did gurneys sell montauk yacht club

Montauk Yacht Club Sale Price an All-Time Hamptons High

Get In-Depth Insights and Exclusive Content Delivered Direct to You .

The Montauk Yacht Club is back to its traditional name this summer after Gurney’s sold the property to an international marina company last year. Now we finally know how much money it took to seal the massive deal – and it’s record-shattering.

The properties sold for a total of $149,400,000, according to Suffolk County deed transfers available just this week from Suffolk Vision. The price reveal catapults the trade to not only the biggest commercial sale of 2022, but in Hamptons hotel history. The previously biggest known sale was the  $77.5 million sale of Marram Montauk , a 96-room boutique hotel on the ocean, also in 2022.

Safe Harbor Marinas, which owns and operates the world’s largest boating network, quietly purchased what had been called, since 2018, Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina on July 1, 2022, , but the single deed transfer for the eight lots only just became public.

The sale price spiked 157% since the properties last sold in 2018. According to 27East, at the time Gurney’s spent $56.7 million on the same lots. The four contiguous properties, since combined, made up about $50 million of that total.

In 2007, the properties had traded for $34 million, The New York Times reported.

Gurney’s changed the name to Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina and reportedly invested $13 million.

The lots included in the transfer go beyond just the 35-acre Montauk Yacht Club . There are four lots on Star Island Drive and three piers attached to 32, 48 and 58 Star Island Drive. Also, a motel property further south near the ocean at 88 South Elmwood Avenue was also part of the transaction.

Safe Harbor Marinas just completed “nine months of investment and preparation” at the Montauk Yacht Club, according to a statement issued earlier this month, and have returned it to its original name.

Safe Harbor Marinas did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the sale price.

Situated on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Montauk, the property boasts 107 guest rooms and villas, three pools, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor bars, tennis and pickleball courts, a private beach and more than 200 boat slips.

Gurney’s Investments

This is the second property that Gurney’s sold in 2022. Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina on Rhode Island’s Goat Island was sold to  Pebblebrook Hotel Trust  for $174 million, The Newport Daily News reported  in October. Gurney’s had purchased the 257-room hotel in 2016 for an undisclosed amount.

Gurney’s Resorts dates to 2013 when Montauk homeowner George Filopoulos of Metrovest Equities, Inc., led an investment group, along with Lloyd Goldman of BLDG Management Co, Inc., to purchase the original Gurney’s Inn on the ocean in Montauk.

Now known as Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, the property has undergone renovations and expansions, including a $16 million reimagining of its famous spa, which reopened last year .

The investors bought the adjacent 10-acre Panoramic View for $63.9 million in December of 2015, according to The East Hampton Star , turning it into the Residences at Gurney’s Montauk. The Panoramic View, then a 65-unit beach resort that included townhomes and a motel, had been part of a Ponzi scheme, seized by the federal government and sold to recoup money for investors.

Following the purchase of the Montauk Yacht Club in 2018 in the $56.7 million deal, Gurney’s Resorts was running two waterfront hotels in Montauk, the adjacent Residences and the Newport hotel.

Then, in 2021, Gurney’s also  purchased a resort property in Scottsdale, Arizona , now called Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa. A major renovation is planned.

Top Commercial Sales

Before the price of the Montauk Yacht Club sale was revealed, the biggest sale in 2022 had been the  $77.5 million sale of Marram Montauk .

So far in 2023, the biggest commercial trade on the East End has been the $70 million sale of a shopping complex in Riverhead .

In the Hamptons so far this year, the biggest commercial transaction has been $22 million when Bernard Arnault, the French billionaire businessman who is, according to Forbes , the richest person in the world, purchased 1 Main Street in East Hampton from fashion designer Elie Tahari and his son Jeremy Tahari in late March . Louis Vuitton is opening a store there on Friday, May 26.

For a little perspective, the biggest residential trade ever in the Hamptons for a single property was Jule Pond, a 42-acre waterfront estate nearby, with unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mecox Bay. It sold for $105 million in October 2021.

In 2014, hedge fund manager Barry Rosenstein famously paid the most ever for an estate when he shelled out $147 million for three separate, yet contiguous parcels on Further Lane. The biggest of the properties at 62 Further Lane traded at just $97 million.

Also in 2021, four contiguous properties in Water Mill traded for a combined $118.5 million , the second-highest trade in Hamptons history. The combined deal south-of-the-highway in Water Mill also catapulted it to the top of the list of the priciest sales for 2021.

