One of my friends is having his engagement party during 4th of July weekend in the East Hamptons. Can anyone recommend any hotels in the area? I understand that it is going to be expensive, because it is a holiday weekend. I've never been to the East Hamptons, so I don't even know where to begin. Thanks.

east hampton doesn't have chain hotels like you might think. just private ones, or b & b's, and inn's. even though it's march, people book for the summer in the previous fall at least, you may have trouble finding availablity. good luck.

There are a number of options between the village of East Hampton and Montauk -- White Sands, Ocean Colony, Windward Shores, Driftwood, etc. You should call NOW, and be prepared for a 3 night minimum.

Good Luck!

And expect to pay AT LEAST $350/night, if not more.

as an fyi, the whole area is referred to as "the hamptons" and the individual towns from west to east are southampton, watermill, bridgehampton, wainscott, east hampton and amagansett. montauk is all the way out on the point. sag harbor and shelter island are to the north. the whole area is beautiful and the beaches are great.

start doing a search for different inns in the area. i've stayed at the village latch inn in southampton before. but expect to pay $400 and up for that weekend. the rams head inn and chequit inn on shelter island are also nice.

By the way, Lucienne. Great suggestions/advice have been offered -- a "thank you" would be nice...