Hero Beach Club

Housed in a two-story, spruced-up former beach motel, the Hero Beach Club attracts families and couples looking for affordable but pleasant digs in the Hamptons. Interiors are chic yet simple throughout, with lots of hip wood accents that stand out against the whitewashed walls and vaulted wooden ceilings. The lobby is contemporary but still homey, featuring pale-gray walls with colorful accent art reminiscent of the 1980s, and light-wood floors with tables and wicker chairs to match. The beachy feel of the property's interiors matches the outdoors. A huge grassy lawn dotted with lounge furniture and art sculptures separates the hotel from sandy Umbrella Beach just in front of it, and Adirondack chairs placed around fire pits feel inviting year-round. Though the property is a coveted spot for casual summer events -- including weddings -- the vibe at the Hero Beach Club is generally quiet and relaxing. 

The hotel is right on the beach and about a 10-minute walk to Montauk's Plaza, where there are a variety of restaurants and shops. However, most area attractions are best reached by car. It’s an eight-minute drive to Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course, while Hither Hills State Park is a 10-minute car ride from the hotel. Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington and built in 1796, is a 13-minute drive away. For multiple seafood dining options, it's 10 minutes by car to Gosman’s Dock. Montauk Airport also takes 10 minutes to reach by car, give or take. It's a five-minute drive to the train station for transport into New York City.

Hero Beach Club offers 30 units, ranging from Standard Rooms to three-bedroom Deluxe Suites. Decor is consistent across categories, with a beachy combination of off-white walls, recessed lighting, and ample use of light wood in the floors and furniture. Wall art includes the odd woven hanging or colorful photo print or two, but throw cushions in rich hues of magenta and cobalt add a lot of color to the spaces. Some rooms have wooden ceilings with exposed beams painted white. Instead of closets, many units here have clothes-hanging racks, which not all guests are fond of. Deluxe Rooms have patios or balconies with either garden or ocean views, while suites have either two or three bedrooms (but no shared living areas) and some look out over the ocean. 

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars with local products, beach towels, and tablets. However, rooms lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Bathrooms with glass showers vary a little, but generally have colorful interiors, and some feature a hodgepodge of busy geometric tiling. C.O. Bigelow toiletries are provided, as are hairdryers. 

Note that there have been complaints of ambient noise from other rooms. 

Features at this hotel are geared toward beach-loving vacationers. The outdoor pool is large and appealing, surrounded by padded Balinese lounge chairs and matching lounge sofas with tables and stool-style chairs for groups.  Water is heated in the cooler months. Alternatively, guests can head straight to the sandy expanse of Umbrella Beach that sits right in front of the hotel. Bean bags, loungers, and umbrellas are available there for guests at no extra charge. The expansive garden is another property highlight, complete with tables, benches, gazebos, and Adirondack chairs placed around fire pits. Weekly events are held here, including family-friendly activities such as movie nights and s’mores roasting, and weekend yoga classes. 

There's no restaurant on the property, but free coffee, tea, and bagels are served every morning in the lobby. The lobby bar is small but offers a decent array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including liquor, espresso drinks, sodas, and kombucha. There's no fitness center, either, but the spa offers massages and vitamin drips, along with a sauna and a steam room. Alternatively, guests can arrange for treatments in their rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there’s ample free on-site parking.