Summer is waning out. The days are shorter and the temperatures are slowly but surely dropping. But it’s not over quite yet – there’s one last hurrah to be had: Labor Day weekend. It’s your final chance to celebrate the glory of summer by taking one last swim in the ocean, and enjoying one more al fresco dinner. To do Labor Day right on the East Coast, you have an abundance of options, but few beat a stay in a luxury hotel in the following five iconic destinations. Book your getaway now, so you can reminisce about the magic of it all when the leaves start changing colors and the pumpkin spice lattes come back in force.
The Hamptons, NY
A trip to the Hamptons is the easiest and most rewarding option for New Yorkers in desperate need of sea and sun. This chic corner of the state has plenty of lavish hotels to turn your Labor Day weekend into a memorable mini-vacation that will keep your spirits up all the way through the fall.
Duryea’s Sunset Cottages
Dureya’s has two locations in the Hamptons: one in Orient Point and one in Montauk, with Gardiners Bay separating the two. While both are top-notch spots to enjoy the beach, a seafood platter, or a lobster roll (or all three), the brand’s Sunset Cottages are only available in Montauk.
Since June 2024, Dureya’s offers four identical cottages, all facing Fort Pond Bay. Each cottage can accommodate two guests in 600 square feet of indoor space. And while the modern and tasteful decor is appealing, you did not travel all the way to the Hamptons to stay inside. Each cottage has sliding, floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to a large, private deck from where to take the sunset. Better even, each deck features a dining table and chairs, lounge chairs, and a private jacuzzi – in short, everything you need. There’s even an outdoor shower for those who don’t want to waste any precious daylight time indoors. Although the indoors marble bathrooms are nothing to turn up your nose at, especially since they are fitted with Sensei robes, Frette towels, and Natura Bissé products. Paddleboards and e-bikes are also available to guests, as is breakfast from Dureya’s café. and lunch and dinner from the restaurant.
Hedges Inn
If you prefer a historical property to a modern one this coming Labor Day, you’ll find all the 19th-century charm you’re looking for at The Hedges Inn in East Hampton. Open since May 16, 2025, the luxury boutique hotel is on the small side with only 13 rooms and one three-bedroom residence. The main attraction of The Hedges Inn is undeniably Swifty’s — the renowned onsite restaurant. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Swifty’s serves exquisite American fare focused on local products. (Yes, that means lobster rolls). The East Hampton beach is nearby, and overnight guests get to enjoy beach butlers who will cater to all your needs and wants. They will even provide branded pink lounge chairs, umbrellas, and coolers filled with drinks. If you want to go explore the area, the hotel provides cute branded bikes, as well as rides in its pink vintage Land Rover Defender.
Nantucket, MA
Those who want a Labor Day weekend on a real island need to go a little further afield. (You’re not fooling anyone, Long Island). Nantucket is 280-plus miles from New York City, and it requires a ferry to get there, but it’s all very worth it – especially if you’re looking for peace and quiet, as well as charming luxury hotels.
White Elephant Haborside Hotel
Fully renovated in 2023 for its 100th anniversary, the White Elephant Harborside Hotel is a quintessential Nantucket destination and it shows. The new decor is all about the island’s atmosphere and landscapes, with gorgeous shades of blue, brass accents, white walls, and light-colored wood. The elegant ocean vibes are everywhere and we’re all about soaking them up. There are 66 rooms and suites at the Harborside Hotel. But if you want something more private, you can opt for one of the residences or cottages on site. White Elephant takes very good care of its guests with pre-arrival concierge services, a spa, a pool with bookable cabanas, complimentary bicycles, fine dining at Brant Point Grill, and even courtesy BMWs. And now that White Elephant Resorts is partnering with shared-charter service provider Slate Aviation, it’s even easier to get there from New York City.
Life House
If you like the idea of spending Labor day weekend in a luxurious historic property but would prefer something intimate, Life House is your best bet. The small and charming 1830s Federal-style mansion has only 14 elegantly decorated rooms, but every single one of them delivers. Each has botanical rain showers, Le Labo products, Revival New York linens, and Marshall speakers. While the inn reopened in 2020 after extensive renovations, the charm of the property remains. From the color scheme to the furnishings, the architectural details, and the light fixtures, everything has been thought out to keep the beauty of the 200-year-old property intact. There’s an outdoor porch, a courtyard garden, and a stunning lounge area for you to enjoy when you’re not sunbathing on the beach, or walking the town’s cobblestone streets.
Providence, RI
The smallest state in the nation is the ideal Labor day destination for those who want a change of scenery without having to go too far. The chic city of Newport is less than 200 miles away from New York and brims with Michelin Guide-recommended hotels and restaurants.
