Hi. I'm looking for suggestions for nice and affordable places in the Hamptons, in interesting towns on the ocean. From my own Internet browsing, Montauk and East Hampton seem like nice places but I'm open to other suggestions.

I found a hotel-type place overlooking the ocean in Montauk with May rates in the $85-$110 range, which seems really good. Was interested in staying in an inn, but geez, some of them start at more than $400 a night.

Thanks in advance for any helpful recommendations!

We stayed at the Baron's Cove in Sag Harbor. Very nice location and in the middle of the Hamptons, close to East Hampton. http://www.baronscove.com/

Thanks, Deborah!

Sag Harbor is a neat little village about twelve miles from EH.

I think the only towns in "the Hamptons" (east of the Shinnecock Canal)where you'll find accomodations on the ocean are Amaganssett or Montauk. All the affordable ones will be motel type places or cottages. The Inns are usually in the towns (not on water) or just outside town. There is one place, Inn on the Bay, in a town called Eastport that looks very nice, but it's a somewhat isolated location. There's a nice restaurant across the street (called Trumpets on the Bay) and the small town is know for antique shops but it's definitely not what people think of as the Hamptons. It's about a 30-40 drive west of the Hamptons proper. Here's the website.

http://www.victorianonthebay.com/

The place Deborah mentions is a very good compromise since it's on water and somewhat centrally located, but it's not an ocean beach there, it's the bay and you will see mostly boats in the water there. It is nice in that it's a walkable distance into the main section of town but you shouldn't think of this as a swimmable beach or even a large walkable beach.

The largest selection of ocean front places or places in general is in Montauk which is also the furthest to drive. I hear the Harborside is great and I think affordable although not on the ocean. Friends stay at Hartman's Briney cottages that are across from the ocean beach. This is also a good option. The Panoramic View is right ON the beach but reviews on tripadvisor aren't terrific.

If you want more of the Hamptons feel (vs Montauk), you might consider a
b and b or motel that's not on the ocean. The Enclave Inn is a motel with a few locations. The locations in Bridgehampton or Wainscott, while on the main road, would be very convenient to get around.

Thanks, McLaurie. I actually saw a very informative post of yours about the Hamptons on another thread and cut and pasted it!

check out the Panoramic View in Montauk it's a nice place and a great value for the location. I've stayed there twice in August and evey thing was great. They don't take credit cards so be advised. You should also know that you are about 20 to 30 minutes to the town of East Hampton. ps make sure to stop at Cyrils roadside bar and have a BBC baileys banana and colada. have fun

I have stayed at a B&B and cottage in East Hampton. Both were decent. However, the best bet for Ocean viewing as everyone has said, is Montauk.

Just in case you were not aware, unless times have changed, in East Hampton you cannot access the beach unless you are a resident with the proper car sticker.

If you are going in summertime, it is nuts to get parking even with the proper credentials. In the fall, I just leave the car at the drop off point and stay close by to it.

I second the Panoramic View, stayed last August and it was very nice.
Right on the ocean.

The panoramic is great.all the rooms overlook the ocean.Ask about the suites.The rates are less in May.The panoramic is right inbetween east hampton and montauk,These are two very different types of towns,Both towns are great,Easthampton is trendy and montauk is a great fishing town with casual restaurants.You can also drive into Sag Harbor for a day,I would not miss this town,B.Smiths for happy hour or lunch because of the views,In easthampton,easthampton point for the view,great for happy hour.Have agreat time it will be very nice out there and not very crowdwd in May.Check out other posts for rest.

Thanks for the good suggestions, everyone. I was considering the Panoramic but it received very mixed reviews on tripadivsor, so I may not go there this time. However, I do think Montauk is the place for this trip, with stops at some of the other towns you mentioned.

I live in the Hamptons but when my friends come for a visit every year we all stay at the Wavecrest in Montauk. Get a room in the Beach Dune building and your balcony is almost at the tide line (or it seems that way). You can walk down the beach to Gurney's Inn (for the spa) and it is just a few minutes to town and closer to the other Hampton towns. Only an indoor pool, keeps it peaceful. Very basic but the rooms have a small kitchen, and it is very reasonable. I've stayed at the Panoramic View-you have to walk up a HUGE hill from the beach to get to your room, wasn't worth it for me. FYI if you are coming in the summer make your reservations now-everything fills up fast. Have fun!

I can definitely recommend Hartman's Briney Breezes. My family and I stayed there back in Sept 2001 for my wedding. I have been back at least 5 or 6 times since. The hotel is right across the street from the beach. This section of beach is never crowded. A quiet laid-back resort. Enjoy!

Hi Laura147, I'm actually about to book Hartman's Briney Breezes for 4th of July weekend. How far away is it from east hampton?

I'm not Laura but how far it is on that weekend will be different than how far it is at other times It's on Old Montauk Hwy not far from Gurney's if you know where that is. It's before you get into the main part of town in Montauk.

Hi mcclaurie,

Thanks for answering, but unfortunately I have no clue what you're talking about. This is the first time I'm going to the Hamptons.

Sorry lucienne. There is only one main road that runs through the Hamptons and Montauk to get from one town to another. It gets very crowded, especially on holiday weekends. So I could probably find out in miles how far from Hartman's to East Hampton, but the real issue is how long it would take you to drive. I'd say a half hour at least. Does this help?

Hartman's is about a 20 minute ride to East Hampton. Traveling west you go through the town of Amagansett first. 4th of July weekend will definitely cause some traffic. I find most of the traffic is usually over once east of East Hampton.

By far and i repeat by far the panoramic is much nicer than the wavecrest or hartmans.The walk to the beach is nothing and you can request beachfront.The property is situated on a bluff and every room has a view.it is also right next to gurney's so you can have lunch there on the beach.It is also not that far from east Hampton. The wave crest has horrible management and the rooms are not that nice.Have not been to Hartmans but it is across the street from the beach.Unfotunately all properties in the hamptons have limited guest services and are fairly expensive.Enjoy