You want a spot that feels right for your summer escape. This guide gives you everything you need before you book. Inside, find the best areas, top eats and things to do and handy tips. Feel the ocean breeze, pine scent, and village charm as you plan.
Best Hotels in the Hamptons🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Bridgehampton Inn
- ✨ 5-Star: The Roundtree, Amagansett
- 🏨 4-Star: Beachcomber Resort at Montauk
- 🛏️ 3-Star: The Hermitage at Napeague
- 💸 Cheap: Aria & Mare Hamptons
- 🏢 Apartament: Ocean View Terrace
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Ocean Surf Resort
- 🏩 For Couples: Montauk Yacht Club
Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃
Best for | Area | Vibe/Why |
---|---|---|
Luxury | East Hampton Luxury Area Hotels | Chic elegance |
Family fun | Southampton Beach Access Hotels | Beachy calm |
Beach lovers | Montauk Oceanfront Surf Hotels | Rugged surf |
Foodies | Sag Harbor Waterfront Dining Hotels | Gourmet bites |
Quiet charm | Amagansett Rural Farmhouse Hotels | Laid-back charm |
Art & estates | Bridgehampton Vineyard Estate Hotels | Country estates |
1. East Hampton – Luxury Escape and Chic Elegance in the Hamptons
East Hampton feels polished yet relaxed. You’ll find high-end shops, art galleries, and manicured lawns. Many visitors see it as the heart of long island and a refined part of the hamptons, where boutique living meets coastal ease. Some of the best hotels in the hamptons are located here, ranging from luxury estates to a smaller boutique hotel in the hamptons.
Travelers often compare it with nearby water mill or even take a day trip to montauk point state park before returning for dinner. Options include hamptons hotels with sea views and even relaxed beach stays like hero beach club, all adding to the area’s upscale appeal.
Why Stay in East Hampton
- Designer boutiques on Main Street
- Pristine Main Beach access
- Upscale dining scene
What you’ll experience here
You’re a 5-minute walk from Main Beach and 10 minutes to the village heart. A 12-minute drive brings you to the train station for easy New York trips. Street parking is free after 6 pm. You’ll hear gull calls and catch spruce aromas on evening strolls. Safety is solid after dark with friendly locals.
Best Hotels in East Hampton
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Montauk Yacht Club — Waterfront resort with marina views, pool, and beach access.
- The Atlantic Southampton — Elegant hotel featuring ocean views, spa, and fine dining.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- The Quogue Club — Beautiful 4-star resort with full amenities and beach nearby.
- Marram — Charming boutique hotel with garden and private beach access.
💶 Smart Budget
- The Hermitage at Napeague — Comfortable rooms in a peaceful setting, near the ocean.
2. Southampton – Where to Stay for a Classic Hamptons Vibe
Southampton offers wide beaches and quiet streets. It blends casual eateries with friendly playgrounds—stay here if you travel with kids. Many inns feature cozy guest rooms, sometimes with a fire pit or even a tennis court for relaxed afternoons.
Families enjoy complimentary bicycles to explore the eastern end of long island, while day trips to shelter island or the very end of long island are easy to plan. Resorts here highlight water sports in summer, and you can always compare the vibe with spots like topping rose house nearby.
On-the-ground feel & access
The public beach is a 3-minute walk from most inns. Main Street shops lie 8 minutes away on foot. Driving to Westhampton Beach takes 15 minutes, with ample parking lots. Bike paths wind through town for safe family rides. Nights are peaceful, with minimal street noise.
Why Stay in Southampton
- Wide, sandy Coopers Beach
- Family-friendly parks
- Casual waterfront restaurants
Best Hotels in Southampton
💎 Luxury Hotel
- The Hermitage at Napeague — Cozy beachfront inn with modern amenities and quiet surroundings.
- Sea Crest — Charming hotel near the beach with complimentary bikes and garden.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa — Modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and scenic views.
- The Surf Club Resort — Relaxed resort with ocean views, pool, and spa services.
💶 Smart Budget
- Ocean Vista Resort — Spacious suites with kitchenettes and ocean views.
3. Montauk – Best Place to Stay in the Hamptons for Foodies
Montauk buzzes with a surfer’s edge and laid-back bars. Waves, lighthouses, and fishing charters draw adventurous spirits. Many New Yorkers escape here for weekends, often arriving with a surfboard strapped to their car and looking for beach parking close to the sand.
After a day in the water, it’s easy to enjoy a cocktail at a casual bar or a resort with a seasonal outdoor pool and friendly staff. Options like journey east hampton, reform club, or ehp resort connect Montauk to the wider north fork and south fork stays, giving you more reasons to explore.
Why Stay in Montauk
- Ditch Plains surf spot
- Legendary Montauk Point Lighthouse
- Fresh seafood shacks
Getting around & daily ease
Downtown is a 5-minute walk from most hotels. Lighthouse Park sits 10 minutes by car, with nearby paid parking. The bus to Amagansett runs every hour, taking 20 minutes. Expect sea breeze scents as you stroll. Streetlights and locals keep the village safe at night.
