Home Away from Home: Dan’s Best of the Best North Fork Hotels

Traveling to the East End of Long Island is an adventure that can never truly be experienced in just one day. Booking a few nights at a comfortable hotel is a key factor to any great get-away, family or business trip. Why not enjoy the summer days out exploring the wineries, beaches, and shopping centers and then return each night to the perfect retreat that allows you to relax in a home-away-from-home atmosphere? Dan’s Papers asked readers to vote for the Best of the Best hotels and these are the winners for the North Fork:

Hyatt Place East End (451 E. Main Street, Riverhead, 631-208-0002, hyattplaceeastend.com) is based in downtown Riverhead and sits along the Peconic River, providing water views for 100 of their suites. Hyatt Place East End offers a close proximity to large regional companies, the county government seat, and other East End sites including the Long Island Aquarium, the Tanger Outlet Mall, the Long Island Railroad Museum, the Riverhead Raceway and the towns and beaches located in the Hamptons. It advertises a 24-hour fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and free Wi-Fi.

Hilton Garden Inn (2083 Old Country Road, Riverhead; 631-727-2733, hilton.com), situated in Riverhead, rooms include Serta Perfect Sleeper beds, large desks, ergonomic chairs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and refrigerator and microwave sets. Bus transportation to NYC is also available – pick-ups and drop offs occur at the lobby door. Cooked-to-order breakfast, an indoor salt water pool and whirlpool, fitness center, and a 24-hour snack pantry can all be enjoyed at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Only minutes from the Long Island Expressway, the Holiday Inn Riverhead (1707 Old Country Road, Riverhead; 631-727-2733, holidayinn.com), promotes its utility as a proper space for both business and family vacation trips. Both the Splish Splash Water Park and Long Island Aquarium are within a reasonable traveling distance of their location. Guests staying with them can make use of the 24-hour fitness center, heated outdoor pool, and meeting rooms.

Hotel Indigo (1830 W. Main Street, Riverhead; 631-369-2200, indigoeastend.com) is a pet-friendly hotel on the North Fork. Perks of booking here would include the proximity to the Hamptons, many shopping centers, beaches and vineyards. Hotel Indigo advertises its pool and outdoor wood-burning fireplace which has been enjoyed by many a cocktail drinker. Guests can also eat at Bistro 72, visit the on-site fitness center or relax at the spa facilities they offer.

Harborfront Inn (209 Front Street, Greenport; 631-477-0707, theharborfrontinn.com), located in the downtown area of the village of Greenport, restaurants, shops, docks and Mitchell Park are all in walking distance. The Harborfront overlooks the Peconic Bay and has a 1,000 square foot private deck from which it can be viewed. They offer high-speed wireless internet access, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding in their rooms. Guests are invited to enjoy the outdoor heated pool, fitness room, complimentary continental breakfast, and all-day coffee service.