Looking for the best hotels in the Hamptons? As Memorial Day approaches (and the lazy summertime feel that comes with it), a trip to the end of Long Island becomes top of mind. Between the rugged dunes of Montauk, the polished town of East Hampton, or reachable-by-ferry-only Shelter Island—with several additional towns dotting the South Fork—you can find whatever fits your vacation vibe.

While other popular getaway destinations have an abundance of chain resorts or 150-room properties, the Hamptons has remained decidedly low-key when it comes to lodging: most options were, once upon a time, either an inn or someone’s home. Bed-and-breakfasts are more common than not, and nearly every property can be categorized as “boutique.” Think: friendly staff, free bikes for riding to town or the beach, and guest rooms adorned with local art and wicker furniture.

So, for those planning or daydreaming about a trip to the South Fork, here are the best hotels to stay at in the Hamptons.

The Reform Club (Amagansett)

Set upon five idyllic acres, Amagansett’s Reform Club feels like a well-manicured family estate rather than a hotel: guest rooms, all white and airy, are mostly housed in the property’s main brown-shingled house. For bigger groups—or those just wanting more space—several cottages dot the grounds.

Such spread-out privacy does not come at the expense of location: Reform Club is mere minutes from Amagansett town, and there's a bike rack with white and navy cruisers so you can ride to Woelffer Kitchen or Il Buco with ease.

Amenities: Concierge service, in-room spa appointments, complimentary bicycles

Address: 23 Windmill Lane, Amagansett, NY 11937

A Room at the Beach (Bridgehampton)

Photo: Courtesy of A Room at the Beach

A former motor lodge, Bridgehampton’s Room at the Beach is a beloved boutique getaway for those in the know: the 10 guest rooms, adorned with Serena and Lily furniture, are small yet well-appointed. Each one includes its own outdoor deck space and backyard, perfect for a morning coffee or afternoon cocktail. A pool—which, believe it or not, is a rarity at many Hamptons hotels—sits at the back of the idyllic 1.5-acre property with inner tubes left to the side in case guests want to go for a float. Meanwhile, a grove of redwood trees (planted by the property’s former owner, Martha Stewart) gives the grounds a sense of grandeur.

The service is laid back and familial: there’s a wicker cooler filled with free bottles of rosé and fruit for guests to enjoy at their leisure, and in each guest room is a list of restaurant recommendations compiled by the owners. And the best part? The location—mere minutes from Bridgehampton town and just a short bike ride from the beach.

Amenities: Pool, sauna, complimentary bicycles, fire pits, and complimentary rosé 

Address: 2668 Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY 11932

Baron’s Cove (Sag Harbor)

Photo: Courtesy of Baron's Cove

While many Hamptons hotels lean into a beachy clapboard aesthetic, Baron’s Cove—located in the historic whaling town of Sag Harbor–embraces the nautical: navy blue is the interior color of choice, while anchors and ropes serve as accents. Most of its 67 guest rooms boast a harbor view, inviting you to wake up and gaze upon the sailboats.

It also has a rich history: since the 1950s, the property has attracted a glamorous artistic literary crowd including Truman Capote, Jackson Pollock, and Kurt Vonnegut. In 2015, it underwent a complete renovation.

Amenities: Pool, restaurant, bar, tennis court, complimentary bicycles, free beach shuttle service

Address: 31 West Water Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963

EHP Resort & Marina (East Hampton)

KAILANI ANDRADE

In terms of offerings, EHP Resort has plenty—there’s a swimming pool, a tennis court, a marina for those traveling in via boat, a breakfast café that serves buttery croissants for breakfast, and a boutique that carries both beachy homewares and designer dresses. Then there’s Sí Sí, the buzzy waterfront restaurant that, thanks to its unparalleled sunset views, has become one of the hardest reservations to get in the Hamptons.

The only lodging choice at EHP is cottages, which makes it perfect for families or those looking for more homey accommodations.

Amenities: Pool, restaurant, bar, tennis court, fitness center, resort shop, beach shuttle, concierge service, marina

Address: 295 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937

The Surf Lodge (Montauk)

Stay at The Surf Lodge if your desire is to be social: thanks to its wildly popular weekend concert series, there’s always a crowd milling about, which most of its guests hop in and join. But despite the celebratory cacophony outside, the guest rooms are wonderfully serene with their calming color palette of white, blue, and sand. Cocoon chairs hang from the ceiling, and the decks feature either a plushy couch or hammock. Smeg minifridges include canned cocktails and CBD-infused drinks, whereas those looking to start amping up early can play music from the Marshall speakers. An added bonus? The Surf Lodge brunch, which serves a mean avocado toast.

Amenities: Restaurant (and priority reservations), bar, resort shop, complimentary bicycles, live entertainment, weekend fitness classes

Address: 183 Edgemere Street, Montauk, NY 11954

The Roundtree (Amagansett)

The Roundtree's Main House—flanked by its sky blue cruisers.Photo: Courtesy of The Roundtree.

The Roundtree’s rolling lawn flows right into the corn crops of Amagansett’s Balsam Farm, making it feel equal parts country and beach escape. Stay in one of the guest rooms in the 100-year-old renovated barn, or opt for a cottage complete with its own outdoor stone patio. Located just off of Highway 27-A—and therefore, Amagansett's main town—you can simply walk a couple of feet on the sidewalk and find yourself among all the charming shops the hamlet has to offer.

Amenities: Continental breakfast, complimentary bicycles, beach shuttle, beach parking passes, evening s’mores and popcorn

Address: 273 Main Street, Amagansett, NY 11930

Marram (Montauk)

Photo: Read McKendree

This impeccably designed boutique hotel is perched right upon the Atlantic Ocean—making it perfect for families, or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the surf culture that Montauk is known for. (Fittingly, they offer private lessons and have a surf shack on site.) Their courtyard has fire pits for roasting s’mores, a bar that serves chilled glasses of rosé, as well as a mostrador—an Uruguayan-inspired café that specializes in dishes made with local produce and seafood.

Amenities: Beach access with private loungers and umbrellas, pool, restaurant, firepits, complimentary bicycles and surfboards

Address: 21 Oceanview Terrace, Montauk, NY 11954

The Pridwin (Shelter Island)

Photo: Courtesy of Cape Resorts

The grand dame hotel of Shelter Island made a triumphant return last summer, unveiling an extensive renovation that preserves the old-timey charm the nearly century-old Crescent Beach property is known for. Its 10 acres are home to a myriad of amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis court, and private beach. As for activities? That’s a laundry list as well, which includes biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and sailing.

Amenities: Spa, pool, tennis court, kids programming, Beach access with private loungers and restaurant, firepits, complimentary bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, live entertainment, fitness center

Address: 81 Shore Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964