Fodor's Expert Review Clegg's Hotel

Stepping off the ferry at Ocean Beach, you practically fall into Clegg's Hotel, in the center of town and a five-minute walk from the beach, and this is authentic, no-frills Fire Island. Fashioned after a sailors' rooming house, it has the feel of a college residence, but details like a flower painted on each door—done 20 years ago by a now locally famous artist—give it a touch of charm. Rooms are basic and clean; studios have water or garden views and private bathrooms, and regular rooms face the garden and share four bathrooms. Owner Tyler Streck takes pride in his place, started by his grandfather Eugene "Gene" Clegg in 1946, and welcomes guests like family. He provides bikes, beach gear and board games and avoids having TVs or clocks in the rooms to encourage carefree bonding time.