In short… Classic Americana on Shelter Island
The surroundings… Set on almost 10 acres of land, The Pridwin property comprises the original, white clapboard building, as well as 16 cottages, tennis and pickleball courts, a chicken coop, expanses of lawn, and a pool. Across from the front lawn is a dock and small beach, and the tranquil Peconic Bay is perfect for easy paddleboarding and kayaking, or a ride on the hotel’s boat, Fred’s Folly.
The backstory… The hotel first opened in 1927, and has been family-owned by the Petry family since 1961. After partnering with Cape Resorts in 2021, a renovation restored many of the original features, including the white clapboard facade, the original hardwood floors, vintage wainscotting, and antique chandeliers (one even dating from 1927). They also added a spa and updated both the public spaces and all 33 guest rooms.
The vibe… The Pridwin has a nostalgic, summer camp-for-all-ages feel reminiscent of Dirty Dancing (there are even staff accommodations on site!). Multiple communal rooms – including a wood-paneled-but-make-it-chic games room – encourage guests to mingle, and the large property offers a range of activities to suit all personalities. In addition to the beach and pool, guests can enjoy lawn games and complimentary bicycles, as well as ping pong and arcade games. Memorabilia from the hotel’s history can be found almost everywhere, including a key rack with the original room keys behind the new front desk.
The rooms… My room was a mix of beachy blues and pastels, and had the cutest scalloped shelves above the minibar. I also loved the pillow embroidered with the hotel’s crest, not to mention the amazing water view.
The food & drink… Seafood-focused classics like lobster rolls, crab cakes and grilled fish are standouts at the hotel’s restaurant, The Terrace, but we heard from multiple people that the traditional Wednesday night barbeques are the real highlight. Started in the 1960s, the staff-led casual cookouts feature live music and are said to be a favorite of both guests and locals.
The wellness… Located on the ground floor, the new Pridwin Spa has three treatment rooms, a hammam, saunas, and a fitness room. Framed, vintage swimsuits hang on the walls, which are covered in a charming, clover-patterned Josef Frank wallpaper. Yolo-favorite ONDA beauty is offering bespoke facials during its summer residency.
How to get there…..Ferries depart from Sag Harbor and Greenport – no reservations are required for the five-minute journey, but both are cash only. I learned there is even a seaplane service (Tailwind Air) from Manhattan that will drop you right at Crescent Beach!
Date of stay… September 2024
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