Sole East Resort

This converted Tudor-style property is classic on the outside and modern on the inside. The unique, laid-back vibe has just enough sophistication to make some city slickers dream of quitting their jobs and joining the Montauk surf culture. The rear of the lobby leads to a canopied walkway, which turns into the organic restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Expansive grounds include a decent-size heated pool and pool deck, and lounge areas -- some more private than others -- in the form of extra-wide sun beds, hammocks, and circles of wooden Adirondack chairs, some around wood-burning fire pits. The joint cranks out the fun (and noise) with DJs and barbecue parties on summer weekends, and the bartender -- depending on the crowd -- will continue serving drinks well into the early morning.

A 120-mile drive from New York City, Sole East Resort is located on the outskirts of Montauk but within walking distance to the village and beaches. The Montauk area is spread out, and there are many attractions within a 10-mile radius, so a car is recommended. Otherwise, there are taxi services in town, and the hotel provides rental bike cruisers for shorter trips.

Sole East Resort's 67 rooms consist of 60 units in the main hotel building, and seven Cabana Suites by the pool and garden. Room decor throughout is simple and beachy with a touch of surfer-chicness thrown in for good measure. Seagrass area rugs cover the white wood-plank or gray tile floors and graphic accent pillows (suites have large Marimekko floor pillows) and framed photographs of the region add a bit of color. Low-profile platform beds contain Simmons pillow-top mattresses, 300-thread-count Italian cotton linens, and white knitted runners. There are flat-screen TVs in every room (DVD players and DVDs available on request), as well as iPod docks, individual air-conditioning units, and free Wi-Fi. White round paper lanterns by the beds provide a nice alternative to the overhead lighting. There are no minibars or coffee facilities, but free boxed water is provided.

The renovated bathrooms are a particular highlight. They have marble countertops with above-counter vessel sinks, white tile walls, and a row of vanity lightbulbs. Aveda toiletries and lots of ribbed towels are provided.

Rooms do not contain phones, fridges, irons, and hairdryers, but the latter two are available upon request.

Sole East Resort's features are centered entirely on relaxation, but social relaxation. There is a large outdoor heated pool surrounded by a deck and grassy grounds with bamboo walkways and outdoor lounge areas, including shady hammocks and fire pits. The groove really picks up on summer weekends, when nights are filled with DJs, live music, reggae parties, and barbecues. The hotel also offers yoga classes in the summer, and outdoor massages are available. The hotel's restaurant and bar, Backyard, is open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Around the pool, outdoor attendants serve food and drink from the restaurant.

Pool and beach towels are free to borrow and bike cruisers are available to rent. The hotel provides free parking and distributes a limited number of free parking passes for local beaches. During high season, the hotel also provides free round-trip transportation for guests arriving at the train and Jitney stations. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.