Email [email protected] with further comments, questions, or tips. Follow Behind The Hedges on  Twitter ,  Instagram  and  Facebook .

About the Author

Reach thousands of hamptons homebuyers every weekday.

Find out more

Insights and exclusive content delivered direct to you

Read the latest issues of behind the hedges.

Latest Posts

Real Estate

House of the Day

Related Articles

More from our Sister Sites

Top 5 Stories in Long Island Press This Week: Trump Rally, Fall Festivals, And More

Nordstrom NYC flagship launches SKIMS Mens pop-up, allowing customers to shop the brand in person

The Mayors Catch: A Monthly Update from West Hampton Dunes Mayor Irwin Krasnow

Marina Group Buys Montauk Yacht Club From Gurneys

The Montauk Yacht Club, one of the easternmost hamlet’s oldest establishments, is once again a place. A spokesperson for the giant marina company Safe Harbor confirmed this week that the group purchased the century-old yacht club from Gurney’s Resorts last summer and will reestablish the name as the Montauk Yacht Club in 2023. Since 2018, the yacht club had been known as Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina, after the investors who purchased the…

Coverage Details

Bias distribution.

• There is no tracked Bias information for the sources covering this story.

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Similar News Topics

Gurney’s Owners Buy Montauk Yacht Club

The owners of Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa have purchased the Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina and plan to spend approximately $13 million to upgrade the property, which they will rename Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club and Resort. The amount of the sale was not disclosed.

In a press release issued on May 7, George Filopolous, the founder of Metrovest Equities and the president and co-owner of Gurney’s, said that he was looking forward to elevating the accommodations at the yacht club.

Since 2007, the yacht club — which features 107 guest rooms, meeting rooms, a ballroom, three restaurants, and 35 acres of marina and grounds — had been owned by an affiliate of Island Capital Group L.L.C., a real estate investment firm led by Andrew Farkas. “We have had the privilege of being associated with the Montauk Yacht Club for 11 years,” said Mr. Farkas, in a statement announcing the sale.

Mr. Filopolous and his business partner, Lloyd Goldman of BLDG Management, purchased Gurney’s in 2013. In 2015, they bought a neighboring property, the Panoramic View Resort, and transformed it into the Gurney’s Residences, a condominium development. They also opened a Gurney’s resort in Newport, R.I., last year. The duo plan to oversee the transition of the yacht club, which will close this winter to undergo propertywide renovations and reopen in time for the 2019 season.

Immediate upgrades planned for the resort include handing over the food and beverage service to LDV Hospitality, the firm that owns the Scarpetta restaurants and other high-end eateries. A Scarpetta outpost is also located at Gurney’s Resort on Old Montauk Highway.

The Commercial Observer reported on Thursday that the purchase was made possible by a $56 million loan from Acore Capital.

Your support for The East Hampton Star helps us deliver the news, arts, and community information you need. Whether you are an online subscriber, get the paper in the mail, delivered to your door in Manhattan, or are just passing through, every reader counts. We value you for being part of The Star family.

Your subscription to The Star does more than get you great arts, news, sports, and outdoors stories. It makes everything we do possible.

Subscribe to The Star

Copyright © 1996-2024 The East Hampton Star. All rights reserved. 

• Police & Courts
• Classifieds
• East Magazine
• Garden & Home
• Change Password
• Make a Donation
• Summer Academy
• Weekly Top Stories by Email
• Work at The Star

Site search

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Archive.curbed.com
• For Sale
 in The Hamptons
• For Rent
 in The Hamptons
• Development
 News
• Architecture
• Neighborhoods

Filed under:

Gurney’s expands, purchases the Montauk Yacht Club

Gurney’s is now the largest name in the hotel business on the East End

Gurney’s is officially the biggest name in the hotel business on the East End of Long Island after its purchase of the Montauk Yacht Cub Resort & Marina last week, reports the New York Post and Behind the Hedges . The price paid for the Yacht Club has not been revealed, but the Post mentioned in its original report that it is rumored to have closed near $60 million.

The Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina will be soon renamed to hold the Gurney’s name, officially as Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club & Resort.

The waterfront property is expected to close down this winter for $13 million of upgrades to be put into the 107 guest rooms, the ballroom, the meeting rooms, its three restaurants, and the rest of the property including the marina. This is after the Yacht Club underwent a $4 million update last winter.

