16 June 2026
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In some ways, the once sleepy fishing village of Montauk is still the most down-to-earth, surf-centric of the seaside towns on the peninsula outside Manhattan. In other ways, it’s transformed into the trendiest, with no shortage of high-end meals and trendy nightlife.
The Montauk hotels here lean towards that latter vibe, though they owe their success to their heritage: most of the spots below began their lives as little traditional inns and motels decades ago, their perennial appeal as beachside getaways only growing with the passage of time. After a slew of multi-million-dollar renovations over the last two decades, they're still proud of their long histories. But now, they're freshly equipped with first-class amenities: high-end hotels remade for the 21st-century traveler and an ever-evolving beachside.
Marram
What it's all about: A modern, wellness-forward oasis appealing to those in search of yoga and astrology, and families who want to chill by the fire pit before bed.From the bones of an old motel, Marram opened in 2019. The resulting style is as serene and calming as its wellness mission, the embodiment of a kind of movement you might find in Tulum, but is more than welcome in Montauk. After all, not every hotel in the Hamptons offers private tarot readings, singing bowl sound baths, sunset healing meditations and relationship coaching.
Some of the 96 rooms, all in soothing neutrals befitting the hotel’s mission of calm, overlook the Atlantic from private terraces. Suites are perfect for families, complemented by kid-friendly activities like nightly s’mores by the fire pit.
Hero Beach Club
What it's all about: A low-key, contemporary hideout ideal for surfers and artists who want a simple, well-executed beach house experience.Hero Beach Club opened in 2017 and wasted no time fitting in with the daily life and vibe of Montauk, with the big, bright smiley face on its side wall quickly becoming a recognizable symbol of the town. With 30 rooms, surf boards for rent, free fitness classes daily and beach crews diligently setting up chairs and umbrellas on the sand, Hero keeps its ambitions simple and executes well.
Expect to come across scenes of outdoor yoga and young families playing by the pool. The appeal here is simple: the beach. Just surf and sand for artists, musicians, surfers and people who adore the coast.
Montauk Yacht Club
What it's all about: A laidback retreat on Lake Montauk where days are spent paddling and biking, and nights are for fresh seafood dinners.Montauk Yacht Club — founded in 1928 — is two years removed from a multimillion-dollar renovation, and the result is a hotel that feels like its very own private waterfront community. After the valet takes your car, you’re immediately greeted by a lighthouse and beautifully minimalist lobby. Walk to the other side and you’re faced with Lake Montauk, an inlet behind the sea home to the largest marina in the Hamptons.
With 16 acres to its name, the 106-room hotel thrives on experiential offerings: paddle boards, bikes and boats for rent, two private padel courts, a fully renovated fitness center and boat spa experience led by ELEMIS skincare. Worth mentioning too is the restaurant, ALBA Spiaggia & Bar, with its focus on Italian fare like wood-fired pizza, seasonal seafood and homemade pasta.
Gurney's Montauk
What it's all about: A 1920s-vintage, 20-room inn is now a158-room resort where upscale beach bums and families gather for an oceanfront escape from the city.No hotel shows the evolution of Montauk better than Gurney’s. The hotel opened its doors in 1926 and remains a mainstay among the town’s very best accommodations (and one of the few that stays open year-round). But where Maude Gurney founded a 20-room inn, today she’d find a 158-room hotel, where guests can opt for beachfront cottages and massage sessions at the spa. And the cherry on top of the new Montauk: the hotel’s popular beachside collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana is back for another summer season.
Expect a robust kids club and direct access to a 2,000-foot-long private beach, making this a hotspot for young families. But couples and friends seeking an upscale vacation flock here, too. Ultimately, there’s something for everyone — as long as you’re willing to spend at least $1,400 a night during the summer season. Prices drop significantly in the off season.
The Montauk Beach House
What it's all about: Sitting pretty in Montauk's buzzy social center, city dwellers trade nightclubs for happy hours by the pool.The new Montauk Beach House went through its hefty remodel way back in 2012. Once an eight-room, 1950s resort with a Hawaiian theme, it still sports a multi-colored tiki statue from the early days out front.
Walk inside the eclectic lobby today and you'll find a space wrapped in modern art and stocked with such touches as an artisanal espresso bar. This is just the start of The Montauk Beach House’s buzzing social ethos. In a town with a party scene reputation, the Beach House leans in: expect happy hour, pool parties, and a DJ every weekend.
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Header Image: Beachside at the Marram hotel. © Read McKendree for Marram
