Hamptons Survives Winter of Discontent

Like summer camp for rich folk, the Hamptons is a beloved pilgrimage for a glittery demographic of second-home owners and summer sharers who make the weekend commute to the eastern edge of Long Island.

But while many were expecting a humbled Hamptons for this season, everyone from shopkeepers to luxury retailers who managed to survive the winter financial storm is betting big on summer 2009.

All are welcome to Main Beach in the Hamptons, but only residents can park there.

Not everything is quite business as usual, though. In recent years, the summer action has spread itself across several towns with new restaurants and nightspots from Southampton to Montauk, but this year sees much of the new developments and filled storefronts staying closer to East Hampton, where the good life seems almost as strong as ever.

Where to stay: Anyone without a second home, fancy friend or summer rental is usually forced to take residence in hotels or motels that dot the villages between Southampton and Montauk. Invariably chic days spent shopping on Main Street, tableside at Della Femina or at one of the infamous summer garden parties come to an end within musty, overpriced motel rooms, where the only amenities are flashing neon lights and paper-thin walls.

Alas, hotel redemption comes via the Scandinavian hospitality company C/O Hotels, which acquired East Hampton's Maidstone Arms last year. Within walking distance to the village, the new C/O Maidstone gets a modern Gustavian makeover with a mix-and-match of Scandinavian furnishings and Americana architecture. Included in the renovation were two free-standing guest cottages, each with private entrances and oversized living areas outfitted in original artwork and antiques.