Gurney’s owner, George Filopoulos, commented on the purchase, writing:

The Montauk Yacht Club is respected in the Hamptons as much as in the yachting community. We’re looking forward to elevating the property and its offerings for weddings, groups, and leisure guests, and to now creating opportunities for our guests between our resort and marina destinations in Montauk and Newport.

Sited on 35 acres of waterfront land, the new addition to Gurney’s features 2,000 feet of private beach. They’ve also hired LDV Hospitality to give the menu a new boost, and they’re expected to host fashion, lifestyle, and wellness pop-up shops.

Officially joining the Gurney’s family. Gurney’s Resorts is looking for multiple positions based in Montauk including: Area Director of Food & Beverage, Restaurant Manager, Sommelier, Sous Chef, Conference Services Manager, Chef De Cuisine, Restaurant Manager and Line Cooks. Send resumes to [email protected] to apply. #gonetogurneys Photo | @mackiddowntownhouston A post shared by Montauk Yacht Club (@montaukyacht) on May 4, 2018 at 3:59pm PDT

Below are renderings of what the interiors at the Yacht Club Restaurant Bar will look like post-renovation.

For tips and corrections, please email [email protected]

• Gurney’s nearing deal to buy Montauk yacht club [New York Post]
• Gurney’s Resorts buys another property in Montauk [New York Post]
• Gurney’s Buys the Montauk Yacht Club [Behind the Hedges]

Share this story

• Shelter Island
• Southampton
• Westhampton Beach
• Digital Editions
• Dan’s Best of the Best

Events Calendar

View and Post Events

• Books & Authors
• Events & Entertainment
• Fairs & Festivals
• Fitness & Outdoors
• Food & Drink
• Galleries & Museums
• Kids & Families
• Nonprofits & Philanthropy
• Performing Arts
• Pets & Animals

Dan’s Events

Visit Dan’s Taste

• Artist Profiles
• Books & Authors
• Galleries & Museums
• Music, Film & TV
• Restaurants
• Bars, Breweries & Distilleries
• Wine & Wineries
• Celebrity News
• Crime & Police
• Environment
• Real Estate
• Fashion & Style
• Hotels & Inns
• Kids & Family
• Nonprofits & Philanthropy
• Party & Event Photos
• Dan's Stories

Gurney's Buys the Montauk Yacht Club

Built by Carl Fisher in 1929, the Montauk Yacht Club was an exclusive, private club for the likes of the Chryslers, Astors, Vanderbilts, and Fords. Back in the day, Charles Lindbergh used to land his seaplane in Lake Montauk and moor it at the club. Nearly 90 years later, Gurney’s Resorts is adding a second property in Montauk with its acquisition of Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club & Resort–we can expect much of that prewar glamour to return.

What’s in store for the resort? Immediately, better food and beverage service led by LDV Hospitality (which is known especially in the Hamptons for Scarpetta Beach). And as the largest marina in the Hamptons (who knew?) the Yacht Club plans to deliver a full-service experience to the boating community. The property will close this winter for a $13 million upgrade to its 107 guestrooms, ballroom, meeting rooms, three restaurants, and 35-acre marina and grounds, complete in time for the 2019 season. Considering how gorgeous the revamped Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Spa looks now, we’ll be excited to see the new yacht club next year.

President and Owner of Gurney’s Resorts George Filopoulos told Behind the Hedges , “The Montauk Yacht Club is an iconic property in the Hamptons, and its marina location creates a prime spot for boaters and yachters, allowing us to extend the Gurney’s experience to a broader audience. Although the property completed a $4,000,000 refresh over the winter, our further planned upgrades will ensure that the Yacht Club experience is consistent with the Gurney’s brand ethos, including innovative design, service, ambiance and food and beverage.”

While we’re in a Gurney’s groove, the original Gurney’s is debuting a completely new design of its famous Beach Club (gone are the yellow and white stripes!) this summer on its 2,000 ft private beach (see below). Additionally, the summer will welcome fashion and lifestyle pop-ups with The Fashion Collective at Gurney’s, wellness pop-ups and retreats from the hottest names in fitness, and a partnership with infrared sauna Higher Dose.

As lifelong Montauk people, we’re just so delighted that these local institutions are getting world-class upgrades. See you there this summer!

What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

Vetted Hamptons Resources

Hamptons Classified 

Most recent articles.

