How to Find Cheap Hotels in Montauk, New York

Montauk is the kind of place that sticks with you: beautiful beaches, quaint hamlets and plenty of colonial and sea town charm. The natives are friendly, too, making Montauk a terrific alternative to Cape Cod or other exclusive eastern resorts.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access to book accommodations online

Instructions

Know Your Destination

1. Learn a little local geography. Montauk is at the eastern end of New York's Long Island, and is one of the premier communities in the state. There are a number of famous and powerful people who call Montauk their home.

2. Understand Montauk's clientele. This is one of the most affluent communities on Long Island, and has a history as a seasonal destination for some of New York's elite.

3. Take a tour by boat of Long Island Sound, New York and the Atlantic. Shuttles are available at many hotels that hug the water. These day tours are a terrific family outing, and there are several cheap charters that have excellent reputations.

Getting Around

1. Arrive via one of New York's major airports (La Guardia, Kennedy or Newark). Flights are constant throughout the day and year, with service by all major domestic carriers.

2. Take the train to Montauk from New York City. The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) travels the entire length of Long Island, and makes regular and frequent stops along the coastline, as well as in two of the boroughs of New York City (Queens and Brooklyn).

Find Accommodations

1. To book accommodations, contact Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission at (877) FUN-ON-LI or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

2. Seek out cheap accommodations in the interior of Montauk to save money. The farther from the beach you get, the cheaper the accommodations become. It's still easy to get to the shore, but you'll be saving money for other activities in the long run.

3. Check with mid-range hotels for "extras"' that make their rates more affordable. For example, many hotels offer shuttles to the beach, full breakfasts or discounts at nearby restaurants.

4. Stay near Montauk Downs State Park to take advantage of the park's golf and tennis facilities. You'll save on transportation costs if your lodgings are within walking distance.

5. Save by booking your accommodations for travel during winter months. Prices for cheap hotels and motels in Montauk dip as much as 20 percent as the weather grows colder.

Tips & Warnings

• Visas are required for international visitors. Check with your embassy for visa requirements.

• While not as serious as the threat further south, hurricanes are a very real occurrence during peak hurricane season, from about July to November. Keep tabs on the weather if you plan on traveling during this time.

• International travelers need to pay close attention to the travel and security restrictions as they can change on a moment's notice. Be sure you know ahead of time what you can and cannot bring into the United States so as to expedite your travel times.