The Best Hamptons Hotels and Homes to Book This Summer | Architectural Digest
Don’t say we didn’t warn you: Simply searching for Hamptons hotels will set you off on an hours-long summer getaway planning session. A mere 90 miles from New York City (though the traffic can make it feel farther), the Hamptons are a luxe destination for those wishing to break up the crowds of the city with some stretches of sand. Defined as a cluster of cities that span the Eastern region of Long Island’s South Fork, this popular summer getaway is made up of Amagansett, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Sagaponack, Sag Harbor, Southampton, Wainscott, Water Mill, and Montauk. And although the sheer number of villages and towns may make it seem like a large area, this is where the most beautiful part of the Hamptons comes into play: You can cover it all in a day. Measuring in at 54 miles long and between 0.5 and 1 mile wide, it’s a classic East Coast road trip destination for a reason. Hop in the car, and you’ll find yourself experiencing village after village, each with its own beach-y vibe and lobster rolls that only seem to get better as the miles roll on.
That said, the best way to experience the Hamptons—as well as its less scene-y North Shore—is to book a stay, treat it as home base, and head out to take in the beachside villages. Here, we gathered the best Hamptons hotels and home rentals, from rooms with ocean views to stays with private saltwater pools.
Hamptons hotels
Marram, Montauk
Located down the beach from the popular Gurney’s Montauk Resort, Marram is a luxury hotel with serious style. Each room is equipped with Frette linens, Tuft & Needle mattresses, and Le Labo toiletries. But there is one thing you won’t find in any of the rooms: a TV. The focus is on completely unplugging and enjoying the sights, sounds, and saltwater smells of the nearby surf. When it comes to each room’s design, you’ll find Noguchi lighting, art from surf photographer Brian Bielmann, and a wonderfully neutral color palette. When you’re hungry and want to stick close to your room (and the beach), visit the on-site restaurant, Mostrador Marram, for local seafood and other seasonal eats.
The Roundtree, Amagansett
For a four-star hotel experience, head to The Roundtree. The interiors are warm and inviting, much like staying in a friend’s home without sacrificing any privacy. Guests have the option to take their stay to the next level—the pet-friendly boutique hotel offers exclusive experiences like a private docent-led tour of the Parrish Art Museum, custom winery tours, a day-long walking tour of Amagansett, beach bonfires, cooking classes, priority reservations at the Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course, and more. At the end of the day, wind down with some s’mores at the hotel’s fire pit.
Baron’s Cove, Sag Harbor
Whether you’re looking for harbor views, a dog-friendly place to lie your head at night, or a hotel with major all-American style, Baron’s Cove delivers. Even though it may not offer a private beach (you’d be hard-pressed to find a place that does), guests of this East End hotel have access to the property’s private gardens—it’s the perfect place to start and end the day. Visitors can request to use the property’s complimentary and private shuttle service to nearby Long Beach, as well as a parking pass for Sagg Main Beach. There’s a fitness center and a tennis court on the property, and you can even reserve time with the hotel’s resident professional for a lesson and then take a dip in the saltwater pool.
The Surf Lodge, Montauk
Once an Irish dive bar and today an airy hotspot for the well-heeled Montauk scene, The Surf Lodge is a place where you’ll find both visitors and locals mingling over a drink on the deck overlooking Fort Pond during the summer months. Designed by interior designer Robert McKinley—who’s also behind the design of Ruschmeyer’s and the McKinley Bungalows—and inspired by classic surf club vibes, each room is outfitted with a hammock or hanging chair, crisp sheets, beach-y art, and a complimentary mini bar with essentials like CBD gumdrops, sunscreen, hair masks, and more for those who book weekend stays. When it comes to beach destination hotels, The Surf Lodge goes all in on the lifestyle, including free bike rentals with each stay. In June, the hotel unveiled a redesigned outdoor lounge area in collaboration with Arhaus, making it an even more photo-friendly destination for soaking in the sunsets. When you’re ready to venture off the property, you’re just a quick drive or bike ride to Amsterdam Beach State Park, Montauk Point, Camp Hero State Park, and more.
Shou Sugi Ban House, Water Mill
Though most hotels and home rentals in the Hamptons offer an opportunity to explore the surrounding scenery, the Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill is more about looking inward. The luxe 13-room retreat calls itself a luxury wellness resort and offers up a menu of experiences from hydrotherapy and tea meditation to sound therapy and massage. The retreat’s stunning design—and the core of its experiential offerings—is inspired by the ancient Japanese technique of charring wood for the sake of preservation, which is called sugi ban. Although you may not be spending a ton of time on the beach (and you won’t want to leave, once you settle in), guests are invited to enjoy the on-site saltwater swimming pool, library, solarium deck, and cherry orchard. If you aren’t looking to partake in the wellness retreats, it’s also possible to book a stay in one of five guest rooms at the Shou Sugi Ban Inn, a bed-and-breakfast connected to the main house via stone pathway.
