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Where to Stay in Long Island

Where to Stay in Long Island

Long Island New York, USA Travel Guide

Full Spectrum of Lodging

Hotel & Motel Types

  • Budget-friendly to Luxury

    Ranging from chains near highways to upscale properties on the The Far east with comprehensive amenities.

  • Personalized Charm (B&Bs)

    Charming B&Bs on the North Fork and in historic towns. Expect personalized service and a home-like atmosphere.

  • Unique Design (Boutique)

    Smaller, stylish hotels with distinct designs. Find them in popular towns like Huntington or Greenport.

  • Extensive Amenities (Resorts)

    Located mainly on the East End. Pools, spas, private beach access, and multiple dining choices.

Specialty Lodging

  • Historical Character (Inns)

    Many properties, especially on the North Fork and Hamptons, are historic buildings turned into inns.

  • Agricultural Insight (Farm Stays)

    Limited options, but some vineyards or farms have unique lodging experiences.

  • Private & Spacious (Vacation Rentals)

    Available through popular platforms. Options from apartments to large beachfront homes.

  • Outdoor Options (Camping)

    State Parks and private campgrounds exist. Reservations often needed in advance for summer.

Accommodation Choices

Various possibilities are there for your stay. From vacation rentals to outdoor camping.

Vacation Rentals

Benefits
  • Cost-effective for groups or longer stays
  • Often include kitchen facilities
  • Abundant on the The Eastern part and South Shore beaches
  • More privacy for families
Points to Note
  • Cleaning fees may apply
  • Minimum stay requirements
  • One-week minimum common in Hamptons summer
  • Booking in advance advisable

Homestays & Community

Benefits
  • Opportunity to connect with locals
  • Potential for genuine experiences
  • Support for local businesses
  • Cultural exchange opportunities
Points to Note
  • Formal programs less prevalent
  • Mainly via platforms like Airbnb
  • Less structured than traditional lodging
  • Availability varies

Camping & Glamping

Benefits
  • Affordable overafter-dark options
  • Access to outdoor locations
  • State parks campgrounds exist
  • Experience outdoor life
Points to Note
  • Reservations needed well in advance (summer)
  • Limited glamping options
  • Private campgrounds differ in amenities
  • Subject to weather conditions

Insider Tip

Local Experience:

For an authentic, local experience, a Bed & Breakfast, notably on the North Fork, is recommended. Book early, as they fill quickly.

Check Platforms:

Platforms like Vrbo and Booking.com can help find rentals and diverse lodging.

Neighborhood Guide

Long Island has a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character, amenities, and vibe.

Western Long Island Areas

  • Garden City: Upscale, tree-lined village with shopping, dining, and easy LIRR access to NYC.
  • Gold Coast: Affluent, historic areas with grand estates, waterfronts, and charming downtowns (Great Neck, Manhasset).
  • Long Beach: Lively barrier island city with a famous boardwalk, popular beach, and diverse dining.
  • Huntington: An energetic cultural hub.

Eastern Long Island Areas

  • Patchogue: Revitalized downtown with breweries, diverse restaurants, and lively nightlife.
  • Port Jefferson: Historic shipbuilding village with a picturesque harbor, shops, and Connecticut ferry.
  • North Fork: Laid-back, rural feel with vineyards, farms, and seafaring history (Greenport, Southold, Mattituck).
  • The Hamptons/Montauk: Iconic, high-end experience with designer boutiques, art galleries, and pristine beaches.

Choosing Your Area

Nassau/Western Suffolk
  • Closer to NYC with easy LIRR access.
  • Accommodation costs generally lower than East End.
  • Diverse amenities, suburban feel.
  • Traffic congestion can occur.
East End (North Fork/Hamptons)
  • More driving required.
  • LIRR access is limited.
  • Proximity to the shore, vineyards, nature reserves.
  • Extremely high prices and crowds in summer.

Safety & Ambiance

Safety:

Long Island is generally very safe. Affluent areas have low crime rates. Standard precautions advisable in urbanized areas.

Noise Levels:

Nassau/Western Suffolk has typical suburban noise. North Fork generally quiet. Hamptons can be lively and noisy in popular spots during summer.

Transportation:

Nassau/Western Suffolk excellent LIRR access and major highways. East End requires more driving but close to nature.

Booking Strategies

Plan your accommodation bookings strategically to secure preferred options and rates.

Booking Recommendations

High Season June-August

Book 3-6 months in advance for the The Far east (Hamptons, Montauk, North Fork), especially for weekends or popular properties.

  • Nassau and Western Suffolk also benefit from advance booking, but less critical.
Shoulder Season April-May, Sep-Oct

Book 1-3 months in advance, especially for popular B&Bs or properties during the fall foliage and harvest season.

  • East End properties might be busier during these times.

Trusted Platforms

Online Travel Agencies OTAs

Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, TripAdvisor, and Kayak offer wide selections.

  • Good for comparing rates.
Vacation Rentals & Direct Bookings

Airbnb and Vrbo for finding houses and apartments. Many B&Bs, boutique hotels, and resorts Offer competitive rates directly on their websites.

  • Check direct sites for special packages.

Deposit & Pricing

  • Negotiation Customs

    Generally not customary for hotels in the U.S. Very small, independent motels or B&Bs during low season might permit a slight discount for cash payments or extended stays, but it is not standard.

  • Deposit & Cancellation

    Policies vary widely among properties. Always check specific deposit and cancellation terms before booking. Many hotels offer flexible cancellation. Vacation rentals often have stricter policies.

  • Non-Refundable Rates

    Non-refundable rates are usually lower cost but come with no cancellation flexibility.

  • Vacation Rental Deposits

    Vacation rentals may necessitate significant deposits upfront.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

  • Hamptons/Montauk Peak

    Prices peak dramatically in the Hamptons and Montauk during summer. A room costing $200 in April might be $800 or more in July.

  • North Fork Increases

    The North Fork also experiences famous price increases over the summertime and the fall harvest season.

  • Western LI Stability

    Nassau and From the west Suffolk prices are more stable year-round but still see a slight bump in summer.

  • Low Season East End

    Many East End properties close or have limited availability during low season (November-March).

Accommodation Recommendations

Budget-Friendly Stays

Here are picks for those seeking value:

  • Motel 6 Central Islip – Long Island: Basic, clean accommodations at competitive pricing.
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Long Island City: Just off Long Island in Queens, value and easy LIRR access.
  • Camping: Wildwood State Park (Wading River) and Hither Hills State Park (Montauk) for affordable overnight options.
Mid-Range & Luxury Options

For more amenities or upscale stays:

  • Mid-Range: Hilton Garden Inn Melville (consistent quality). The Harbor Front Inn (Greenport) (excellent base for North Fork wineries). The Chequit (Shelter Island) (charming boutique).
  • Luxury: Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa (iconic oceanfront). Topping Rose House (Bridgehampton) (chic, elegant). The Maidstone (East Hampton) (Scandinavian-inspired, pet-friendly).

Specialized Accommodation

Family-Friendly

Hyatt Regency Long Island (Hauppauge) with pools. Danfords Hotel & Marina (Port Jefferson) for waterfront charm. Vacation rentals generally ideal for families.

Solo Travelers

B&Bs on the North Fork for a cozy, personal visit. Hotels in walkable towns like Huntington, Port Jefferson, Greenport, Sag Harbor, or Montauk (shoulder season).

Long-Stay & Historic

Extended Stay Hotels (Residence Inn, Homewood Suites) for kitchenettes. Vacation rentals for weekly/monthly discounts. The Chequit (1876), Danfords, Jedediah Hawkins Inn, The Baker House 1650 for historic stays.