Best Hotels in Montauk
💎 Luxury Hotel
- East Hampton 55 House Resort — Boutique-style resort with pools, spa facilities, and garden terrace.
- The Hampton Hamlet Inn — Classic inn with cozy rooms and serene location.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- East Hampton Art House B&B — Artistic B&B with cozy rooms and central location.
- Mill House Inn — Historic inn offering warm hospitality and quiet setting.
💶 Smart Budget
- Royal Atlantic Beach Resort — Beachfront rooms with pool and direct beach access.
4. Sag Harbor – Where to Stay for Charm and History
Sag Harbor feels like a gourmet postcard. It has bistro kitchens, wine bars, and historic wharf views—stay here if you love local flavors. Many see it as the perfect summer getaway and include it in their trip to the Hamptons, especially when following a guide to where to stay on the eastern end of Long Island’s coast.
You’ll find beach house rentals alongside some of the best Hamptons hotels, with spots like Baron’s Cove offering comfort near the harbor. From here, it’s easy to visit Cooper’s Beach or head toward East Hampton’s lively scene.
Sense of place & connections
The wharf is a 2-minute stroll from inns on Main Street. Farmers’ markets open a 6-minute walk away on weekends. Car parking garages sit 5 minutes by foot near the waterfront. Quiet lanes invite evening walks. The town is safe after dark, with friendly crowds.
Why Stay in Sag Harbor
- Award-winning restaurants
- Weekly farmers’ market
- Cozy wine bars
Best Hotels in Sag Harbor
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Kenny's Tipperary Inn — Historic inn offering comfort and easy access to local attractions.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Beach Plum Resort — Family-friendly resort near the beach with pool and activities.
💶 Smart Budget
- The Bentley Southampton — Upscale hotel with modern décor, pool, and spa services.
5. Amagansett – Best Place to Stay for Quiet Charm in the Hamptons
Why Stay in Amagansett
- Dune boardwalk to beach
- Rustic farmhouse inns
- Peaceful trails
Day-to-night feel & transport
Your inn is a 7-minute walk from Atlantic Avenue shops. The train station lies 9 minutes away by car. Shuttle buses serve local beaches in 10 minutes. You might smell wild grasses on early walks. The village feels secure after dark.
Best Hotels in Amagansett
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Montauk Manor — Historic mansion with elegant suites, seasonal pool, and gardens.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Driftwood on the Ocean — Seaside inn with modern amenities and beach access.
💶 Smart Budget
- Wavecrest Resort — Beachside resort with outdoor pool and garden area.
6. Bridgehampton – Best Place to Stay for Food and Wine Lovers
Bridgehampton blends manor homes with polo fields. It’s a cultured retreat for quiet estate tours and a classic beach town vibe. Visitors who want to stay here during the summer months can enjoy easy access to Flying Point Beach and Crescent Beach, with beach parking passes making visits simple.
Vibe & practicality
The Bridgehampton Museum is 4 minutes from town inns on foot, making it a must-place to see for visitors. Main Street galleries sit a 5-minute stroll away. Parking is easy at lots near the polo grounds, a 6-minute drive if you head east.
Evenings bring soft cricket sounds under lamplight. The area stays calm and safe at night, while East Hampton offers additional attractions and dining for those exploring the wider region.
Best Hotels in Bridgehampton
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Ocean View Terrace — Family-friendly hotel with hot tub, pool, and private beach area near Hampton Bays.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Sag Harbor Inn — Cozy inn with close proximity to local restaurants and shops.
💶 Smart Budget
- The Sagaponack — Cozy inn with charming rooms in quiet surroundings.
About Staying in the Hamptons
Is the Hamptons safe by area?
All towns in the Hamptons boast low crime rates and welcoming locals. Walking around at night feels safe in most spots, from the quiet streets of Amagansett to the bustling promenades of Sag Harbor. Common-sense precautions, like staying on well-lit streets and keeping valuables secure, are recommended but overall the area is very safe for visitors.
What’s the best season to visit?
Late spring through early fall is ideal, offering warm weather, open beaches, and calm seas. During this season, you can enjoy outdoor dining, local festivals, and farmers’ markets. Summer is the busiest, while May, June, and September provide fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
How easy is transport and parking?
Shuttle buses and public transportation connect the main towns, but schedules are limited, so having a car is often more convenient. Public lots and street parking vary by village; popular beaches and central areas fill quickly during peak hours. Many accommodations offer private parking or valet service, which can simplify your stay.
Will I hear nightlife noise?
Montauk and Sag Harbor are livelier, with bars and music spilling into the streets, especially on weekends. East Hampton, Amagansett, and Bridgehampton are quieter, allowing for restful nights. Even in busier areas, most hotels and inns provide soundproofing or rooms away from the main streets.
What budget should I plan per day?
For a mid-range stay, expect at least $200 per person, covering accommodations, meals, and local activities. Luxury travelers should budget significantly more for high-end dining, boutique shopping, and premium experiences. Off-season visits can reduce costs, while peak summer months command higher prices.