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Finally, a Luxury Hotel in the Hamptons

Michael Martin

Thankfully, their wishes have been granted with the Memorial Day weekend opening of the Surf Lodge Montauk.

What to Expect

The owners of N.Y.'s GoldBar and Cain debut the first of three luxury lodges slated to open in "glitzy jet set destinations." Located a half-mile from the beach on Fort Pond in Montauk, the former Lakeside Inn with its sleepy white-siding and motel charm gets a surf-themed makeover by former Armani protégé and Cain manager Robert McKinley.

The First Impression

The nightclubs owned by these people in New York City are the hottest around, maintaining a highly selective door policy and VIP following that will hopefully extend to their Hamptons lodge. Don't expect a thumping party pad -- this lakefront lodge is bling-meets-Billabong, with a lobby laden with surf memorabilia.

A large projection screen plays surfy cult classics throughout the day and night among comfy seating areas clustered with board games. Sounds of remixed Bob Marley tunes waft through the air. The communal spaces stress mixing, as girlfriends on a weekend beach romp fraternize with guys lured by the promise of long summer nights at clubs like la Playa and Pink Elephant.

Finding Your Room

The hotel is home to 32 guest rooms, all of which offer panoramic views of the lake. The immaculate beach-inspired décor blends beach-chic elements of natural sea grass rugs with Americana colors of red, white and blue. Compact rooms are well accessorized with Mona Kuhn-style surf photographs around hanging rattan chairs and sliding glass doors opening to private balconies with hammock.

Those on a bigger budget should book one of the 12 suites with individual courtyard outfitted with private hot tubs and lounger fit for long intimate afternoons. It's undoubtedly the best bed in the Hamptons, unless you've secured a posh weekend share or conveniently snagged a guest room at Denise Rich's abode.

	A Room

In-Room Amenities

The prerequisite iPod docking station is present, as well as flat-screen TVs and DVD players for those dreaded summer hangover days. Entry-level rooms offer compact queen-size beds with small dressing table outfitted with heavy-duty art books and eclectic tablewares. While bathrooms aren't exactly a cutout of your favorite Four Seasons resort, the compact spaces are well balanced with high-end toiletries and fluffy linens.

Hit the Deck

The Deck is a spectacular patio-style lounge overlooking Fort Pond with evening DJs and bar scene. The sprawling outdoor space comes alive with sexy beachgoers glistening from sun and salt water amid the knee-height cocktail tables of washed wicker, low-slung lounge chairs in patriotic colors and brocade canopy lighting. The Deck will host a summer-long lounge scene and concert series featuring top-of-the-line performers like Julian Marley and G-Love.

Top Chef Eatery

Aiming to please shirtless burger-eaters by day and destination diners by night, the restaurant and bar are an indoor-outdoor sanctuary of casual beach dining under the helm of Top Chef TV show alum Sam Talbot.

The eatery serves locally sustained ingredients and market-fresh seafood; the menu draws on the chef's childhood experiences in beachside South Carolina, with a whimsical offering of meats, seafood and vegetarian delights.

If you see any flashbulbs going off in the dining room, it's not because Kimora is in the house -- the chef himself has attracted a rock-star following as a reality TV sex symbol.

Super-Cute Shoppe

For those who just want to hit the beach, be sure to stop into the Beach Shop with its plethora of snazzy beach accessories, designer sunglasses and swimwear collection that's quite the rage. The staff is a collection of in-the-know locals who also don't mind sharing their two cents about the weekend's hottest parties and nightclubs.

There's also an on-site hair salon in the works called TRIM by stylist Danny DiMauro.

The Bottom Line

The online reservations system is a standard form email for now, with the main reservations line (631-238-5190) currently the best way to secure a room. Room rates start at $300 and up, with a three-night minimum stay on weekends that usually comes with a hefty last-minute surcharge.