You know that specific feeling when you cross the bridge into the Hamptons? It’s a mix of salt air and high expectations. But most people blow right past Westhampton Beach on their way to the flashier, more expensive madness of Montauk or East Hampton. They’re missing out. Honestly, if you want to actually touch the Atlantic Ocean without a twenty-minute hike through a private dune or a fight for a parking permit, the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel is basically the last man standing for that classic, beachfront resort experience.
It’s right on Dune Road. Literally.
The location is the kind of thing real estate developers would sell their souls for today. You’ve got the Atlantic on one side and the Moriches Bay on the other. It’s a thin strip of sand that feels like it might blow away in a stiff breeze, but that’s the charm. It isn't trying to be a minimalist boutique hotel where the chairs are made of reclaimed driftwood and spite. It feels like a resort. There’s a pool. There’s a massive deck. There are tennis courts that actually get used by people who know how to play.
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What You’re Actually Getting at Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel
Let's be real: people stay here for the beach access. In the Hamptons, "beachfront" usually means "you can see the ocean from a telescope on the third floor." At the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel, you walk out the door and your toes are in the sand. It’s one of the few spots where the resort owns a massive chunk of the shoreline, so you aren't crammed in like sardines next to a public access point.
The rooms? They’re comfortable. They aren't trying to win an architectural digest award for "most uncomfortable concrete floor," which is a refreshing change of pace from the newer spots in the area. You get suites with kitchenettes. This is huge. If you’ve ever tried to get a dinner reservation in Westhampton on a Saturday night in July, you know that being able to make a sandwich in your own room is a godsend.
The Tennis Scene is Legit
Don't let the name fool you; it's not just a branding exercise. They have five Har-Tru courts. If you aren't a tennis person, Har-Tru is that green clay that's easier on your knees than hard courts. It’s a bit of a throwback. You’ll see families who have been coming here for thirty years playing doubles matches that get surprisingly competitive.
They have pros on-site. You can get a lesson. Or you can just sit on the sidelines with a drink and watch people realize they aren't as fast as they were in 1998. It’s great.
The Evolution of Dune Road
Westhampton has always been the "First Hampton." It’s closer to the city. If you’re driving out from Manhattan, you hit Westhampton a good forty minutes before you hit the nightmare traffic of the bypass heading toward Bridgehampton.
The Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel sits on a stretch of Dune Road that has seen its fair share of drama. Between the hurricanes and the constant beach nourishment projects, the fact that this place remains a staple of the community is pretty impressive. It’s a landmark. When you tell someone you’re staying "at the Bath and Tennis," they know exactly where you are.
The hotel has managed to maintain a sort of 1950s-beach-club-meets-modern-amenities vibe. It’s not stuffy. You’ll see kids running around with ice cream, couples in linen outfits, and the occasional wedding party taking over the deck. It’s high-energy but laid back. Sorta.
Dining and the "No-Stress" Factor
The on-site dining is usually focused around the Beach Grill or whatever the current iteration of their main restaurant is. It’s standard Hamptons fare: lobster rolls, big salads, and cocktails that cost as much as a small car. But you’re paying for the view. Sitting on that deck with a view of the Atlantic while the sun starts to dip is one of those moments that makes the L.I.E. traffic almost worth it.
Actually, maybe not the traffic. Nothing makes the L.I.E. worth it. But it’s close.
Why People Get This Place Wrong
A lot of travel influencers go to the Hamptons looking for "The Surf Lodge" vibe—loud music, celebrities, and people trying very hard to be seen. If that’s what you want, don't come to Westhampton.
This is where people go when they actually want to go to the beach.
The Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel is about the ocean. It’s about the sound of the waves at 2:00 AM. It’s about being able to walk to the water without calling an Uber. People think it’s "too quiet" or "not trendy enough." Honestly, that’s the point. While everyone else is waiting three hours for a table in Sag Harbor, you’re sitting on a private beach with a book.
What You Need to Know Before You Book
- The Season is Short: They usually open up in May and shut things down or scale back significantly after Columbus Day. If you go in the "off-season," it’s a ghost town. Some people love that. Others find it creepy.
- Dune Road Traffic: On a Sunday afternoon, Dune Road is a one-way ticket to frustration. Plan your exits.
- The Ocean is Boss: This is the Atlantic. It’s cold. It’s rough. It’s beautiful. But don't expect the Caribbean.
The hotel offers a variety of room types, ranging from standard hotel rooms to larger suites. If you can swing it, get the oceanfront. Being able to see the sunrise over the water from your balcony is the whole reason you’re paying Hamptons prices.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
If you're actually planning to stay at the Westhampton Bath and Tennis Hotel, don't just wing it. The Hamptons is a place that rewards people who have a plan.
- Book Your Tennis Time Early: The courts fill up, especially on weekend mornings. Talk to the pro shop the day you arrive.
- Explore Main Street Westhampton: It’s a short drive or a decent bike ride away. The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is there, and it’s actually a world-class venue. They get big names.
- Check the Tide Charts: If you’re a beach walker, the tide matters. At high tide, some sections of the beach near the jetties get pretty narrow.
- Grocery Run: Since many rooms have kitchenettes, stop at the King Kullen or the local farmers' markets before you hit Dune Road. Once you’re at the hotel, you won't want to leave to go buy milk.
- Monitor the Weather: Dune Road can flood during "King Tides" or heavy storms. It’s rare, but it happens. If there’s a Nor'easter coming, keep an eye on the local news.
Staying here is about reclaiming a version of the Hamptons that feels authentic. It’s not about the "scene." It’s about the sand. It’s about the salt. It’s about the game.