Long Island’s enticement to travelers originates from the classic tale of the American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The author piques the interest of many visitors and nearby residents by the descriptions of the luxurious lands known as Long Island’s Gold Coast. Though the infamous East Egg and West Egg are fictional and the celebrated but envied billionaires of the Roaring Twenties are long gone, it is still possible to be immersed in their culture whether on a day trip or a weekend getaway.
Here are four “Gold Coast” hotels that are an escape from everyday life and open visitors up to a life of luxury.
The Knickerbocker Yacht Hotel
433 Main St.
Port Washington, NY 11050
516-883-4800
www.knickerbockeryachthotel.com
Embodied in the heart of Fitzgerald’s East Egg, the home of Old Money, this waterfront hotel is surrounded by boats on the marina, a staple of Port Washington. Expect privacy and personal attention with little foot traffic at this hotel and a stay meant to unite comfort and luxury. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms for all their needs, a private pier and a terrace that offers views of a seemingly endless horizon along Manhasset Bay.
As an added bonus, the mansion that reportedly inspired The Great Gatsby, The Rumsey-Harriman Estate, is a short drive away to jumpstart any Gold Coast bucket lists.
Nearby restaurants: Sweet Treats on the Wharf, Ayhan’s Mediterranean Marketplace & Cafe, Bosphorus Cafe Grill
Nearby activities: The Great Gatsby Boat Tour, Belmont Park, Sands Point Preserve, Fort Totten Park
The Inn at Great Neck
30 Cutter Mill Rd.
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-773-2000
www.innatgreatneck.com
Explore the area that served as Fitzgerald’s West Egg with a visit fit for a member of the “new money” society. Travel back to the 1920s with an interior reminiscent of an old school jazz club featuring art deco murals, golden chandeliers and marble walls. Featuring the Serendipity Suite Sleeper, guests can anticipate the maximum amount of comfort with specialized pillows and sheets to make guests feel like they never left the comfort of their own home with amenities including Jacuzzis and adjoining rooms.
With easy access to New York City due to the nearby Long Island Rail Road and the quaint attractions within walking distance, expect socialite standards with the comfort of home in Great Neck.
Nearby restaurants: Brasserie Americana Bar, Lounge & Bistro (located in the hotel), Chez Kama, Bee-ORGANIC
Nearby activities: Queens Zoo, Queens County Farm, Great Neck Plaza Historic Walking Tour
The Roslyn Hotel
1221 Old Northern Blvd.
Roslyn, NY 11576
516-625-2700
www.theroslynhotel.com
With a room style coined “Gold Coast King,” The Roslyn Hotel makes for a perfect rest stop during an adventure in this area. The mansion-like exterior transports guests to the grandeur of the Gatsby universe, but with a boutique hotel charm allowing them to feel like natives of the quaint village. The hotel is in the process of resurrecting the music venue, My Father’s Place, which in the past has hosted music legends and comedy stars.
Visitors can also take advantage of a free shuttle that has service to anywhere within a three-mile radius of the hotel allowing time to explore all Roslyn has to offer. With upscale rooms fit for a large party, and a cozy but luxurious library lounge with a fireplace, the Roslyn Hotel is fit for anyone looking to be integrated into high society if only for a short bit of time.
Nearby restaurants: Gatsby’s Landing, Hendrick’s Tavern, La Bottega Roslyn
Nearby activities: Clark Botanic Gardens, Nassau County Museum of Art, Roslyn Grist Mill
Andrew Hotel
75 N Station Plaza
Great Neck, NY 11021
516-482-2900
www.andrewhotel.com
Love the New York City glamour but not the traffic and chaos that comes with it? The Andrew Hotel offers a happy medium. The hotel is the place to accommodate love of city glitz and functional village charm. Sleek and modern minimalist style rooms feature refreshment centers, wet bars and plenty of space to meet business and pleasure needs.
With a plethora of locally loved restaurants and shopping experiences located just footsteps away, there is no better way to explore the streets of the Village of Great Neck than on foot with easy access to the Long Island Rail Road if looking to escape to nearby Manhattan.
Nearby restaurants: Colbeh (located in the hotel), Seven Seas Restaurants, La Coquille, Laverne of Great Neck
Nearby activities: Americana Manhasset Luxury Shopping Center, Gold Coast Arts Center, Old Westbury Gardens
