4 Best Hotels in Fire Island, Long Island

This beachy little hotel, steps away from the bars, restaurants, and shops of Ocean Beach and a four-minute walk from the ocean, offers basic, clean rooms in the heart of this popular and touristy Fire Island community. Here you won't find too many frills, but it will give you just what you need for a summer vacation, right down to the complimentary beach chairs and towels. Breakfast is served on a lovely garden-like sundeck. Catering to a grown-up crowd, the minimum age to stay here is 25.

Stepping off the ferry at Ocean Beach, you practically fall into Clegg's Hotel, in the center of town and a five-minute walk from the beach, and this is authentic, no-frills Fire Island. Fashioned after a sailors' rooming house, it has the feel of a college residence, but details like a flower painted on each door—done 20 years ago by a now locally famous artist—give it a touch of charm. Rooms are basic and clean; studios have water or garden views and private bathrooms, and regular rooms face the garden and share four bathrooms. Owner Tyler Streck takes pride in his place, started by his grandfather Eugene "Gene" Clegg in 1946, and welcomes guests like family. He provides bikes, beach gear and board games and avoids having TVs or clocks in the rooms to encourage carefree bonding time.

This is one of the few nice, co-ed places to stay in this ever-popular, gay-friendly, and notoriously fun Fire Island community, with apartments on or near the ocean and a common ocean deck providing direct beach access. In a quiet part of the community, it's just a short walk to town and the nightlife, and provides a quiet refuge from Cherry Grove's wild side. Each apartment has a simple, modern design and a kitchen or kitchenette.

On arrival at this boutique hotel you are greeted by velvet ropes and a red carpet, because here everyone is a V.I.P. The hotel, with a main building and additional cottages and suites scattered around town, is about down-to-earth luxury and comforts like marshmallowy soft beds and fully-equipped kitchens. It's a hip scene without being "a scene." Perfect for family celebrations or a friends' weekend, many rooms can be configured to accommodate large parties—the presidential penthouse accomodates up to 10 people (reserve well in advance), and many outdoor seating areas include one bayside with barbecues and kayaks. Outdoor movies are screened.