14 of the best Airbnbs in the Hamptons that are actually affordable — just maybe not on a summer weekend
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- On Long Island’s east end, the Hamptons beach towns are known for big money and oceanfront mansions.
- But you don’t need to be a celebrity to vacation here; we found Airbnbs from $90 to $850 per night.
- Experts say Airbnb may be safer than hotels because private vacation rentals promote social distancing.
My husband and I spent our youth pooling money with friends on share homes in the Hamptons, a string of towns that stretch roughly 50 miles from Westhampton to Montauk on the tip of Long Island, New York. Our frugal experience was the antithesis of the big-moneyed, celebrity-studded reputation the Hamptons now enjoys.
Eventually, we purchased our own cottage built by an artist in 1969 in Amagansett. In the summer, we rent our house on Airbnb and Vrbo. Being a host has given me a unique peek into the vacation rental market. I spend hours sleuthing out the competition and even installed a classic cedar hot tub to set our listing apart.
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Knowing a thing or two about standout listings, I combed Airbnb to select well-located, appealing, reasonably-priced homes. In other words, my competition. But unlike most Hamptons rentals, these properties are priced for mere mortals, too. Pro-tip: visit in shoulder seasons. Even the starting prices below will soar on summer weekends.
If you’re wondering if Airbnb is safe, private home rentals are considered by most experts to offer a higher level of safety compared to hotels. They minimize interactions with others, and Airbnb hosts are required to follow enhanced cleaning procedures. However, there’s still an inherent risk to traveling and we recommend following CDC guidelines, practicing social distancing, double masking, and washing hands frequently.
The best Airbnb homes in the Hamptons were chosen based on the following criteria:
- Airbnb listings are for the entire home, cottage, or stand-alone studio — no awkward meetings with hosts or other guests, and guaranteed social distancing.
- Each home is committed to Airbnb’s Enhanced Clean program, a five-step cleaning process developed in partnership with health and hospitality experts.
- Each house is priced between $100 and $850 per night to start (though that is subject to change during the peak summer season, especially on weekends).
- All are highly-rated Airbnb listings in the Hamptons with a review score of 4.4 or higher.
- Each property has impressive design and features, from fireplaces to pools — the very amenities you’d want in a summer beach escape or cozy winter getaway.
These are some of the best Airbnb vacation homes in the Hamptons, sorted by price from low to high.
Artist's apartment in Sag Harbor, $123
Book this artist’s apartment in Sag Harbor on Airbnb starting at $123 per night
While perhaps not as overtly posh as some of the other entries in this list, this funky home brings loads of character to the table that’s hard to replicate.
This eclectic guest home trades the gleaming white interiors seen in most Hamptons homes and replaces it with terra cotta floors, stucco walls, and hand-painted Costa Rican-style sink and tiles. The layout eschews tradition too: there’s a freestanding clawfoot tub smack in the middle of the living room, and the flow is railroad-style, meaning each room connects to the next. The TVs aren’t up-to-date, but this isn’t really the type of place you come to binge stream.
There are simple luxuries too, with a new outdoor shower, a fenced-in yard with colorful blooms, and free use of bikes, surfboards, and a four-person canoe.
Book this home with good availability from May through October.
Sleeps: 4 guests/2 bedrooms
Rating: 4.79
Ocean view studio in Montauk, $184
Book this ocean view studio in Montauk on Airbnb starting at $184 per night
If you prefer a hotel over Airbnb, you’ll love this oceanfront studio, which is actually operated by a hotel: Beach Plum Resort. The rooms are also listed on Airbnb and this unit stands out for direct ocean views at a fraction of what you’ll likely find elsewhere in Montauk. Rates are well under $200 in spring and even midweek in summer, they hover around $300. Of course, expect to pay much more for weekends.
The apartment-style room comes with a kitchenette and a seating area separated from the Queen-sized bed by a small partition. There’s also a private deck, though, it’s worth noting that units vary and the pictures in this listing might not be the exact room you end up staying in.
There are also full resort amenities such as outdoor showers, direct beach access, an in-ground heated pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. There are also barbecue grills and play areas.
Sleeps: 3 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.64
Cottage with a pool in Sag Harbor, $195
Book this cottage with a pool in Sag Harbor on Airbnb starting at $195 per night
It’s rare to find such an adorable cottage that’s not only a short stroll from the village of Sag Harbor but comes with pool access at such an affordable price.
Sag Harbor is a walkable old whaling town lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants. It’s also a year-round destination. This tiny cottage (750 square feet) is simple and rustic with painted white pine walls and wood floors. But with a gorgeous pool just out back, we doubt you’ll be spending too much time inside. Just note it’s shared with the hosts.
