The hype
The views and beach access are unbeatable, but the rooms feel small and worn for the price.
Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
$800-2,500+/ night
Book this if You want the only true oceanfront resort experience in the Hamptons and don't mind paying a premium for the scene.
Why People Love It
- The only year-round resort in Montauk with direct private beach access
- Massive 30,000 sq ft Seawater Spa with ocean-fed indoor pool
- The Beach Club daybeds are the ultimate summer status symbol
Quick Take: A stunning oceanfront location with a legendary party vibe, but the service and room quality often struggle to justify the astronomical price tag.
Reviewed by @bhatrairihana: I took the family here for a fall getaway and it was incredible. The indoor pool kept the little one entertained for hours, and having direct beach access for morning walks was so refreshing. It felt like a true luxury reset away from the city.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Inconsistent housekeeping—guests frequently report missed spots, worn linens, and even moldy smells in older rooms.
- You want to see and be seen at the Beach Club
- You need a full-service spa destination in the winter
- You are okay with a lively, loud atmosphere on weekends
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Daily service is standard, but reviews frequently mention missed dust and rushed turnover.
- Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss. Newer renovated bathrooms are sparkling; older ones have complaints of moldy grout and slow drains.
- Maintenance: Ongoing struggle. Reports of peeling paint, broken AC units, and 'tired' furniture are common.
- Linens & towels: Generally good quality, though some guests reported frayed edges or stains.
- Odors & scents: Ocean breeze usually wins, but distinct 'musty' or 'damp' smells plague the ground-floor rooms.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Beach Club DJ bass on weekends
- Thin walls between connecting rooms
- Hallway noise due to gaps under doors
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet parking is included in the resort fee (no self-park option).
- The hotel just reopened in Feb 2025 after renovations; 'Gigi's Montauk' is the new flagship restaurant.
- Beach chairs and umbrellas are included, but daybeds/cabanas at the Beach Club cost extra.
What to pack
- White noise machine (essential for weekends)
- Designer swimwear (the pool deck is a runway)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Oceanfront King (Forward Building) for best direct beach views
- Lookout Cottage for the ultimate splurge and privacy (fire pit on deck)
Rooms to avoid
- Residences located in the 'farthest building' (often overlook parking, far from amenities)
- Rooms directly above the Beach Club if you want to nap during the day
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love to request a room in the Forward Building, upper floor if possible, to maximize the ocean view and minimize foot traffic noise. Please avoid the annex buildings near the parking lot.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the famous indoor Seawater pool is ocean-fed and heated year-round. The outdoor pool is seasonal.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, it's pet-friendly for a fee of $75 per night. Dogs are allowed in specific rooms and on the beach during off-peak hours.
Is breakfast included?
No. Cooked-to-order breakfast is available but costs $35-$65 per person.
What does the resort fee cover?
A hefty ~20% fee covers valet parking, beach access/chairs, gym access, yoga classes, in-room coffee, and shuttle service.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, but it leans adult-centric. There are kids' activities in summer, but the vibe is definitely more 'rosé all day' than 'family fun'.
How far is the town?
About a 5-10 minute drive. The hotel offers a free shuttle, which is handy since parking in town is a nightmare.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Sleep with the balcony door cracked to let the ocean roar drown out the hallway noise.
- ✨
The 'Residences' sound fancy but can be isolated from the main hotel vibe—stick to the main buildings for the full experience.
- ✨
Visit in late September/October (the 'local summer') for warm water, lower rates, and no crowds.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Resort Fee' is a percentage, not a flat rate, meaning you pay more fee for a more expensive room.
💡The indoor pool water is actual seawater—great for skin, but salty if you get it in your eyes.
💡Room service can take an eternity during peak summer weekends.
💡The 'Foredeck' building has some of the most direct ocean views but feels older than the cottages.
💡You might find construction debris or 'teething issues' in 2025 due to the massive recent renovation.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is located and what's nearby.