I am planning my first visit to this area of New York. We are looking for peace and quiet and have heard that Montauk is more quiet, and less of a "scene" than the rest of the Hamptons--true? Are we crazy to expect peace and quiet in Montauk in August? Finally, has anyone stayed at Gurney's Inn--is it worth the high prices? Any other hotels to recommened? Earlier posters have said that there are few accomodations, but I have found many resorts listed here. Thanks.

Montauk is quieter than the Hamptons and it is less of a scene but everywhere on the eastern tip of Long Island is crowded in August. I've never stayed at Gurney's but I've spent the day several times at their spa which is quite nice. You might want to try looking into renting a condominium. That's what I've done but at an off-season time.

Try the Surf Club in Montauk. Best hotel there.

if you want peace and quiet, skip the whole area - eastern Long Island, that is.

Montauk is definitely quieter, less scene-y and more "authentic" than the rest of the Hamptosn. That being said, I agree with Gina, try the Surf Club. I think Gurneys has been riding on its reputation for a while. The spa is nice and the location and private beach are great, but they haven't put *any* money into renovating the rooms or lobby area for decades. The whole thing is circa 1970, complete with wagon wheel light fixtures. Definitely not worth the $$$ (and they do charge a lot!).

The rooms at Gurney's are not worth the extra cost. The spa is nice, but the rooms need an update.

Montauk is definately less of a scene than Southampton. However, during the week, the entire area is much less hectic than on the weekend.

Unless you are traveling with the kids, you may want to plan a day trip out to the wineries on the North Fork. You can take the ferry from Sag Harbor to Fisher Island and than from Fisher Island to the North Fork.

Montauk is definitely quiter than the rest of the Hamptons. Summer will be busy, but the beach in Montauk is spectacular (at least by NY standards). I think Gurney's is way too expensive for what you get. The earlier post was quite correct in that the rooms are quite dated (almost shabby)and they charge a fortune. Depending on what your requirements are, you should be able to find a clean, reasonably priced (relative) accommodation close to the beach. Not too many "resorts", though (even though they may call themselves that - it's mostly motels). Montauk is much more casual and laid-back than the Hamptons.

OK, I live in Montauk and can give you the whole scoop. Please give me your e-mail address and I can tell you EVERYTHING you want to know and more. I've lived here for 35 years!!!!!!!

Hi Gigi.
I also would love the inside scoop on Montauk. I'll be there for two days next week. We're staying at the Montauk Yacht Club (I couldn't find a room anywhere else last minute). Which beach should we go to (for peace and quiet) and I'd love some advice on a great restaurant or romantic night scene. Thank you.
-Jessica in Huntington, NY

I also grew up and lived in Montauk and i'm happy to help anyone with questions. Feel free to email me at [email protected].

As for the whole quiet thing... Montauk is your place. Yes it will be busy in august, but out of all the hamptons area... it is the most relaxing and quiet. It has all mom & pop stores and montauk is very small. The middle of town is about 6 blocks of stores. But its nice to hang out, walk around at night, have a bonfire/barbecue on the beach, go horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch, go on a half day fishing trip, or see the lighthouse.

As for the hotels... montauk doesn't really have real 'hotels' (at least not what you're probably used to). I would check into the Montauk Manor (not on the beach, but provides a shuttle service), panoramic view (on the beach), the surf club or atlantic terrace (on the beach and a 5minute walk into town) or Gurneys. Gurneys is very nice. They have a spa, indoor pool, right on the beach, restaurant, exercise room, etc. And yes it is a bit outdated. However, the above posts were incorrect. They have renovated half of the hotel and gotten rid of the dark outdated environment. They're still working on finishing the rest over the next few years. My mother owns a timeshare there and i don't have any negative things to say about it (especially since i'm getting married there in a few months).

Let me know if you have any other questions or you're looking for restaurant recommendations.

ok just kidding... i just realized the dates on these posts! OOPS!!!

Gigi,
Can you email me please. [email protected]. I am from Long Island but have been living in Arizona for the past 16 years. Family still on the Island as well as in Hoboken and my wife and I are coming back the weekend of August 11th for my 35th b-day weekend. We would like to stay in the Hamptons but not sure which part and what hotel. Our family will be with us but we would be looking for something more contemporary, with a good vibe and in a nice area. Thoughts?? Email if u can. Thanks.