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Where to stay in Montauk, from cottages to motels

BY BETH DECARBO | Special to Newsday

Put Long Island in your rear-view mirror and escape to...Montauk. Sure, its' still Long Island, but this fishing village on the South Fork is worlds away form the hustle and bustle just to the west.

Say "Montauk" and most people first think of emerald green golf courses, dazzling white beaches and fishing excursions from Sound to sea. But there are plenty of other activities: camping, hiking, horseback riding, tennis and, of course, a visit to the historic Montauk Lighthouse. Many Long Islanders "do" Montauk in a day, but to experience the character of the place, it's worth an extended visit. Only then can you begin to understand "The End."

Making sense of hotel and motel rates in a place as buzzworthy and as seasonal as Montauk is a lot like trying to figure out your monthly cell-phone bill. There are lots of variables. Room prices vary according to the season, and the differences can be significant. Then there are weekday rates and weekend rates as well as required minimum-night stays around holidays and summer weekends. Rates can even vary from the norm in a given week due to supply and demand. For those reasons, rather than list rates, we have placed the inns, motels and hotels in relative price categories: expensive, $$$; moderate, $$; and inexpensive, $.

Some of the following accommodations already are fully booked for all summer weekends, but rooms are available at nearly all of them during mid-week and after mid-August.

THE SURF LODGE, 183 Edgemere St., 631-238-5190, thesurflodge.com

It's really a refurbished motel on Fort Pond, with a bar, lounge, restaurant and celeb-vibe. The rooms are small and true to the surfer lifestyle. Then, there's the restaurant, airy and tropical in décor, whose dining deck is shaded by a canopy of baskets. Breezy and casual. $$$

PANORAMIC VIEW, 272 Old Montauk Hwy.; 631-668-3000, panoramicview.com

This gem boasts spectacular views and a private beach on the Atlantic. Lushly landscaped grounds around the motel and cottages beckon guests outdoors. Rooms are tastefully appointed in a country-cottage decor. The sounds of saws and hammers can be heard in the distance, as the motel is slowly converted into condominiums. But 44 rooms are still available for overnight guests, who also get a 10 percent discount at Gurney's Inn next door. $$

GURNEY'S INN, 290 Old Montauk Hwy.; 631-668-2345, gurneys-inn.com

Practically synonymous with Montauk, Gurney's is the internationally known spa and resort right on the Atlantic. You could spend a week here and never leave the grounds - all the while sampling the fine food, fitness activities and spa amenities. (And, of course, the pristine beach.) Modern, tasteful rooms in an unpretentious setting make for a soothing stay. Ocean-view and oceanfront suites as well as other accommodations are available. $$$

HITHER HOUSE COTTAGES, 10 Lincoln Rd.; 631-668-2714, hitherhouse.com

This collection of cottages is nestled in a residential area just a short walk to the Atlantic. The grounds have the feel of an artists' colony, with red-sided cottages and stained-glass windows. No restaurant on premises, but many are nearby. Rooms and cottages available. $

SUNRISE GUEST HOUSE, 681 Old Montauk Hwy.; 631- 668-7286, sunrisebnb.com

This cozy, charming bed and breakfast has all the amenities of home. There are hardwood floors and antique furnishings throughout, with a dazzling beach just across the street. The friendly innkeeper makes you feel like a local.

No smoking, no pets and no children younger than 12. One room and three two-room suites available. Continental breakfast included. $

HARTMAN'S BRINEY BREEZES MOTEL, Old Montauk Highway; 631-668-2290, brineybreezes.com

This motel boasts an ocean view from every room; pristine beaches are just across the street. All the rooms have been renovated in the past two years, making this a modern and relaxing seaside retreat. All rooms have kitchens. Or, you can cook outside on the kettle grills near the pool. Available accommodations: studio apartments, two-room suites and deluxe two-room suite with two full baths. $$

SANDS MOTEL, South Emery Street; 631-668-5100, montauksands.com

This place offers clean rooms, friendly staff and a place to shampoo the salt out of your hair before going to bed. There's also a small cottage, with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen and bath. The decor is dated and the furnishings are worn, but the beach is just across the street. There isn't a restaurant, but the Oyster Pond Restaurant and Bar is a stone's throw away. Rooms and efficiency apartments available. $

BORN FREE MOTEL, 115 S. Emerson Ave.; 631-668-2896, bornfreemotel.com