At a Glance
The historic Canoe Place Inn in Hampton Bays is a cozy and stylish stay no matter the season.
Indagare Loves
- The salted chocolate chip cookies
- Cozy, well-designed common spaces
- Dinner in the Good Ground Tavern
Review
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.
Who Should Stay
Locals and out-of-towners looking for a leisurely weekend getaway full of pampering
Written by Alison Malecka