Bethenny Frankel's Bridgehampton Home Hits Market

Hampton Subway Flagman Digs Illegal Tunnel from Home to Work

Justin Timberlake Pleads Guilty to DWAI, Avoids Jail in Sag Harbor Case

The Mayor’s Catch: A Monthly Update from West Hampton Dunes Mayor Irwin Krasnow

• Account Details
• Email Preferences
• Member FAQs

© 2024 Observer Media ·  Terms  ·  Privacy

ACORE Lends $56M in Gurney’s Purchase of Montauk Yacht Club Resort

By cathy cunningham may 17, 2018 2:53 pm.

Gurney’s Resorts owners Metrovest Equities and BLDG Management sealed their purchase of the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina in Montauk, N.Y., with a $55.6 million acquisition and renovation loan from ACORE Capital , Commercial Observer can first report.

The financing  comprises a first mortgage and a mezzanine loan and has a 60-month term.  The deal closed on May 2 within a short timeframe, sources said. 

The property is Gurney’s second luxury resort in the Hamptons Hamlet—joining Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa — and third in total. In February 2017, it acquired what is now  Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina in Newport, R.I.

“We’re very sponsor-driven, basis-driven and business plan-driven and this deal ticked all of those boxes,” Tony Fineman , ACORE’s head of Eastern region originations, said of the draw to the East End project. “Its multigenerational sponsorship is second to none.”

The New York Post first reported news of the Montauk Yacht Club Resort purchase , which is said to have closed at around $60 million. Andrew Farkas ’ Island Global Yachting was the previous owner of the resort, which includes a 232-slip marina that can accommodate vessels up to 220 feet.

“We love the property, it’s irreplaceable,” Fineman said. “Where else can you find a resort like this in a market with such high barriers to entry. Given the synergies with Gurney’s Montauk Resort, I don’t think you could have found a better sponsor for this project.”

The 107-room resort, located at 3200 Star Island Road , will be renamed Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club & Resort , according to the NYP. Sitting on 35 acres of waterfront land, property amenities include a private beach, a heated indoor pool, two outdoor heated pools, saunas, four tennis courts, a spa and a children’s playground.

The resort will close this winter to undergo a $13 million property-wide upgrade to the guestrooms, ballroom, meeting rooms and restaurants, as well as the 35-acre marina and grounds, according to a press release from Gurney’s.  

“The Montauk Yacht Club is respected in the Hamptons as much as in the yachting community,” George Filopoulos , the president and owner of Gurney’s Resorts, said in prepared remarks. “We’re looking forward to elevating the property and its offerings for weddings, groups, and leisure guests, and to now creating opportunities for our guests between our resort and marina destinations in Montauk and Newport.”

Eastdil Secured ‘s Kenneth Ziebelman and Rob Turner  arranged the financing.  Officials at the brokerage did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

California Legislature Passes New Guidance on Controversial ‘Builder’s Remedy’ Rule

Metropolitan realty buys 10-building harlem rental portfolio for $64m, looking for a smart bet in the market multifamily development is your hedge., television city overhaul gets green light from l.a. planning commission.

CMBS Loan on Four Stamford Office Buildings Owned by RFR Hits Special Servicing

By andrew coen.

Former Robert Morris University Office in Chicago Appraised at Paltry $9.2M

By brian pascus.

Ripco Hires Michael Winter to Bolster Capital Markets Platform

Owner George Filopoulos On The Evolution Of Gurney’s Hotels

Photo Credit: Gurneys

George Filopoulos  is the mastermind behind some of the most beloved resorts in America with the haute hotel brand, Gurney’s. The company was first formed in 2013 when George led an investor group to purchase the original Gurney’s Inn, located in Montauk, New York. Several phases of renovation have transformed the property into Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa.

In 2015 the adjacent property was acquired launching the Residences at Gurney’s Montauk. In 2018 the company purchased the Montauk Yacht Club and added 107 rooms and 232 Marina slips to its portfolio, and in 2019, added Gurney’s Star Island. In 2021 Gurney’s made its debut in the southwest acquiring Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona Prior to his hospitality investments, George through his company Metrovest Equities, was involved in the acquisition and redevelopment of over 2,000 apartments in mixed use projects and public/private partnerships encompassing three million square feet.

Here, he talks to us about how he built some of the hottest hotels in America.

How did the brand come to be a Hamptons hot spot? What strategies have you employed to make it so? How have you evolved from an East Coast hotspot to a bicoastal brand?

