16 Best Hotels in Long Island, New York

Outstanding service and stylish interiors are two high points at this luxury hotel, in operation since 1874. The complex has several buildings; the newest was completed in the 1980s. Charles Lindbergh, who slept here the night before his transatlantic flight, is one of the hotel's many illustrious guests. The Polo Restaurant, a popular special-occasion venue, serves refined American fare with contemporary touches.

In a prime spot on Crescent Beach, The Pridwin was completely renovated in 2012 to create a bright, beachy hip (but not "sceney"), family-friendly resort. It's been around since 1927, with the same family at the helm since the 1950's, and retains some endearing old touches: partially slatted doors that allow air flow (but also some light) into your room; creaky hallway floors; vintage swimsuits and old photos of the property on display. Meals are served on a large waterfront deck, a nice setting for dinner, when piped Brazilian jazz adds to the romantic aura. During the day, Carribbean and classical music is piped throughout the common areas. For the ultimate family party, come on a Wednesday night for the cookout, which can attract around 400–500 locals, guests, and visitors for burgers, hot dogs, and freshly-caught fish.

Deep red walls, antique furnishings, oversized mirrors, and chandeliers make this classic Victorian home a little bit eclectic and a little bit sexy, and place it in a class of its own. The owner—a California transplant who visited Greenport several years ago and loved it so much that she never left—will always welcome you with open arms. It's got a great porch on which you can enjoy a bottle of local wine or beer from the neighboring Greenport Brewery. It's also just steps away from Main Street shops and restaurants. Breakfast includes local farm eggs and vegetarian and vegan options. By design, rooms don't have TVs to allow guests here a true retreat and digital decompression.

This historic home in the heart of Southampton Village fulfils many a wish list, with its central location and quintessential colonial style, from the wide clapboards outside to the wood beams and four-poster beds within. The name dates it as accurately as possible, and it sits on an earlier cellar dating to 1648. Antiques, Asian rugs, and rich fabrics abound, and public areas include an informal card room, a more formal dining room, and an even more formal parlor. Some rooms are elegantly rustic; others are simply elegant, and all are true to the age and style of the house. Children under 12 are welcome in the cottages, which also feature kitchens. Breakfast, afternoon tea, and unlimited soft drinks and beach parking passes in season are included.

Off the beaten path and a world away from the Hamptons "scene," this down-to-earth yet nicely appointed motel on a pretty waterfront spot in Hampton Bays is popular with families and couples. Rooms have wooden floors and a contemportary homey feel; all include microwaves, small refrigerators, and coffee makers, and some have kitchenettes. There's an outdoor pool and barbecue area, and boat slips are available. Several restaurants, a popular weekend nightclub, and a beach are within walking distance, and water-sports rentals are right next door. Cottages accommodating four guests are fully updated with full kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and all the comforts of home. If you're missing anything, the friendly staff will help you find what you need.

Minutes from the Long Island Sound, world-class golf courses, vineyards, and restaurants, this reasonably-priced North Fork inn features a main house and a few nearby properties including family-friendly efficiencies. A lovely Victorian house has three simple but nicely-appointed suites and four efficiencies, further efficiencies out back have fully-stocked kitchenettes, there's a cottage with two bedrooms, and an apartment that sleeps five and has a porch overlooking the neighboring lavender farm. They all share the outdoor pool and picnic area, making it a popular choice for families.

This inn near a marina on the harbor has spacious rooms with antiques and views of Long Island Sound. The nautical-themed rooms are techie-friendly with iPod docking stations and flat-screen televisions. Guests can enjoy the sea breeze while multitasking or relaxing on the plush sofas. Some guest rooms have fireplaces and balconies.

This is one of the few nice, co-ed places to stay in this ever-popular, gay-friendly, and notoriously fun Fire Island community, with apartments on or near the ocean and a common ocean deck providing direct beach access. In a quiet part of the community, it's just a short walk to town and the nightlife, and provides a quiet refuge from Cherry Grove's wild side. Each apartment has a simple, modern design and a kitchen or kitchenette.

This hotel more than ably demonstrates how an inspired touch can really transform a 1950s motel into a sleek, minimalist lodging—and it's not just down to the cool, modern color scheme. Rooms are spacious, with light-wood platform beds, graphic rugs, and metal accents, and bathrooms are large and right up to date. a block from the waterfront. Cuvee is the on-site farm-to-table restaurant and bar, open in high season for dinner Thursday–Sunday and brunch Friday–Sunday. There's an outdoor pool.

Close to major East End attractions and at the beginning of Long Island's wine country, this boutique hotel has plenty of amenities and activities right on-site. The casually elegant restaurant features local musicians, and there's a large outdoor pool area, fitness center, weekend yoga classes in-season, on-site spa, and a friendly staff eager to please. It nicely blends the sort of luxury amenities you'd expect of a large hotel chain, down to its Aveda bath products, with a decidedly local feel.

Art deco–style motifs dominate the lobby and rooms of this four-story hotel, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. The inn, opened in 1995, is in the center of Great Neck Plaza, surrounded by shops and restaurants. Rooms have large windows and desks, plush carpeting, and streamlined furnishings. Bathrooms have marble vanities; some have whirlpool tubs.

Hanging baskets of flowers and picnic tables on the deck invite you to relax and enjoy the charm of this in-town two-story inn with sea views, a half block from the ocean. Staff is welcoming and helpful. Some rooms have whirlpool baths and more than one bathroom, and all are well maintained and clean.

Affordable, comfortable accommodations and a Shinecock Bay beach right across the street have garnered a loyal band of repeat guests for this family-run motel, and rooms with kitchens, on-site pool, and playground make it a good family choice. Some rooms have Jacuzzi tubs, and all rooms have a small porch or balcony.

Across from the marina and within walking distance of Main Street, this two-story hotel has simple but spacious rooms, each with a sitting area and French doors leading out to a patio or balcony for views over the harbor or the pool. The Simmons Beautyrest matresses are all fairly new, and although bedspreads are on the older side, they're spotless. All rooms have flat-screen TVs. The breakfast room and promenade deck have harbor views.

A landmark Tudor-style building in a quiet spot outside of town offers a peaceful retreat with a hip, lounge vibe. It's bungalow-like rooms are small but well-appointed with a beachy feel, and there are also cabana suites. Bamboo walkways lead to a large, heated pool surrounded by oversized sunbeds, and when a DJ is not spinning tunes poolside, there's always chill reggae or loungy music setting the tone. Grab a drink or a bite to eat at the poolside lounge or on-site restaurant. Their summer concert series attracts big names like Maxi Priest.

This is one of the few places you can go in Montauk if you are looking for a quiet, grown-up vacation where you can relax in true serenity. Small and romantic, this country home by the sea has an old-fashioned porch with rockers overlooking the ocean. Tables are garnished with wildflowers, and there's an outdoor hot tub. The common living-dining area has a fireplace. Rooms have hardwood floors and are done in soft vintage-floral prints. A path directly across the road traverses the shoreline and leads you on a short, leisurely walk into the village. Go off-season for an ultimate retreat.