A Century of Charm Earns Gurney’s Montauk the Title of Best U.S. Beach Hotel of 2026
Finding a true standout among the best hotels in America for a beach getaway means focusing on more than just Instagram-worthy views.
The top properties feel connected to their surroundings, with design and service that reflect their coastal setting rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to luxury. Direct beach access is a given, but so are thoughtful extras: strong dining programs, inviting social spaces, and accommodations designed to make the most of the oceanfront.
Seasonality also matters. The best beach hotels maintain their appeal beyond peak summer, offering reasons to visit year-round. In evaluating contenders for the 2026 Men's Journal Travel Awards, those details ultimately set Gurney’s Montauk apart as the best beach hotel to visit this year.
Why Gurney’s Montauk Is the Best Beach Hotel to Book in 2026
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Montauk is often referred to fondly as “The End of the World” for its location at the easternmost tip of Long Island, where travelers near and far visit to experience its coastal charm. This year, Gurney’s celebrates 100 years. Founded in 1926 by Maude Gurney, what began as a modest 20-room inn has become a renowned resort, and Montauk’s only offering open year round. It's come a long way since its more humble beginnings. It now commands 2,000 feet of private oceanfront beach on Old Montauk Highway, as well as 158 rooms, suites and private cottages, each with an ocean view.
To mark the centennial, Gurney’s has unveiled a newly remodeled lobby designed to function as both a social hub and to provide a seamless transition for guests and visitors to its new restaurant, Gigi’s MTK, featuring stylish indoor-outdoor seating and fresh coastal cuisine. While guests have good reason to visit in the off-season—including the vast Seawater Spa designed with the help of the creator of AIRE Ancient Baths—Gurney’s really comes to life in the summer. Each year, its signature Beach Club returns as one of the Hamptons’ most coveted social venues, with the only on-beach ocean dining on the East End. While the sun is high in the sky, beach-goers flock to the lounge chairs and cabanas for R&R; by night, the social scene at the firepit is always buzzy.
Why You Should Trust Me
As a travel journalist with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve stayed at hotels of all kinds, from intimate boutique inns to expansive resorts run by major hotel brands. Along the way, I’ve developed a keen eye for what makes a hotel stand out—and what makes one fall short.