We’ve evolved a lot from our beginnings as a local Hamptons brand. By growing with our customer base and adapting to their changing preferences, while also continuing to reach new audiences for both our destinations and properties, we’ve grown from a group of boutique hotels in seasonal destinations into a growing bicoastal hospitality brand. Our dedicated network of returning guests have helped us build our brand image, and in the last few years we’ve gone from a brand that’s synonymous with summer at the beach to an overall expert in the luxury travel space. Some of our key strategies have been listening to our guests, working in close partnership with our local communities, and building a network of like-minded brand partners.

What specifically sets Gurney’s apart from other hospitality companies?

At Gurney’s Resorts we are taking a fresh approach to luxury hospitality and tapping into the evolving needs of our clientele by providing a resort experience that is both classic and contemporary. All of our properties feature impeccably designed accommodations, elevated dining offerings, and dedicated property and events teams that are fully committed to making every stay and event truly memorable for our guests. In many of our destinations, we have also been the first to offer state of the art services and facilities, along with creative amenities and bespoke programming in the wellness, entertainment and lifestyle categories. We also deeply care about our local communities and preserving our local environments. This can be seen through some of our specialty designed programming that not only gives guests a unique experience but also helps them support our mission of directly giving back. For example, our children’s programming at Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina—Camp Gurney’s—is hosted in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program and offers our youngest guests the chance to explore Montauk’s marine ecosystem, learning valuable lessons about conservation while also having summer fun. We always try to be a responsible and supportive player in our communities, and are involved in local causes, organizations, and more.

With the recent addition of a property in Scottsdale, can you share more on the Gurney’s philosophy behind expansion? What has been the major factors guiding you when deciding where to go next?

Expansion has always been one of our top priorities. When choosing a new location, we are always guided by our brand pillars and seek out properties or destinations that organically align with our ethos and signature resort experience.

Given the recent acquisition of Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, why did the brand feel it was an opportune time for the westward expansion?

We had been looking in a few specific markets since our last acquisition of Gurney’s Star Island that took place in 2018, and the Sanctuary transaction originally began almost two years ago. Our decision to move west was very asset specific. We ultimately decided on Sanctuary as the property encompassed many of the same attributes we’ve cultivated at our previous projects. Our brand has always been guided by the mission to provide world-class amenities in exclusive resort destinations, and adding the Sanctuary into our portfolio felt like a natural extension of this.

Beyond expansion, what new things that visitors can expect to see at the existing properties this year?

At Sanctuary, we will officially start a full renovation later this year which will focus on enhancements to the rooms, pools and restaurants. Our vision behind this renovation is to execute a design that is inspired by and works in harmony with the property’s surrounding environment. One of the reasons the area is so popular is its stunning natural elements, so we are considering these attributes through every part of the design process. This past high-season in Montauk, guests have enjoyed a robust calendar of partnerships and activations, along with the signature Gurney’s experiences and amenities they know and love. From outdoor fitness classes to new cocktail experiences, the properties have had a groundbreaking summer season.

Noting that Gurney’s Montauk will be unveiling a completely renovated spa, what was the motivation behind revamping this experience?

The spa has always been a part of our resort’s history, and this renovation project has been a priority for us for the last several years. We were originally inspired to embark on this endeavor as we’ve continued to evolve with our guests’ priorities as they travel. We’ve seen an increased emphasis placed on wellness amongst our clientele and realized there was a real need for bespoke offerings and state of the art facilities out east. We wanted to make sure we were providing the very best experience possible for our guests, and ensure it was one that really pulled inspiration from the resort’s unique location. Thus our plans for the renovation were born. This spa has been very positively received by our guests this summer, with many of our guests taking advantage of this new oasis to fully reset.

What are some key things visitors to the Hamptons experienced this summer in Montauk?