Despite its smaller size, this listing is still suitable for families. This Airbnb with a pool is currently booked up, but we’re keeping it on the list for now in case there are cancellations to scoop up.
Sleeps: 2 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.41
Sunny cottage near downtown East Hampton, $199
Book this cottage in East Hampton on Airbnb starting at $199 per night
Many people consider East Hampton to be the hottest spot in the Hamptons. This is where celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Alec Baldwin live (and it’s not uncommon to see them in town).
This enticing one-bedroom cottage is a short distance from the lively downtown, which is full of chic boutiques and restaurants. It’s also an easy stroll to stunning ocean and bay beaches. The cottage itself isn’t fancy, but it’s full of light with soaring ceilings, and people usually pay a much steeper price to find prime real estate like this.
This listing has limited availability until the fall.
Sleeps: 4 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.90
Cottage with a hot tub in Southampton, $199
Book this cottage with a hot tub in Southampton on Airbnb starting at $199 per night
Great for experiencing the best of all worlds, this studio is set between old-moneyed Southampton and funky Sag Harbor, and is just one block away from Peconic Bay Beach.
It’s hidden away on an acre of evergreens, and relaxation is encouraged — the hosts built this home as an artist’s studio inspired by their love of staying at five-star hotels and as such, added a full luxury shower, crisp white linens, down bedding, and feature art and vintage furniture widely. Beach towels and beach chairs are provided and there is even a deck and little koi pond with a waterfall. However, note that children and pets are not allowed.
This Airbnb is currently booked up, but we’re keeping it on the list for now in case there are cancellations for you to scoop up.
Sleeps: 2 guests/studio
Rating: 4.96
Chic apartment in Hampton Bays, $210
Book this apartment in Hampton Bays on Airbnb starting at $210 per night
Hampton Bays is sometimes considered the un-Hamptons. Even though it has “Hampton” in the name, it is less pretentious and more easy-going than some of the other nearby communities. It’s also a little closer to New York City.
This three-bedroom space is technically an apartment attached to a house, but it has its own separate entrance and garden, so it feels very private. The look is very beachy but clean with plenty of sailboat and starfish motifs to go around. Supple brown leather armchairs feel fit for a captain, and there are bikes to use. The home is easily accessible to beaches, restaurants, and more.
This Airbnb is currently available for bookings throughout the rest of the year.
Sleeps: 5 guests/3 bedrooms
Rating: 4.84
Charming home in Southampton, $211
Book this vacation home in Southampton on Airbnb starting at $211 per night
This cute little cottage is big on charm, with three small but well-appointed bedrooms spread over two floors and multiple living spaces that make it easy to spread out. There’s a cozy living room with a fireplace on the main floor, as well as a small deck and gravel patio for outdoor lounging and grilling. Rinse off sandy toes in the outdoor shower and make fresh meals in the glam kitchen.
The decor is calming, leaning into bright whites and cool neutral colors through the walls and furnishings that make the space feel immaculate, light, and airy.
There’s also a functional work desk in a bedroom with a single bed, making this a nice place to work from home, as well. While prices soar in the summer, you can check in during prime springtime and enjoy rates under $300, which is a rarity in these parts.
Sleeps: 5 guests/3 bedrooms
Rating: 4.79
Tiny home in Southampton Village, $247
Book this tiny home in Southampton on Airbnb starting at $247 per night
Given that it’s part of Airbnb Plus, you know this property will be well-designed with thoughtful touches. Indeed, it boasts one-of-a-kind design details, a responsive host, and extra creature comforts like beach gear and local products. The one-bedroom cottage is located right in Southampton Village, which means you’ll have great access to shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and more.
The cute dwelling includes many design nods to the local beach surrounds, as well as funky finds like a retro microwave. A tranquil brick patio includes comfy-looking loungers for sunbathing.
This Airbnb has availability through June.
Sleeps: 3 guests/1 bedroom
Rating: 4.95
Bungalow with ocean views in Montauk, $315
Book this bungalow with ocean views in Montauk on Airbnb starting at $315 per night
We love the boho laidback vibes found out east in Montauk, where things feel a bit slower than other villages within the Hamptons. Of course, that secret is now out widely and the crowds have followed, but that shouldn’t keep you from considering making your base here.
This simply furnished cottage is a steal considering you’ll only pay around $300 per night midweek in summer. Or, visit in winter to curl up beside the retro-looking working fireplace. There’s a Queen-sized bed, stand up shower, full kitchen, cable, Wi-Fi, and ocean views to savor. Outside, take advantage of chairs and a grill, as well as the beach, which is only a short walk away.
