Hotels in North Shore

If you are looking to bunk in a place with lots of dining and nightlife options, Port Jefferson (also referred to as Port Jeff) puts you smack in the middle of the action, with restaurants, bars, and shops aplenty, most within walking distance. For chain hotels within easy reach of the Gold Coast, try: Holiday Inn Express, 3131 Nesconset Hwy., Centereach (tel. 631/471-8000); Hampton Inn, 680 Commack Rd., Commack (tel. 631/462-5700); and the Hilton, 598 Broad Hollow Rd., Melville (tel. 631/845-1000).

For luxury, also consider the stylish Inn at Great Neck, 30 Cutter Mill Rd., Great Neck (tel. 516/773-2000), a 1920s-themed boutique hotel with modern amenities and a terrific upscale restaurant.