We just got back from our short getaway to Montauk. The stay was very pleasant. Merle was warm and friendly. She gave us recommendations on restaurants and attractions, particularly for younger children. The only basic necessities missing from the room was a blow dryer and a microwave. It was not easy not being able to heat up food for our 2.5 yr. old as she tends to eat late. There's a pool that is open until 6:30-7:00pm. We test the pool out on the 2nd day of our stay. It got too chilly since we went close to dusk. The nearby beach was not so great either. Unfortunately, Montauk is just one of those places that you have stay during the summer for swimming. However, it's a quick drive to the main plaza in town to pick up food and toiletries. A great tip is to stop by at 7-Eleven for all your basic needs- toiletries, water, etc. It has everything from lotion to body wash, water, everything that you need for your trip. Anything within the main plaza is mostly a tourist trap, particularly White's Drug Store. They do have an ongoing summer clearance on swim wear and items though.
Basically, everything is a loop in town- most restaurants are by the marina on Gosman's Dock as well as souvenir shops. The plaza is the central area where all the well-known places are frequent by locals, outsiders, and tourists. Everything is on this block- John's Pancake House, La Brisa (closed for the season), Herb's Market, Naturally Good Foods, Shagwong Restaurant, 668 The Gig Shack, Kirk Beach, John's Drive In, Montauk Bake Shoppe, etc. Luckily, we were doing a 3-day trip, I don't think we would had last doing the same routine for a week. The main attraction is the Montauk Lighthouse. I highly recommend for scenic views and taking gorgeous getaway pics! Also, this is local fav spot- if you are staying here, there's a spot for great Mexican- The Hideway tucked hidden inside the marina (located across the street with the sign pointing to Diamond Cove Marina). I had the Mexican corn, fish tacos, and a Guanabana margarita (apparently, they ran out of strawberry so it was limited to guanabana, pineapple or lime). It was divine! So much better than the other meals we had during our stay.
Definitely send Merle an email and confirm by phone. She's not only thorough and efficient but genuine and extremely friendly! This is definitely something that appears to be a lack of as you frequent the shops further out town. Most employees we've encountered in shops and eateries were extremely rude and disgruntled. Not here at Harborside, it's nice to know that they're people person! She even took photos of our little one by the garden in the lobby. We look forward to coming back and booking with Harborside again (probably next year in the summer time)! Thanks again for everything Merle!! ;) read more