Haven Montauk, an ideal place to stay in Montauk

Haven Montauk is run by a charming couple and is an ideal place to stay in this well-known seaside town

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been drawn to the ocean. That first trip to the beach that told you that summer had arrived, the smell of sunscreen and the hot sand between my toes as I looked out across the Atlantic, wondering what was on the other side has always drawn me back. When I moved to Spain, one of the first places I went was Huelva, on the Atlantic coast, where I finally saw what there was all those miles away, on the other side of the ocean. Even now, as an adult, I feel that same wonder and excitement when I take my first trip to the beach in the summer.

Recently, we visited Montauk for the first time. This is a town that is famous for being “The End.” It is on the tip of Long Island and the lighthouse that you will find on the point has been one of the most important in the North East for generations. For the more romantic among us, it was truly a place to look out across the Atlantic and wonder what there was to see far, far, far across the waves.

We chose to stay at Haven Montauk, a gorgeous little hotel with apartment style rooms, proximity to the harbor and within walking distance from restaurants, shops and fishing boats. Haven Montauk actually used to be an old hotel frequented by fishermen. It was run down and in somewhat sad shape until owners Jenny and Patrick decided to modernize this perfectly placed getaway. The couple could not have done a better job adding a crisp nautical feel, and making you feel at home from the first minute you walk inside. Located just across the street from Montauk Harbor, Haven is just what it’s name suggests: a perfect place to relax and get away from the city while enjoying all that Montauk has to offer.

The hotel is easy to find, and a 3 minute drive from town and within walking distance from the shops and restaurants at Gosman’s Dock. We drove, but if you arrive by train or bus, you can take a short taxi ride to the hotel, and if you plan in advance, there is an option for someone to pick you up at the station. Regardless, as soon as you arrive, the proximity to the harbor, and the the blues and bright whites of Haven Montauk immediately brought us into the “beach” mindset.

As Montauk has grown in popularity in the past few years, it has become harder and harder to find a reasonably priced hotel in the area, as many are either too expensive, or not quite up to standard. Haven Montauk is a casual option somewhere between the super high-end chalets and the cheap motel. This is a place to bring your family, or a great option if you are looking for a reasonably priced hotel with all the amenities you might want. The hotel offers 27 rooms and there are options for basic studios, one bedroom and two bedroom apartments or even kitchenette apartment style rooms which make this the perfect option for those who are looking for the comforts of an apartment or home in a hotel setting. If you are looking to cook during your stay, each of the kitchenettes is stocked with pots and pans, dishware, glasses and utensils, and there is a picnic area with a grill in the back yard.

Haven Montauk offers a delicious assortment of pastries, which are brought in each morning from the famous Montauk Bake Shoppe in town. If you know anything about our travel blog El Boqueron Viajero, you probably know that we love sweet treats. I happen to love chocolate napolitanas and Pedro is more of a donut man, so you can imagine our delight when we found out about the hotel breakfast. The Bake Shoppe always has a long line, so the fact that these tasty goodies are available at the front desk along with Starbucks coffee and juices makes Haven Montauk all the more special.

We are also always looking for opportunities to get out and move around as we visit any beachside town. At Haven Montauk there are bicycles, which you can borrow for free at the front desk. We took a spin around the harbor at sunset and found that it really was a great way to get around, as well as enjoy the beautiful scenery. And if you aren’t into biking, the pool is a great spot to lounge or take a dip, as well as enjoy a late afternoon cocktail while enjoying the beautiful flowers and blue skies.

Just around the corner from the hotel, you can find a range of boats and options if you want to try your hand at fishing. You can also take a ferry to visit Block Island or Martha’s Vinyard. There are also options to rent a boat and get out on the water yourself.

Perhaps my favorite thing about Haven Montauk is the back yard with its lounge furniture and room to enjoy your breakfast coffee, a barbecue or even some s’mores. The weekend we were there, it was also the stage for an impromptu party with the Gypsy Kings. Beautifully designed and perfectly located, Haven Montauk is the ideal place to stay in Montauk. This is the sort of space that at once reminds you that you are on vacation, and allows you to feel at home. It is a hard balance to strike, but Haven Montauk has succeeded. We ruskommend Haven Montauk with 5 boquerones.