2 Best Hotels in Shelter Island, Long Island

With spectacular views of Dering Harbor, this family-friendly complex just steps from the dock is a perfect base for an active vacation—with many amenities, plus Shelter Island Yoga & Fitness right on-site. Kayaking is available, you can rent bikes, and an outdoor pool and tennis courts are on the premises. Or you can just relax on the peaceful, pleasant grounds and enjoy the water view. Accommodations include motel studios and one- and two-bedroom units; the two-bedroom waterfront suites have a fireplace and private deck.

An international crowd has flocked to this trendy hotel ever since celebrity hotelier Andre Balazs (of Los Angeles's Chateau Marmont and SoHo's Mercer) opened it in the late 1990s. Each retro-style guest room has a sundeck that looks out over the parking lot to the water. The beachfront French bistro–style restaurant provides the best people-watching around, and a great place to relax with a cocktail and enjoy the lingering sunset.