Recently I was given the very difficult task of traveling to the Hamptons twice, each time to stay in a different luxury hotel and to decide which one I liked best. Tough job, but someone had to do it. I visited The Roundtree, Amagansett and The Reform Club, also in Amagansett, for a few days of relaxation (and in-depth investigative reporting, of course). Here’s how the two stacked up against one another.
Rooms
The Roundtree: Offers 5 stand-alone cottages, which range from studios to 3 bedrooms, and 10 rooms and suites. My room was so tranquil and inviting and had everything I needed, including Grown Alchemist bath products and a Nespresso machine. Travel + Leisure described the rooms well: “fresh, open, airy spaces and chic details top to bottom.”
The Reform Club: Offers 7 suites, 3 cottages, and the 4-bedroom 21 House. My suite was really comfy and had an impressive collection of contemporary art.
Winner: The rooms at both hotels were great, but I really loved The Roundtree. At The Reform Club, I knew I was staying at a hotel. At The Roundtree, I felt like I was a guest at a friend’s home. You know, that super chic friend who has impeccable taste and is the perfect hostess.
Location
Roundtree: Located on Main Street in Amagansett with shops, restaurants and a farmer's market just steps away. Atlantic Avenue Beach is about a mile from the hotel and can be reached by walking or complimentary beach cruiser.
The Reform Club: Walking distance to the shops on East Hampton’s Main Street or a bicycle ride to the beach.
Winner: Tie. They are less than half a mile from each other. I googled it. At either location you’re close to Amagansett’s adorable main street and close to the beach. You can’t go wrong here.
Property
The Roundtree: Set on 2 lush acres of beautifully landscaped grounds.
The Reform Club: Set on 4 acres with a rose garden, tea house, sunken garden and apple orchard.
Winner: Another tough call, but this one goes to The Reform Club, mainly because I’m coming from a 700 square foot apartment in Manhattan, so I will take any additional outdoor space I can get.
Amenities
Roundtree: Tons of amenities, including a Continental Breakfast, mini bar with thoughtfully chosen, complimentary snacks and beverages, afternoon tea, beach parking pass, beach cruisers, beach essentials (beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, portable ice coolers), Tesla charging station, in-room massages, evening s’mores, Petrossian Caviar, turn down service, complimentary WiFi throughout the property.
The Reform Club: Offers concierge service that will pick you up in an SUV, stock your room with groceries and wine, or pick up food from local restaurants. There’s also an in-room iPad to make requests.
Winner: This was close, but I have to give it to The Roundtree. While the in-room iPad at The Reform Club was cool, I preferred the more human touch at The Roundtree. It was almost as if they could anticipate each of my requests, and the staff was so helpful and ready to help with anything I needed.
Pet Friendliness
The Roundtree: Pets are welcome in the cottages and they offer canine amenities including dog beds, water bowls, a welcome doggy treat, and a doggy towel.
The Reform Club: Certain accommodations allow pets, but not all.
Winner: The Roundtree. My pups felt like valued guests, which I absolutely loved, and opening our cottage door to see beds, bowls, and treats set up for them was so fun!
Conclusion: As I’ve mentioned, this was tough. I mean, we’re talking about two luxury hotels in Amagansett. It was a pleasure to stay at both places. But for me, Roundtree came out on top thanks to the elegant, understated design, impeccable service, and the general feeling that I was at my (perfectly appointed and luxurious) home away from home. I will definitely be returning to The Roundtree each year, if not more often!
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