, surfers) and the outdoors is engrained in its original 1950's architecture, which has been elevated with a new modern design and up-to-date amenities like bikes and surfboards. 

One of the winning things about Hero Beach Club is that the mellow atmosphere has been holistically enhanced by the surrounding Peconic Dune Land Trust (meaning, the nature around it is protected). While there's no on-site restaurant, there's much to do here, from pop-up movie nights to pilates and yoga to lounging on the Balinese furniture by the outdoor pool. Be sure to check out Umbrella Beach, where you'll find umbrellas (thus, the name) and bean bags set up on this gorgeous stretch of powdery white sand.

COVID-19 policies can be found here. 

Book Crow's Nest

You might not know Sean MacPherson's name, but this hospitality guru has left an indelible mark on New York City with hip hotels (the Jane, the Maritime, the Bowery) and trendsetting restaurants (Bowery Bar). I used to love going to an eclectic old seafood restaurant overlooking Lake Montauk called the Crow's Nest and was a bit concerned when I heard that MacPherson was taking it over. I had nothing to worry about. He transformed the Crow's Nest into one of the most stylish (and delicious) restaurants on the East End.

What many people don't realize is that the Crow's Nest also has rooms and cottages for rent. The hotel's boho-surf vibe is influenced by the nearby neighborhood of Ditch Plains (a favorite surf haunt). Beds are topped with colorful Moroccan pillows and coverings that look like they're straight out of Goa. 

Rooms range in size from a studio to a three-bedroom cottage and some have kitchenettes (not that you'll want to eat anywhere other than the onsite Crow's Nest restaurant). There are bicycles and paddleboards for guests to use, plus a free continental breakfast. But if you want to stay in one of the cottages, just don't think you can come for a two-night stay: They're rented out on a weekly basis, allowing you to move in and live like a local.

For current COVID-19 policies call 631-668-2077.

Book Gurney's Montauk Resort

I've been frequenting Gurney's long before it was transformed from a dowdy timeshare property into a hipster hot spot. Besides the fact that my husband runs a local photography studio and shoots weddings here, we used to visit Gurney's on cold winter days to use the indoor heated pool (which is fed with ocean seawater) and the spa's thermal hot tubs. Alas, those facilities are now only available to guests. But we still love to come to Gurney's for dinner at Scarpetta Beach and cocktails with a view.

This Hamptons icon appeals to everyone from couples looking for a sexy night out to families in search of entertainment. In the summer, the resort hosts DJs and live music at the Beach Club and the Firepit, while kids can sign up for Camp Gurney's (a partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Program) and learn about sustainability and the surrounding marine environment. 

Besides Scarpetta Beach — an Italian restaurant that leans heavily into seafood — there are unique culinary experiences including the seasonal Bungalows by the Sea, an outdoor dining experience set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean where each private bungalow can accommodate up to six people and has a seasonal menu, curated cocktails, furry blankets (to ward off the ocean breezes), and an open-air fire pit.

The other big news this summer: Gurney's is unveiling the latest accommodations in its evolution, with three cottages on the beach, 29 new rooms, and 11 suites. Each space has those dazzling ocean views that make Gurney's so famous. 

COVID-19 policies can be found here. 

What are the best activities in Montauk? 

It's all about getting outdoors, with surfing on Ditch Plains Beach, horseback riding (Montauk is home to one of the oldest ranches in the country), hiking in the state parks, and visits to the iconic lighthouse.

There's also an emerging style scene, with high-end boutiques mixed in among the T-shirt shops in town. Many of the hotels on this list have notable restaurants, but some of my favorite local spots include Salivar's Clam & Chowder House (a fish restaurant with excellent sushi), Swallow East (a dockside restaurant with small plates), the Inlet (more great sushi and gorgeous water views), Duryea's (lobster on a dock over the water), and Ruschmeyer's (global coastal cuisine, including summertime favorites like lobster rolls and Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas). Right in town, the Montauk Brewing Company is the place to sample the local brews. Want to see an amazing sunset? The views from The Montauket, a dive bar on the outskirts of town, are epic.

What are the beaches like in Montauk?

Montauk has a range of options, from wide Atlantic Ocean expanses to small bayside beaches. Ditch Plains is one of the most popular surfing spots in the world, but it's not just for surfers — kids play in the water, while couples stroll along the cliffs. You can also find plenty of gorgeous beaches along the Atlantic coast.

All the beaches in this part of Long Island are open to the public, and while you might be tempted to just pull up to a beach, you should know that parking can be challenging if you don't have a beach sticker or are in a paid lot. (And parking tickets are not cheap.) Luckily, some hotels on this list offer free parking permits. Other hotels are located directly on the beach.

How many days do you need in Montauk?

You can make the most of Montauk in a weekend. But a warning: On summer weekends, getting to and from Montauk can be a nightmare due to traffic. If you can take the time off, it's best to try and arrive on Thursday night or Friday morning and leave on Monday.

What is the best time of year to visit Montauk?

This little beach town at the tip of Long Island hits its peak in summer, when it seems like all of New York City descends. One of the best times to visit Montauk is in September and October, when the weather is still spectacular, the crowds leave, and the fish are jumping. 

How do you get to Montauk from New York City?

If you drive or rent a car, it takes a little over three hours to get to Montauk. However, on Friday evenings in the summer traffic can be almost unbearable and it will take much longer. You can also take the Hampton Jitney bus starting from $30 each way, or the Long Island Rail Road, which starts from $13.50 one way.  

Are hotels safe?

The CDC has stated that fully vaccinated people can safely travel domestically. Most hotels have strict new COVID-19 safety procedures in place. While you're more likely to encounter other people in a hotel than you would staying in a private vacation rental, experts say that it's possible to be safe.

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