The property is built around lingering: Adirondack chairs fill the outdoor spaces, inviting guests to lounge a little under string lights after the sun goes down. Evenings bring s’mores (in pre-packaged kits) around the firepits and casual conversations between guests. The staff is warm and welcoming, making sure you’re taken care of—especially thanks to the text line for 24/7 service—without ever feeling overbearing. It’s all very come-and-go at your own pace.
Then there’s sweet Koda, Leo’s golden retriever, who has become part of the personality of the property. He wanders around greeting guests, and when the pool is empty, he sometimes takes a dip himself. There’s a suite named after him, which I stayed in on my second visit. Out of the 23 keys, the Koda Suite is Daunt’s largest accommodation, with a separate bedroom, living and dining area, full kitchen, daybed, and two bathrooms. It and the rest of the guest rooms carry the same relaxed, coastal feeling, with soft blues, greens, and yellows, comfortable beds, and ultra-comfy Parachute robes (I dream of cozying up here often). Leo’s philosophy of nodding to the old while embracing the new is apparent in the details throughout the property, from stone flooring designed to feel as though it has been there for decades to upgraded bedding and linens and the strongest shower pressure possible.
On my latest stay, this past summer, I was in a second-floor corner room all the way on the east side, with a balcony overlooking a small slice of the ocean. The space felt like a private, sun-drenched sanctuary, making it tempting to just stay put with a book. The pool down below drew me in, however, with sun loungers for long afternoons and a QR code system that lets guests order drinks without leaving their spot.
What’s nearby:
From the property, you can walk or bike to any of the village’s best spots: the farmers market, art fair, diner, boutique shops—you name it. It’s surrounded by the places that make a summer in Montauk feel truly effortless. Located right across the street, The Bird on the Roof restaurant, or “The Bird,” was purchased by Leo in 2022, reclaiming a piece of the original Albatross Inn his parents skipped buying decades ago. Today, the buzzing eatery is a hot spot for anyone and everyone in the neighborhood, not just the hotel’s guests. It is open for tasty brunches and vibey dinners, and hosts live bands, trivia, and karaoke.
Aside from The Bird, you can start your days with Goldberg’s for bagels, Anthony’s Pancake House for a classic diner breakfast, or Joni’s for breakfast burritos and an outdoor morning scene. Gosman’s Dock is only an eight-minute drive away, filled with stellar lunch spots (don’t sleep on The Dock Bar). 668 The Gig Shack is prime for dinner and drinks with a side of live music, and Shagwong is right next door for seafood and cocktails.
Montauk’s farmers market is also essentially across the street from the hotel; I walked there with Leo once and watched him stop to talk with nearly everyone we passed. He recommended I buy the poke sauce, a jar of fresh pickles, and some local produce, which I took right home. There’s even a convenience store right across the street from the property—a small detail until you realize how useful it is for grabbing beach snacks, sunscreen, or anything you forgot before heading out for the day.
