
5
"Set right in the middle of Stone Harbor, this 58-room boutique hotel exudes a relaxed, coastal calm with watery blue and sand tones, light wood floors, beach photographs, and striped carpets that echo the seaside palette. I appreciated the upscale in-room touches like high-thread-count Frette bed linens, robes, and fireplaces in some accommodations, and I’d spring for a bay-view suite with a balcony for the best water-facing outlooks. The property offers five dining outlets so you really don’t need to leave for a great meal, plus amenities such as complimentary bay activities (paddle boards and kayaks), boat docking, sunset charters (at extra cost), a plunge pool, hot tubs, fitness center, event spaces, concierge and valet parking. One of the nicest perks is the door-to-shore golf cart shuttle to the beach two blocks away, where beach butlers set up gratis orange umbrellas, chairs, and striped towels and guests can order food and drinks while enjoying the Atlantic. Occupying most of a downtown block on the bay, the hotel provides walkability to shops and restaurants and feels buzzy in summer while retaining seaside ease; it’s a 4-star property with rooms starting around $129 per night." - Lindsay Cohn