The Maidstone
Hotel Name: c/o The Maidstone
Number of Rooms: 19
Location: In the center of East Hampton, about a mile from the beach.
As the popularity of the Hamptons grew throughout the 20th century, the Maidstone Arms was a stalwart for east end overnighters, with classic nautical vibes and a sprawling lawn overlooking the South End Cemetery, eternal home to eccentrics from local history – think shipwreck victims, muses of F. Scott Fitzgerald, and an accused witch – dating back to the 1600s. When Swedish hotelier Jenny Ljungberg took the place over in 2008, she doubled down on the commitment to colorful character(s), bringing in decorator Nadia Tolstoy (yes, as in great-granddaughter of Leo), and naming each of the individually-decorated rooms after Scandinavian icons, some likelier than others (what, you wouldn’t expect to stay in a suite inspired by Roald Amundsen, who led the first expedition to the North Pole, or Sonja Henie, who won figure skating gold for Norway in 1928, on a visit to beachy East Hampton?). It’s precisely this confident quirkiness that makes the Maidstone special and highly unique – after all, sometimes you want lobster & rosé, and sometimes you want Köttbullar & Klimp (that’d be Swedish lamb meatballs with ricotta dumplings and Västerbotten cheese.)
What We Loved: Aside from the vibrant décor and idiosyncratic history lesson, your room comes with an Amsterdam-approved cherry-red Kronan and a Hamptons-essential beach parking pass valid at East Hampton Main Beach, Georgica, and Wyborg beaches, which is worth its weight in guld (why yes, that is Swedish for “gold.”)
What We Didn’t Love: There’s no room service, though the kitchen will gladly whip up a picnic for you to pedal to the beach.
Right For: Art and design enthusiasts, adventurous eaters, people who use “quirky” as a compliment.
Wrong For: Travelers looking for zen and a neutral palate will be more comfortable in the minimalist embrace of Shou Sugi Ban house.
Best Time to Visit: Given its limited size, rooms sell out quickly in the summer. Visit in chillier off-season to take a deep dive into the Scandinavian-inspired menu at The Living Room without worrying about putting on a bikini after tackling the Swedish Smörgåsbord tasting plate.
TLF Tip: Pups are welcome at the Maidstone, and their owners will appreciate the walking service, dog-friendly menu catering to all dietary requirements, and weekday yappy hour.