5 Best Hotels in Long Island, New York

This beachy little hotel, steps away from the bars, restaurants, and shops of Ocean Beach and a four-minute walk from the ocean, offers basic, clean rooms in the heart of this popular and touristy Fire Island community. Here you won't find too many frills, but it will give you just what you need for a summer vacation, right down to the complimentary beach chairs and towels. Breakfast is served on a lovely garden-like sundeck. Catering to a grown-up crowd, the minimum age to stay here is 25.

Stepping off the ferry at Ocean Beach, you practically fall into Clegg's Hotel, in the center of town and a five-minute walk from the beach, and this is authentic, no-frills Fire Island. Fashioned after a sailors' rooming house, it has the feel of a college residence, but details like a flower painted on each door—done 20 years ago by a now locally famous artist—give it a touch of charm. Rooms are basic and clean; studios have water or garden views and private bathrooms, and regular rooms face the garden and share four bathrooms. Owner Tyler Streck takes pride in his place, started by his grandfather Eugene "Gene" Clegg in 1946, and welcomes guests like family. He provides bikes, beach gear and board games and avoids having TVs or clocks in the rooms to encourage carefree bonding time.

Within walking distance of the beach and the village, this large Victorian house right off Main Street may not be luxurious, but it's a convenient option if you're traveling without a car. If you're looking for a clean place to rest your head after a day at the beach, this is a nice, affordable choice, and families will appreciate the babysitting and childcare services. Breakfast is served in a main dining area, and use of outdoor grills and the Ping-Pong table is encouraged. The hotel is affiliated with the Eastside Tennis Academy, and packages are available.

With some villas sleeping up to four guests, this is a great choice for families, and the fact that it's owned and run by two chefs is good news for foodies too, and everyone appreciates the sea views and proximity to the waterfront and beaches. Guest quarters are in seaside villas or the main house, which dates from 1857; some have sea views, and all are beautifully decorated and have private bathrooms. A covered veranda overlooks Shinnecock Bay, and ocean beaches are just minutes away across the Ponquogue Bridge. Stay midweek for for Food Truck Wednesday, sponsored by the on-site paddleboard company, with outdoor music, bar, and, of course, a food truck; the party happens rain or shine.

Not all motels have to be about 1950s kitsch, and rooms in this one have chunky, country-style furniture and accessories that work well with highly polished wood floors, floral drapes, crisp white window sheers, and lacy white bed linens. Formerly known as the Enclave Inn, this one-story motel and its tree-filled grounds are just minutes from the Hampton Jitney bus stop and a few miles from area beaches.