There’s nice availability throughout the year, though July and August are partially booked up.
Sleeps: 2 guests/studio
Rating: 4.91
Contemporary home near the beach in Sag Harbor, $323
Book this contemporary home in Sag Harbor on Airbnb starting at $323 per night
Less than 1,000 feet from the mile-long stretch of beach known as Long Beach, this home feels like a classic modern Hamptons home with clean lines and furnishings done up in hues of cream, light blue, and wood.
The living room is inviting with an open-plan layout alongside a dining room, all set under high ceilings, and bathed in natural light. There’s also a bright and sunny lower level room for watching TV, while a deck outfitted with an outdoor shower and gas BBQ grill overlooks a large lawn that enjoys privacy through well-kept landscaping.
There are three bedrooms, making this a strong pick for a family getaway or group share. There are scattered dates in summer, with more availability (and lower pricing) in the fall.
Sleeps: 6 guests/3 bedrooms
Rating: 4.98
Modern luxury retreat with a gym and pool in East Hampton, $382
Book this luxury home with a pool in East Hampton on Airbnb starting at $382 per night
This five-bedroom home covers two lush acres near East Hampton and channels the area’s posh feel within every inch of the house.
There’s a large chef’s kitchen with a charcoal water filtration system, a spacious living area with midcentury modern furniture, a fireplace set under a dramatic beamed ceiling, as well as four bedrooms with statement wallpaper, goose down bedding, and 500 thread count sateen linens. The bathrooms have walk-in showers, high-end products by Oribé, and robes by Matouk.
Other standout features include a lower-level gym with a Peloton bike, a large deck, covered areas to lounge, as well as an expansive heated pool. Even better yet, there’s still good availability to book this summer, just know you’ll pay peak prices for weekends.
Sleeps: 9 guests/4 bedrooms
Rating: 5.0
House within walking distance of East Hampton, $481
Book this house within walking distance of East Hampton on Airbnb starting at $481 per night
This contemporary one-floor home in East Hampton includes modern decor such as translucent dining chairs, ’60s style chairs and sofas, and a sloped wood ceiling. Light pours in through floor-to-ceiling garage bay-style windows in both the living area and main bedroom.
There is a second bed, which is actually a Murphy bed hidden above the couch. Outside, guests may relax by the hot tub or sink into a large plush seating area with a fire pit. If you can manage to tear yourself away, hop on one of the provided cruiser bikes to ride to East Hampton Village.
There are still some spring dates available, as well as early fall, and while prices do surge for warmer months, they remain lower than most other similarly appointed homes.
Sleeps: 4 guests
Rating: 4.98
Surf house in Amagansett, $499
Book this surf house in Amagansett on Airbnb starting at $499 per night
With its midcentury modern fireplace, soaring ceilings, and sleek furniture, this three-bedroom surf cottage in Amagansett looks like it could be featured in a home-design magazine. It’s also located a short walk from a great beach.
The space is calm and soothing with bright white walls, arched ceilings, a wall of books, and a wood-burning stove. High-tech entertainment amenities feature heavily and you’ll have access to Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Amazon TV, and Amazon Echo/Alexa. But taking in the sea air is also encouraged and there’s an inviting hammock in the backyard that beckons you to chill out and watch the clouds.
This Airbnb is currently available for bookings in April and May, as well as from August onward.
Sleeps: 6 guests/3 bedrooms
Rating: 4.93
Safe haven with a pool in Quogue, $850
Book this home with a pool in Quogue on Airbnb starting at $850 per night
Some snobs say that the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village of Quogue is too far west to be counted as one of the Hamptons, but you’ll find the same charms and gorgeous beaches as in all the other towns. Plus, it’s got convenience on its side since it’s closer to New York City. Best of all, there are better deals to be found here since it’s not in the heart of the scene.
While pricey, this home counts five bedrooms and an overall California-boho style that feels refreshing among a sea of beach homes. The standout feature is, of course, the large pool, and there’s also an enormous deck for grilling, complete with a blackboard where you can write up the day’s menu. A nature reserve is nearby where you can go bird watching.
This Airbnb is currently available for bookings in May with scattered dates over the summer and more openings beginning in September.
Sleeps: 10 guests/5 bedrooms
Rating: 4.87
Looking for more cool Airbnb homes? Here are some of the best places to book on the East Coast:
- The best Airbnbs on the Jersey Shore
- The best Airbnbs in Maine
- The best Airbnbs in the Hudson Valley
- The best Airbnbs in Rhode Island
- The best Airbnbs in Connecticut
Axel Springer, Insider Inc.’s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.
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