Castle Hill Inn
Castle Hill Inn is not only a Relais & Château property — it’s also a two-Michelin-key hotel. And if that’s not enough evidence that this place is worth staying at, the views over Narragansett Bay will surely convince you. That, and the fact that Princess Grace Kelly used to vacation here. Castle Hill Inn sits on 40 acres of oceanfront land and offers a variety of accommodations. Agassiz Mansion is a historical property with seven rooms and suites. But if you want something more private, you can opt for a room in one of the beach houses or cottages, the harbor house, or the historic chalet. No matter what you choose, however, you’ll get to enjoy the finest New England decor and ambiance just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean. To complete this perfect picture, there are multiple renowned food and drink options on site and a Farmaesthetics spa.
The Chandler at Cliff Walk
This two-Michelin-key property is fancy on the outside and extremely fancy on the inside. Forget the pared-back and modest New England aesthetic: The Chandler is all about Gilded Age decor. Think canopy beds, sparkling chandeliers, heavily-patterned textiles, and fireplaces in each of the 20 rooms and suites. Because the property is on the famous Newport Cliff Walk, you’ll get great views over Easton Bay, especially from the hotel’s manicured gardens. If you prefer a more private stay, however, you can opt for one of the property’s six villas. There are three dining options on site, but Cara, with its small private space facing the ocean, is the one you don’t want to pass on.
Hudson Valley, NY
Who said Labor day weekend has to be spent by the beach? The countryside of Upstate New York is just as appealing, especially if you’re looking for a quiet escape and small-town charm a-la-Hallmark-movie.
The Six Bells Countryside Inn, Rosendale
If you like to stay in modern, sleek, and minimalist properties, move along. The Six Bells Countryside is anything but contemporary and polished. Instead, it’s a riot of decorative objects, painted furniture, wallpapers, and textiles that will transport you to 19th-century rural America. Handmade quilts and needlepoint pillows grace the beds, and every wall, armoire, and armchair features whimsical patterns. This inn’s decor is all about cozy, twee vibes. And if you like what you see, you can purchase it. You’ve fallen in love with the wooden chair in your room? Make it yours. You think the ruffled cushions are adorable? Take them home. The Feathers, the on-site tavern, is just as beautiful and serves hearty early-American cuisine.
Wildflower Farms, Gardiner
Just 85 miles north of New York City, Wildflower Farms combines luxury and wellness in a natural setting. There are 65 freestanding wooden cabins and cottages, as well as five suites on the property. All of the accommodations have outdoor patios from where to take the views of the wildflower meadows and Shawangunk Ridge. The decor in each is simple and elegant, with a focus on natural materials and mid-century style. The Thistle spa offers nature-inspired treatments and products, as well as unique wellness experiences, such as forest therapy sessions and ice-bath plunges. Beyond the usual sauna, outdoor hot tubs, and saltwater pool, there’s also a 3,000-square-foot fitness center and movement studio, tennis/padel courts, and several miles of hiking trails. There are daily fitness and wellness classes for those who want to have a health-focused Labor Day weekend. For those who prefer a food-focused long weekend, Clay, the onsite farm-to-table restaurant, should deliver.
Maine
It’s a three-day weekend and you need to make the most of it, so don’t restrict yourself to nearby destinations. Maine isn’t exactly next door to New York, but the state’s natural beauty, and its luxurious seafront hotel offerings make the trip worthwhile. Also: lobster.
The Norumbega Inn, Camden
How about a luxury castle by the sea for your three-day getaway? And how would you feel about that very castle being listed on the National Historic Registry? If that sounds like a good idea to you, make your way to The Norumbega Inn in Camden. The 11-room boutique hotel dates back from 1886 and underwent significant renovations in 2022 when it changed ownership. All the rooms and suites at The Norumbega are chic and tasteful, but we are partial to the Library Suite, with its lofted mahogany library and fireplace. That said, the Sandringham Suite, AKA the turret room, is a close second, if only for its amazing cream-and-green checkered walls. But don’t spend all your time in your room — the onsite bar-restaurant is a great spot for cocktails.
White Barn Inn, Kennebunk
The White Barn Inn is a historic property that underwent renovations as recently as 2020. So, the place is impeccable. The decor is sophisticated yet casual, and the views, whether of the woods or the Kennebunk River are top notch. But there’s one place at the White Barn Inn that is more special than the rest: The Cara Houseboat. Located on the banks of the Kennebunk River, on the White Barn Inn’s private dock, this 512-square-foot houseboat is the newest addition to the property. It can sleep three adults and offers some amazing river views, especially from its rooftop. Gorgeous inside and out, this is the accommodation that will elevate your Labor Day weekend to previously unimaginable heights. Staying on this houseboat doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on all the fun to be had on land, however. The White Barn Inn restaurant serves New England cuisine made from local products and is a must-visit. There’s also a spa that offers unique treatments, including Native American raindrop therapy. And if you don’t know what it is, we recommend that you go and find out.
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FAQs
Q: When is Labor Day in 2025?
A: In 2025, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 1.
Q: When did the Nantucket Harborside Hotel reopen?
A: The Nantucket Harborside Hotel reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations.
Q: When was the Norumbega Inn originally built?
A: The building of the Norumbega Inn was completed in 1886.
