Hamptons

A short drive from Southampton off the Montauk Highway and adjacent to Shinnecock Canal, the historic Canoe Place Inn in Hampton Bays occupies the oldest original hotel site in America.

New Yorkers have been stopping here since the 1690s, when the property first opened. After the American Revolution, what was once a simple guesthouse grew into a refined hotel. But by the 2010s, Canoe Place had transitioned from a coastal resort into a (fabulous) nightclub, with performances by the likes of Billy Joel, P. Diddy and the Ramones.

In 2022, it reopened as a luxury boutique hotel, with 13 guest rooms, seven luxurious suites and five guest cottages (with outdoor showers). Long Island developers Mitchell and Gregg Rechler of Rechler Equity Partners, led the refurbishment, inspired by a “garden by the sea” concept. Some of the original features—seven fireplaces, the vaulted ceilings of the grand ballroom and the dome of the Pavilion—have been preserved. The public and private spaces are comfortable, residential and stylish. The Study, with a fire roaring in its fireplace, is an incredibly cozy place to get some work done or hole up with a book.

From breakfast to dinner, the meals celebrate local bounty with fresh ingredients and there is a great range of offerings curated for different ages and tastes. Breakfast is served in the Bottle Room, a quaint space painted a soft blue with a shelf of vintage kitchenware, including floral Royal Copenhagen plates and vases. Dine on Mediterranean-inspired takes on classic cuisine at the Good Ground Tavern—and don't miss indulging in the sea salt chocolate chip cookies.

The resort also features a pool and spa. Fitting the relaxed vibe, staff here is extremely attentive, warm and welcoming.

Open year round and featuring a Jean-Georges–backed restaurant, Topping Rose House is located along the main road in Bridgehampton. The property has 22 accommodations, ranging from king rooms in the main house to luxurious suites in the adjacent contemporary wing, complete with private terraces and gardens. (We recommend staying in the contemporary wing, which is set back from Bridgehampton's busy Main Street and therefore much quieter than the main house.)

In all of the rooms, bed linens are Frette and bath products are from Naturopathica, which are also used in the hotel’s spa and fitness center. The property is fabulously decorated with bright common areas, luxurious fabrics and a sophisticated art collection (it’s curated by Christine Wächter-Campbell, the wife of co-owner Bill Campbell, who owns a gallery in New York City). The sleek, negative-edge pool on property also offers a full lunch menu as well as cocktails while guests lounge.

While not located directly on the beach, the property offers a car service as well as bikes for guests. Topping Rose is also within easy walking distance to Bridgehampton town, home to boutiques and such popular restaurants as Bobby Van’s, Pierre’s and Candy Kitchen. Additionally, there is a recovered barn available for events as well as an adjacent space for larger receptions.

This haven of a hotel, situated within walking distance of Amagansett’s charming boutiques and cafés, fits right in on the East End.