Canoe Place Inn, Hampton Bays
Re-opening this August, Canoe Place Inn is a 20-room boutique hotel with five garden cottages emerging from years of restoration and upgrades like a new restaurant, bar, and an outdoor pool. The 325-year-old property has quite a history, with guests spanning past presidents and infamous bootleggers. It quickly became a place for weekend trippers once the Long Island Railroad made it easier for city folk to break loose. For close to a decade, the space sat abandoned before ground broke on the renovations.
The Shoals, Southold
The Shoals opened its doors to guests in Spring 2022, offering waterfront views of Peconic Bay in the North Fork of Long Island. This particular hamlet is a bit quieter than its neighboring hotspots in the Hamptons, plus it has something most accommodations don’t: a boat slip for each suite. The self-described “boatel” also has a vintage Chris-Craft charter boat available for use, in case you want to visit the lesser-populated beaches, dine at a seaside restaurant, or take in views of the shoreline from the open water.
Sound View Greenport, Greenport West
Once a buzzy motel in the 1950s, the Sound View Greenport has been reimagined for modern travelers. Guests have access to the property’s private beach—a huge amenity in an area where stretches of sand are the main attraction—a piano, bar, private sailing lessons, art classes, nearby farm tours, wine tastings, meditation groups, yoga classes, open-air movies on the pool deck, and live music on the beach. Whew. Plus, the space was designed by Brooklyn-based firm Post Company, who took care in riding the fine line between comfort and luxury. Thoughtful design moments, like the incorporation of local art and rounded console table workspaces in the bedrooms, make the most of every corner.
The Chequit, Shelter Island Heights
Located in the village of Dering Harbor, The Chequit is another option for those looking to re-energize with ocean views. After a series of extensive renovations, the rooms feature rain showers, Frette linens, access to e-bike rentals, and more. You can choose to book a stay in the main house or the adjacent summer house. No matter what you decide, both are within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and beaches. And when you’re ready for more of a party atmosphere, the North Fork and Hamptons are never far away.
Private homes
Bright A-Frame, East Hampton
A rainy day could ruin your long weekend beach getaway…but not in this house. Although its proximity to East Hampton Village, Amagansett, and the beaches is what will encourage a quick book, this is a home you won’t mind lounging around in. The three-bedroom A-frame has a great living area equipped with a wood-burning fireplace and plenty of board games, as well as a hot tub that’s bubbling year-round. The 1,000-foot wraparound deck overlooks a nature preserve, offering unbeatable privacy and fantastic views for an alfresco breakfast. And when you’re ready to head out on an adventure, take one of the six beach cruisers out for a pedal. There are also kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, and umbrellas available for guests to use during their stay.
Designer Home, Bridgehampton
With hiking trails in the backyard (seriously, the property neighbors the Long Pond Greenbelt Nature Reserve), this three-bedroom designer home in Bridgehampton can sleep eight people. From the outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi to the country farmhouse vibes and central air conditioning, the amenities check all of the boxes. But the real winning quality is the proximity to nature. From the lush reserve to the beaches (there are multiple within four miles), you have options when it comes to getting your daily dose of fresh air and Vitamin D. And when you’re ready for the perks of a small village, you’re a quick drive from both Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor. Plus, the spacious kitchen (and all of the gadgets that come with it) make it a fantastic place for hosting a whole crew of family and friends over for a meal.
Chic Retreat, Amagansett
Place yourself within walking distance of the beach—and Main Street, Amagansett—when you book this two-bedroom apartment. Guests have complete access to the second floor of this beach house, which has its own private entrance and an outdoor patio area. Painted in bright and neutral hues, walking into the home is not unlike showering yourself in sun on a stretch of sand. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, but there’s plenty of room to breath and relax. Amenities include free parking, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, and a kitchen packed with all of the cooking essentials you would ever need.
Beachy Retreat, Southampton
If surrounding yourself with beach-y vibes is your goal, you won’t be disappointed by this three-bedroom home in Southampton. Located two miles from the pristine sands of Cooper’s Beach with interiors that will make you feel like you’re mere feet from the surf, you’re never far from the ocean breeze. Speaking of location, this home is within walking distance of a Long Island Railroad station, making it a must-stay for those traveling without a car.
Modern Beach-Style House, Sag Harbor
Even though you won’t have ocean views in this beach-style home, you will have complete and total privacy. Located on two acres and surrounded by 42 acres of nature preserve, this two-bedroom rental offers hiking trails steps from the front door and quick access to golf courses in Sag Harbor, plus you’re steps away from Barcelona Beach. The interiors are bright and airy, with massive sliding doors opening up to lush forests in the backyard and plenty of windows in each bedroom. It’s like waking up outdoors, but with the comfort of central air conditioning and ultra-comfortable beds.
Family Getaway, East Hampton
Located in the famed Springs neighborhood of East Hampton, this three-bedroom home comfortably sleeps seven guests. Enjoy the saltwater swimming pool and sauna before heading out to the beach or an afternoon of shopping (you’re only a quick drive from both the East Hampton and Amagansett villages). The interiors are breezy, the kind of surroundings that make you want to let out a big sigh and lose a few hours napping on the couch.
