Hampton Maid

The Hampton Maid has been in the same family for four generations and maintains a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It's the sort of place where guests can expect to meet members of the owning family, at reception, the gift shop, or the restaurant. Set on a hillside overlooking Shinnecock Bay, the property is spread across five acres of lawn space dotted with wooden Adirondack-style loungers and towering old trees. The cottage-style room occupy one- and two-story buildings with weathered-wood siding and decks. One of the buildings has a giant windmill that enhances the property's charming, understated kitsch. A small reception area features a faded Persian rug, wood-paneled walls, and a few nautical items on the walls. The breakfast restaurant has a homey vibe with exposed wooden beams, wicker chairs and blinds, and a wood-paneled bar with an antique cash register. Families and couples tend to stay here for the peaceful setting which feels removed from tourist towns and area beaches but is convenient to both. 

The Hampton Maid is set back from fairly busy East Montauk Highway on a hillside overlooking the bay. There are driveways for some residential homes nearby and a restaurant and marina within a few minutes' walk. Otherwise, guests will want a car for getting around and exploring the Hamptons area, including golf courses, shopping, dining, and beaches. 

Ponquogue Beach, an ocean beach on Hamptons Bay, is a 10-minute drive away. Coopers Beach, an ocean beach in Southhampton, is about a 15-minute drive. Meschutt Beach, a bay beach on Hamptons Bay, is about a 20-minute walk or three-minute drive from the hotel. 

The town of Southhampton, with restaurants and shops, is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Bridehampton, an elegant town with antiques shops, art galleries, restaurants, and annual horse shows, is a 20-minute drive. East Hampton Town and its white sandy beaches are about 35 to 40 minutes away by car. 

For shopping, Tanger Outlets at Riverhead are 20 to 30 minutes' drive. Golf courses such as Calverton Links and Cherry Creek Golf Links are 15 and 20 minutes' drive, respectively. For nature-themed day trips, Camp Hero State Park in Montauk is about one hour away by car while Morton Wildlife Preserve is a 20- to 30-minute drive. Families can reach Splish Splash Water Park in about 25 minutes by car. 

New York City is 90 minutes to two hours away by car or about two hours and 20 minutes by train (Hampton Bays Long Island Railroad stop is a five-minute drive from the hotel). 

Rooms at the Hampton Maid are air-conditioned and cheery with individualized decor that has a modern, beach-cottage feel. Floors are hardwood or have neutral carpeting, and walls are painted white or off-white. One room we looked at had a curved, wood-paneled ceiling and was decorated with a red-painted wood headboard, black wicker armchairs, and a framed vintage Vogue cover on the wall. Another featured turquoise-cushioned tufted chairs and greenish antique-style wood furnishings. Bedside lamps, overhead lighting, and large windows make rooms bright and summery. 

Each room has one king- or queen-size bed, or two full- or queen-size beds; connecting rooms are available. Flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and digital music players come standard along with free Wi-Fi. Conveniently, each room has a sleek mini-fridge, but only some have coffee/tea facilities. Some rooms have wet bars and minibar snacks, as well. Doorless wooden clothing racks are a fresh alternative to armoires and hold electronic safes and ironing facilities. Each room also has a furnished wooden patio or balcony. 

Bathrooms feature white subway tile shower/tub combos or beige-tiled shower stalls with glass doors. Toiletries are by Thymes and are available for sale in the gift shop. Some occasional bug sightings occur due to the natural hillside setting. 

The Hampton Maid's finest feature is its famed breakfast restaurant. While not included with room rates, the daily breakfast gets rave reviews and draws locals and guests alike with its farm-fresh, cooked-to-order dishes. All of the American breakfast classics are available, along with specialties like corned beef Hash, special omelets, and cheese blintzes. Free coffee is available for all guests at the front desk.

The outdoor pool is a nice size and is lined with black-wicker sun loungers and a wooden cabana with cushioned wicker couches. Tall trees surround the pool area offering a good amount of shade. Round tables with chairs and umbrellas are also on the deck. Fresh white towels are plentiful. 

The on-site gift shop sells a wide range of beach-themed home decor as well as some apparel and bath products by Thymes. Other features include a small wooden playground with swings and a slide, as well as a shuffleboard court on the lawn. Babysitting services, children's menus, and cribs are available. 

The property is only open from late April until early November. The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. The Hampton Maid hosts weddings on the lawn or in the restaurant. Wi-Fi is free in the restaurant, by the pool, and in rooms.