The Palms Hotel Fire Island

While this is undoubtedly a beach property where guests stay to relax, the prices associated with The Palms also mean that the clientele are generally more upscale. The main hotel has a quaint exterior and a small lobby with a rather mod vibe for a seaside venue -- think white leather chairs and couches flanked by a Roy Liechtenstein-style painting on the wall. Large containers of chilled water, as well as popcorn, await guests in many of the common areas. Since the lodgings are spread out, guests of The Palms may be found all over the island, creating the feel of a small island family.

Fire Island is largely a seasonal destination, so keep in mind that getting there may not be the easiest, as it's a 45-minute ferry ride from the Suffolk County portion of mainland Long Island. However, once you're there this hotel is ideally located. Just a three-minute walk from the ferry's landing, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the beach and other island attractions. Though the hotel's actual properties are spread out, they are all within the commercial district, meaning that restaurants, stores, and the main drag are right outside the guest room doors.

Rooms here are clean, comfortable and cheery; in fact, many even have brightly painted yellow walls. The decor is simple but welcoming with gauzy white sheers on the windows, cushy duvets accented with plush throw blankets and pillows, and occasional modern or classic art prints or mirrors on the walls, helping to make the smaller spaces feel a tad larger. Amenities and sizes vary, as there are rooms meant for two, as well as cottages that can host groups of up to 12. The Palms accommodations are actually spread out around the island, so you could end up in a quieter separate cottage or get a room in the main hotel, where units tend to be much smaller, lack closets, and have thinner walls. 

The efficiencies and some of the suites have full kitchens whereas other rooms just have mini-fridges, so make sure to inquire about what you're getting when you make a reservation. As far as modern amenities, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and iPod docking stations are found in all spaces, along with temperature controls. The tiled bathrooms are spotless, even with all the sand that gets trekked in, but they only have showers; still, the L'Occitane toiletries are a luxe touch. The beds are super comfy with Egyptian cotton sheets, and at night you'll be left with chocolate kisses in your room.

While there’s no on-site gym, pool, or business center at the hotel, there’s plenty to do while on a Fire Island vacation. For those headed to the beach, The Palms offers red wagons in which you can pile up your stuff to pull to the sand. Beach chairs and bikes can be borrowed, and there are kayaks for rent at the private dock/"beach" area on the bay, with its cabanas and barbecues. Barbecuing is also available in the hotel’s inner courtyard. If you decide you'd like a meal you haven't grilled yourself, however, CJ’s Restaurant & Bar on the main drag is The Palms' official food spot. The eatery serves up a varied menu for lunch and dinner as well as a mean Rocket Fuel -- Fire Island's "must-have" cocktail. And in case you need coffee in the morning after too many of those signature drinks, you can find some in the lobby.