Driftwood on the Ocean

The Driftwood on the Ocean is a large condo property on the dunes of a quiet Montauk beach. The privately owned units have weathered shingles and occupy two single-story wings -- one wing faces east toward the dunes, while the other faces the ocean. The hotel has well-maintained grassy lawns, and a long pathway leads to the sandy shores, which has lounge chairs and an attendant on duty. The vibe here is quieter than in downtown Montauk, and the Driftwood draws couples and families. Guests often gather around bonfires to roast s’mores and cook meals on barbecue grills.

Driftwood on the Ocean is off Montauk Highway, a seven-minute drive north to downtown Montauk, with its restaurants, shops, bakeries, and markets, and a 12-minute drive south to the village of Amagansett. Nestled 100 yards from the quiet beach shores, it sits between Napeague State Park and the Hither Hills State Park. There are a few restaurants in the immediate area on Montauk Highway, including the seasonal Cyril’s Fish House, and the well-known Lunch, Lobster Roll. New York City is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive, depending on traffic, or about a three-hour trip on the Long Island Rail Road. Bus service, run by several companies, is also available to New York City. The Montauk LIRR stop is an 11-minute drive from the property. Scenic sights, such as the Montauk Point Lighthouse, Lake Montauk, and the Montauk Point State Park, are all within a 15-minute drive.

Each of the 52 units at Driftwood on the Ocean, which include Studios, Suites, and Cottages, vary. Some have old-fashioned furnishings and broken blinds, for example, and others are pleasantly furnished in a beach-cottage style with exposed wooden beams or vaulted ceilings. Studios are furnished with sofa beds in sitting areas, kitchenettes -- with mini-fridges or full refrigerators and microwaves -- and decks overlooking the dunes. One-Bedroom Suites and Two-Bedroom Cottages have living rooms and kitchens with stove tops, dishwashers, toaster ovens, and views of the ocean in many. Some units include outdoor ramps. Beachfront units have shared porch and deck areas with lounge chairs, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. Bathrooms are equipped with shower/tub combos, with toiletries provided. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and irons.

The large outdoor pool -- with blue lounge chairs and white umbrellas -- stands out in the aerial views of the Driftwood on the Ocean. Beside the pool are four shuffleboards, and the property also has two tennis courts and a half basketball court. Pathways lead throughout the spacious grounds, offering numerous family-friendly activities. There are charcoal barbecue grills and picnic tables on the lawns, and for kids there are two playgrounds. There's also a communal lounge with a ping-pong table. Yoga and Pilates are available on the beach, and a small fitness center has cardio machines and free weights. In the lobby guests can grab free newspapers and coffee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there's an outdoor parking lot with ample spaces. A guest laundry room has coin-operated machines.