The Montauk Motel That Keeps Pulling Me Back, Again and Again
Travel journalists see a lot of hotels. So when one of us books the same place six times, it’s worth paying attention. For me, that place is Daunt’s Albatross in Montauk, New York—an old-school, family-run hideaway that somehow manages to feel both timeless and fresh. It reopened in 2022 after a three-year renovation, but the soul of the place dates back to the 1950s, when it was called the Albatross Inn and catered to Long Island locals, fishermen, and firefighters. Today, it’s run by the founder’s grandson, Leo Daunt, who has kept that warm, unpretentious spirit alive.
What makes Daunt’s special isn’t luxury or exclusivity—it’s the opposite. The hotel sits right in the middle of Montauk’s motel zone, across from the beach and a short walk from Main Street’s restaurants and bars. You park your car, grab one of the complimentary bikes, and you’re set. The outdoor pool, Adirondack chairs, firepits, and s’mores kits make it easy to linger. Evenings often turn into spontaneous conversations with other guests. There’s even a golden retriever named Koda who roams the property, sometimes taking a dip in the pool when no one’s looking.
The 23 rooms are understated but comfortable, with soft coastal colors, Parachute robes, and excellent shower pressure. On my latest visit, I had a second-floor corner room with a balcony overlooking the ocean—a quiet sanctuary that made me want to stay put with a book. But the pool, with its QR code drink service, kept calling me back. Across the street, Leo also runs The Bird on the Roof, a buzzing restaurant that serves brunch, dinner, and hosts live music and karaoke. Nearby, you’ll find Goldberg’s for bagels, Gosman’s Dock for seafood, and Ditch Plains beach for surfing.
I first stayed in June 2023 and thought it would be a one-off. Instead, I’ve been back five more times. There’s something about the way the staff remembers your name, the way strangers pull up a chair, the way the place makes you feel like you belong. It’s not just a hotel—it’s a homecoming. And I’ve already booked my next stay.