I am from Long Island but have lived in Arizona for the past 16 years.My family is still on the island as well as in Hoboken. My wife and I are going back to New York the weekend of August 11th for my 35th b day weekend and we want to stay in the Hamptons. Any suggestions as to what part and a hotel?. We would like something with a good vibe, fun, contemporary, etc... Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

There really aren't any "hotels" in the Hamptons. You've got inns, b & bs and motels. The "goof vibe" places may be more than you bargain for. This group http://www.hrhresorts.com/
are motels that have been redone and have some kind of nightclub attached.

Sunset Beach on Shelter Island is another motel that's been done up by Andre Balasz. It has a very good/popular restaurant attached, attracts a very nice Euro crowd and sits on a nice bay beach. But I gather the rooms don't come close to being worth the prices charged.

I think some of the nicest places are the inns in East Hampton and Southampton but they'll be more traditional than contemporary.

http://www.bakerhouse1650.com/index2.htm

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

If you just want a decent place to stay, the Enclave Inn in Wainscott (between Bridgehampton and East Hampton) would be a good base. It's next to the Star Room, one of the "hot" clubs.
http://www.enclaveinn.com/tour_wain.ihtml

I would suggest that wherever you stay, you book it now. By now, they are all booking up already and you might not have that many choices.
I don't know which Hampton you are interested in, but we always were happy with the hotels/motels in Montauk, along the Old Montauk Highway, as well as the Condos that you can rent for a weekend or week.
We liked the Dutch Motel in East Hampton but stayed there off season.
mclaurie names my favorite place and where I still dream of buying a home..( hey! I can dream) Shelter Island..
mclaurie, I think of Montauk and can almost taste the Lobster Roll at Lunch

Sounds like I am hearing positive things about Montauk which is making my choice more difficult. ..... It may be an option... but was looking to check out the hampton scene which I have not for a long time..

Another vote for the Enclave Inn. The Wainscott location is very convenient to a lot of things.

"Sounds like I am hearing positive things about Montauk "

There are more options for motels in Montauk and certainly if you want to stay on the beach, there are options there. But for what you want, stay in the Hamptons. Just don't expect a "scene" where you stay unless you pick one of the HRH resorts.

Has anyone ever stayed at The Capri in the Hamptons?. Looks like a nice place

There's plenty of "scene" at Sunset Beach on Shelter Island. I would book that (if possible).

Scarlett, It sounds as though you are a big fan of Montauk. Where did you stay and where did you eat that lobster roll for lunch?

It looks as though we will probably stay in Montauk and take a ride to the Hamptons for one of the days and eat dinner their. One place to stay in Montauk and where would it be??? Need some votes. Also # 1 place to eat ..Thanks

Has anyone heard of The Royal Atlantic motel in Montauk???

Scarlett, You said above that you are always happy with the motels in Montauk. Which one is your favorite?.

Imo, it's really a mistake to stay in Montauk if you really want to be in the Hamptons. Traffic is bad on weekends. Either stay in Montauk and enjoy it, or stay in the Hamptons.

Places in Montauk that get good reviews are http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

not on the water. Scarlett has mentioned Burcliff by the Sea. Others like the Panoramic View. I have friends who stay at Lenhart's Cottages across from the beach. Hartman's Briney Breezes also gets good reviews.

The lobster roll place is called "Lunch" and it's in Amagansett. There's a place called Cyril's between Amagansett and Montauk that I think is better. Dave's Grill is an excellent rest. in Montauk.

But if you're looking for a "scene"--one of the hrh

mclaurie, thanks for the feedback.With us traveling from 115 degree heat the trip will be based around just relaxing at the beach and hanging with the family. It is my 35th bday so my wife and I were thinking about hitting a hot spot in the Hamptons and having some fun, thus the reason I kept on refering to the "scene". My parents live on the Island and will be joining us and my brother his wife and kids who are 6 and 3 will probably come for a night.I am thinking that Montauk may be the right place for us. Do you have a fav restaurant in Montauk?. Since I live in Arizona now we I dont get a chance to experience really good seafood/lobster. THanks again.

If you're going with kids, Gosman's is probably the best place. It's on the water, big, family friendly. It's a bit touristy, but so what. The Surfside would be another option across from the ocean.

Cyril's that I mentioned above is also very good. Casual, across from the ocean but it becomes a scene at night so night kid friendly.

Dave's Grill is a very good restaurant but also not as kid friendly and I don't think of it for lobster, more fish and pasta.

Harvest at Fort Pond is also supposed to be good but I've never been.