Marram Montauk

A fresh new addition to the Montauk boutique hotel scene, Marram Montauk opened in 2019 and beckons surfers, families, stylish couples and groups of friends alike with its prime beach access, buzzy courtyard and pool deck and truly beachy, laid-back vibe.

Conveniently located in downtown Montauk—just a few minutes’ walk from popular restaurants and shops—with direct beach access on a natural stretch next to Shadmoor State Park (which is known for its excellent surfing), the Marram is a barefoot-luxury property with 96 motel-style rooms—an upscale, boutique take on the traditional Montauk resort. Catering to creatives, surfers and “digital nomads,” the Marram promotes a laissez-faire  approach to the guest experience, fostering a bohemian, relaxed atmosphere with lots of outdoor, communal spaces for working, dining and lounging (note: these are open to non-guests), as well as a youthful vibe, fitting with the spirit of Montauk itself.

The design of the property evokes that of an old-school motel (the original building was erected in 1967), with a two-level complex of terraced rooms that wrap around a central courtyard that leads down over the dunes directly to the beach. Throughout, concrete paths weave among grassy sand dunes and shaded patios with lounge seating and picnic tables—giving one the sense of being at an intimate, secluded resort (even though the hotel is in fact tucked right off of the main Montauk drag). The 96 rooms are minimalist yet welcoming, with a warm, earthy color palette, airy linens and surfer-inspired accents like rattan lampshades and sun-and-sea prints. There is a variety of room configurations on offer that can be matched to each guest's needs, and families who want connecting rooms, as well as groups of friends who desire their own hangout space, will be well accommodated. Each room has its own small, semi-private patio area where a morning coffee or afternoon cocktail can be enjoyed; the patio's size and degree of privacy varies depending on the room location. The top categories to book include the Beachfront, Oceanview and Courtyard rooms; those on the second floor afford more privacy.

The open-air restaurant on-property, Mostrador Marram, functions as a casual, take-away all-day café—but it serves serious cuisine. Headed by Fernando Trocca, Mostrador Marram brings the famous seaside grilling of Latin America to the Hamptons. In the summer of 2020, the restaurant hosted a pop-up of New York city's acclaimed Il Buco Alimentari restaurant from Donna Lennard. There is also a patio cocktail bar next to the pool.

One standout of the Marram is its direct access to the famous Terrace surf break—which even beginner guests can take full advantage of, thanks to the hotel's surf school program led by the Engstrom siblings, a local trio of surfer celebrities; private lessons can also be booked. Those preferring to take it easy will enjoy the private spread of Marram beach lounges, with their burnt-orange umbrellas, as well as the wooden-gated deck with a heated freshwater pool that is set just overlooking the sea. There is also a small lookout where guests can catch a glimpse of passing whales and other creatures. Lovers of long walks along the beach will be equally satisfied: as the last of the Montauk beachfront hotels before Shadmoor State Park, the Marram's left side opens out into a wide expanse of protected sand dunes. The property also provides complimentary beach cruisers for rides about town, and there is a daily program of guided yoga and meditation sessions, craft workshops and happy hour bonfires. While the Marram is not Montauk's leader in amenities (for that, Gurney's is the place to go), it enchants with its easy, natural charm and soulful spirit.

Easy-going travelers who want to take advantage of the town-plus-beach location, outdoor communal spaces and buzzy-but-not-too-rowdy atmosphere; couples, groups of friends and young families who want a beachy, boho-chic vibe (the natural ethos of Montauk) and are happy to come and go as they please (the Marram’s focus is “life’s simple pleasures”); surfers and nature-lovers who seek the comforts of an upscale hotel.