There’s an art to choosing a hotel in the Hamptons—one that requires more than an interest in sunlit days and salt air. Out East, each enclave has its own distinct rhythm: Montauk hums with surf culture and sunset concerts, while East Hampton and Southampton exude a more traditional kind of luxury, with manicured hedgerows, heritage inns, and upscale restaurants serving oysters and vintage Dom Perignon. And while it’s not technically in the Hamptons, Shelter Island has a few notable beachfront hotels with lively social spaces also worth exploring for those in search of something a bit more low-key.
Where you check in says as much about your intentions as your holiday wardrobe. Are you there to embrace the social scene amid the parade of golden hour DJ sets, poolside rosé, and weekenders flowing in from Manhattan? Or does a secluded cottage framed with blooming hydrangeas sound more appealing? For families, spacious suites with easy beach access and curated amenities will make everyone feel at home, while design lovers will gravitate toward reimagined classics with a dash of Scandi minimalism. Whether you’re there to party, relax, or something in between, the right hotel doesn’t just complement your plans—it defines them. Here are 11 of the best hotels in the Hamptons, many with waterfront access (a summertime essential).
How we choose the best hotels in the Hamptons
Every hotel review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider properties across price points that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination, keeping design, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
