Sound View Greenport

Sound View Greenport: A Comprehensive Hotel Review (MICHELIN Guide Selected Property)

Nestled on the tranquil North Fork of Long Island, Sound View Greenport offers a distinctive waterfront experience, recognized by the MICHELIN Guide as a "Selected" property for a high-quality stay. This Fifties motel has been thoughtfully restored and transformed into a boutique hotel, blending New England's modernist heritage with a refreshing, mature aesthetic.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Sound View Greenport is largely positive, with guests frequently praising its stunning views, excellent location, and unique design. While many appreciate the efforts to create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere, some recurring issues related to service, cleanliness, and value for money have been noted. The hotel consistently scores well for its location (9.2/10 on Booking.com, 9.6/10 on Momondo) and comfort (8.4/10 on Booking.com, 10/10 on Momondo), though value for money receives a slightly lower 7.0/10 on Booking.com.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about the magical sunsets witnessed from their rooms or the beach bar. The hotel's private beach directly on the Long Island Sound is a major draw, offering a serene escape and direct access from many rooms. The design by Brooklyn-based Studio Tack is celebrated for its simple yet unique furnishings and modernist inspiration. The location is ideal for exploring Greenport's historic village, vineyards, farms, and marinas. Amenities like the outdoor pool, live music at the Piano Bar and Low Tide Beach Bar, and a focus on locally sourced food further enhance the guest experience. The presence of individual bonfires and Adirondack chairs at the Low Tide Beach Bar is also a beloved feature.

3. Room Quality

The 65 individually furnished rooms and suites at Sound View Greenport are described as well-designed with simple and unique furnishings, providing ample comfort without being overly opulent. All rooms are waterfront, offering priceless views and often featuring a private balcony or shared deck with direct access to the private beach. Accommodations range from standard queen rooms to luxurious two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and private hot tubs. Guests can expect king or queen-sized beds with pillowtop mattresses, Frette Italian sheets, and premium bedding. Standard in-room amenities include a mini-fridge, coffee maker (including Nespresso machines in some rooms), free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and separate sitting areas. Some guests have noted that the rooms, while comfortable, can sometimes feel outdated or in need of renovation.

4. Dining Experience

Sound View Greenport offers diverse dining experiences. The Halyard, the main onsite restaurant, focuses on seasonal, farm-to-table Northeastern fare with a strong emphasis on local seafood and produce, sourced from North Fork and the Atlantic Seaboard. The Halyard, led by a James Beard Award-winning chef, provides a light-filled dining room and a sprawling seasonal deck with ocean views. For a more casual experience, Jack's Shack offers poolside bites and drinks during warmer months, crafting dishes with local ingredients. The Piano Bar provides an elevated experience with craft cocktails and live music, serving lunch and dinner during the fall and winter months. Guests have praised the food as fresh and good. A complimentary continental breakfast is also provided daily.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on the staff and service is generally positive, with many guests appreciating the friendly, nice, and accommodating nature of the team. The staff is noted for going "above and beyond to ensure a fantastic stay" and providing "excellent" drink and food service on the beach. However, some reviews have pointed out issues with overall service levels.

6. Location & Accessibility

Sound View Greenport boasts an "excellent location" on the edge of the Long Island Sound, less than 100 miles from New York City. It's perfectly situated for exploring the North Fork, being minutes from vineyards, farms, marinas, and the historic town of Greenport. Nearby attractions include the East End Seaport Maritime Museum, Greenport Farmers' Market, Kontokosta Winery, and 67 Steps Beach. The hotel offers a private beach and is a short bike ride or drive from local shops and other points of interest. While the hotel sits on a main road, newly planted greenery helps to block some of the associated noise. Accessible rooms with ADA bathrooms and ramp access to shared decks are available, and common areas are also accessible. However, ADA beach access is limited, and the pool is not ADA accessible.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing at Sound View Greenport fluctuates seasonally, with rooms observed to range from approximately $124 to over $1,200, depending on the room type and time of year. While some guests feel the hotel offers good value, others have expressed concerns about the value for the price, with some feeling it can be expensive for what is offered. Additional fees for parking and some amenities have also been a surprise for some visitors.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues and criticisms include concerns about the value for the price, with some guests feeling the hotel might be outdated or in need of renovations. Noise levels from the main road and thin walls have been mentioned as a concern for several visitors. While praised by many, some guests have reported issues with cleanliness and service. Another point of concern can be the potential closure of the restaurant or beach areas for private events like weddings. Limited parking availability, especially for late arrivals, has also been noted.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. michelin.com
3. soundviewgreenport.com
4. michelin.com
5. michelin.com