Why book?
For an unfussy, historic Hamptons stay that's about as close to the city as you can get.
Set the scene
If you miss the historical plaque on the way in, you may start to pick up on the property’s legacy as you make your way through check-in and into your room—a mix of restored vaulted and domed ceilings remain intact in the common areas, while the relatively low bedroom ceilings remind you that guests past were of a different era. Just beyond check-in, a spacious living room-like area offers plenty of seating for morning coffee, afternoon reads, and post-dinner nightcaps, while the library provides space for game nights, work calls, or a quiet place to read or write.
The vibe here is laid-back, and far from sceney. Most of my fellow guests—largely a mix of big, intergenerational families and couples—were dressed casually, though the occasional designer-logo-clad couple, tiny dog in tow, did join the fray.
The backstory
Astonishingly, the property dates back to the year 1697, making it one of the country’s oldest inns; its name is a nod to its history as a Native American portage site. Once-modest accommodations were developed over time by notable names like Ernest A. Buchmuller of the Waldorf Astoria and NYC restauranteur Julius Keller, and it came to be known as the “First Stop” on the way out east for dignitaries and socialites alike. In the 2000s, it had a stint as a nightclub, with performances by the likes of Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin, and Jon Bon Jovi. As it stands today, per the aforementioned plaque, the inn is a “faithful restoration of the 1922 structure, a Dutch Colonial Revival design by William Lawrence Bottomley.”
The rooms
Well decorated and cozy, the one-bedroom suite my friend and I stayed in had its own electric fireplace, which I loved turning on in the evening even though we were there at the end of summer. The decor toes a nice line between minimalist and maximalist—geometric green armchairs, a teal velvet couch, and mixed print rugs, all in soothing greens, blues, and yellows, added color to the otherwise white-walled, wood-accented rooms. The well-sized bathroom boasts double sinks and plenty of hooks for towels and bathing suits, plus Costa Brazil soaps and an embroidered stool for resting your feet while drying your hair or doing your makeup.
Embroidered wall art reminds you this isn't a place that take itself too seriously—the piece in my room featured the Kennedys (Jackie and John) and the former Kardashian Wests (Kim and Kanye). The in-room mini bar offers a Nespresso machine and a mix of hotel-branded snacks and local favorites, like North Fork potato chips and Tate's cookies.
For more space, book one of the Cottages at Canoe Place: one- to four-bedroom rentals with full-sized kitchens, private patios, and green space.
Food and drink
The restaurant, Good Ground Tavern, acts as a center point for the hotel, literally and figuratively—beyond it is the spacious back patio, sprinkled with outdoor seating areas, firepits, and twinkle lights, as well as the pool, lined by cabanas and lounge chairs, with a stack of light-blue-and-white-striped floats ready for the taking. On the other side, the lobby and three floors of rooms. It’s framed by more aesthetically pleasing hunter green-striped awnings, with a mix of banquette seating and standalone tables. Dinner was the buzziest meal of the day, with a varied menu offering stone-fired pizzas, pastas, burgers, and lots of seafood.
The brunch menu is fairly limited, but has something for most appetites—Greek yogurt bowls, French toast, avocado toast, etc. The pool menu boasts the requisite lobster roll, plus Caesar salad, pizzas, burgers, and fish tacos.
The neighborhood/area
The hotel’s location—Hampton Bays—is both a pro and a con. It’s about as close to New York City as you can get in the Hamptons, cutting down on your weekend drive time. The con, though, is that there’s not much within walking distance—not a problem if you have a car and are happy to drive around, but something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
The hotel shines when it comes to programming, though—in the summer, regular events are hosted ranging from complimentary outdoor yoga classes to performances by comedians and musicians to book talks and even “Girl Dinner in the Garden” (serving the trifecta: a spritz, Caesar salad, and fries).
The service
Not particularly in your face, but there when you need them. It’s a small property, so if you have a request, you can get it handled without going far. The Canoe Place courtesy vehicle is a nice touch, and handy for getting over to the beach without having to bother with parking. It’ll take you anywhere within a six-mile radius, including restaurants (Cowfish, Rumba, Amalfi Coastal Kitchen, etc.), the beach, or the Hampton Bays train station, making a car-free visit actually doable.
For families
Though there’s not a kids club here, several families were on the property during my stay, including a few repeat visitors who were staying for a week or two. The cottages are a great option for longer-term stays, especially since you have access to a full kitchen.
Eco effort
Canoe Place has eliminated single-use plastics on the property, uses bamboo room keys and refillable bath amenities, and employs energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems; EV charging ports are available to guests. Good Ground Tavern uses ingredients from an on-site chef's garden and prioritizes local sourcing when possible.
Accessibility
ADA-compliant king rooms and suites are available.
Anything left to mention?
A small spa offers the standard spate of facials and massages, and a basement gym equips travelers with the basics: treadmills, bikes, free weights, and a row of machines, plus an Echelon Reflect mirror for guided workouts.
History or architecture buffs, take a peek in the library to see photos of the property in its many former iterations.
239 E Montauk Hwy, Hampton Bays, New York 11946
United States
https://canoeplace.com/cottages/
(631) 763-6300