This summer was one of our most successful seasons yet. A major moment out east was of course our Seawater Spa. Guests this summer were some of the first to see the revamped spa with a completely new look and feel, and the feedback so far has been that they are totally blown away by the new experience. One of the most striking features of the spa is of course our pool, which is the only ocean-fed seawater pool in North America. We’ve expanded and rebuilt the pool, adding on to its original foundations to create a more luxurious space. We’ve added full bathhouse experience to the spa offerings, including a caldarium, thermae baths, sauna and steam rooms, and a salt room. For treatments, we’ve also added a collection of indoor-outdoor suites with great views of the Atlantic Ocean. And for fitness enthusiasts, the spa space now includes state of the art cardio and weight equipment, a movement studio, and areas for activations and activities. Aside from the spa, both our properties in Montauk unveiled events, amenities, and special offerings that took place all season long. One of the most exciting of course was through our partnership. The summer the brand launched their Dioriviera pop up boutique on property. Dior took over the East Deck and created what we called the “Dior Deck,” which was a special hangout haven featuring a dedicated F&B menu and finished with Dioriviera umbrellas and lounge chairs all available for purchase on location. In addition to the pop-up, Dior also debuted a special spa activation in Seawater Spa, marking the first time that the Dior art of beauty and well-being has traveled to the Hamptons. Taking over one of the four premier indoor-outdoor treatment rooms, Dior is offered an exclusive treatment menu curated especially for gurney’s seawater spa. Something we’ve also announced within the last year is our Gurney’s Memberships program. Consisting of Resort, Spa and All Access memberships, this program offers exclusive access to world class amenities, concierge services and spa services available at Gurney’s Montauk. Special access includes exclusive beach service to bespoke beauty treatments, and much more.

Be honest: Which property is your favorite?

All of our properties have that special Gurney’s feel but are of course unique in their own way. Our offerings at Gurney’s Montauk are what helped us build such great momentum, but the exciting growth at Gurney’s Star Island has been so fun to watch. And we are of course excited to continue to add more Gurney’s touches to Sanctuary!

Beyond expansion into new markets, how has the brand expanded its footprint in other sectors—especially wellness and culinary?

The new Seawater Spa is a major move forward in the world of wellness for our brand, and we plan to use the expertise of our new highly trained spa staff when expanding our offerings in this space across the portfolio. As wellness becomes more and more ingrained into everyday life, we are continuing to tap partners and offer amenities that make keeping a wellness routine while traveling possible, beyond allowing guests to totally reset in our world-class spa. As far as culinary goes, we’ve continued to expand our offerings and work with our food & beverage teams to create restaurant spaces that become their own culinary hot spots, meant to be enjoyed by hotel guests, visitors and locals alike.

How do you see Gurney’s continuing to grow in the next few years, what are you most excited about when it comes to the future of travel?

Something that has been really exciting to watch is the transformation of typical resort areas into more year-round destinations. We’ve now been able to curate off-season programming and activities that really showcase new sides of our destinations to our guests that they may not have previously seen. We also continue to keep our finger on the pulse of industry trends and find waves to weave these through our experiences. One thing that we believe will continue is flexibility of work life balance, and for a brand like Gurney’s with properties near so many major hubs, we continue to format our offerings to meet the needs of digital nomads, extended stay guests and new year-round residents to the areas our property’s call home.

Where will you open next? Any plans in the works?

Additional acquisitions and new openings are both things that our brand is considering as we continue to look toward expansion. But as the Gurney’s brand has built a specific look, feel, and identity, we will continue to be mindful when looking to add further properties. Our top consideration when exploring options in the future will continue to be identifying similar characteristics that have made our previous projects so successful.

Related Articles

These Were The Hautest Shows Of New York Fashion Week

It’s safe to say fashion is officially back in the city — ahead, we take a look back on the best shows of New York Fashion Week.

Louis Vuitton Unveils Men’s Fall Collection Inspired By Late Painter Park Seo-Bo

Louis Vuitton has launched Fall, a Men’s Capsule Collection that just made its grand debut this week inspired by painter Park Seo-Bo.

The Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams Collection Is Officially Here

Tiffany & Co. has unveiled new designs from its Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection, featuring freshwater pearls.

Camila Coelho Finds The Freedom In Creating

Miami was made for our Haute 100 Miami 2024 cover star Camila Coelho. As the ultimate multi-hyphenate, there’s nothing she can’t do.

Lindsay Dymowski Constantino Of Centennial Pharmacy Services On Revolutionizing Care For 2030

Lindsay Dymowski Constantino is leading the way for home-based care and what it means for the future of pharmacy services.

Lisa Kistermann Is The Latest It-Girl

An enigmatic combination of charm, beauty and personal style make Lisa Kistermann both approachable and unreachably cool.

Latest Story

Trending articles.

Celebrating Five Years Of Cincoro Tequila—A Toast To Excellence

Baden Bower Offers Strategic PR Guidance On B. Riley Financial’s Privatization Proposal

Haute Living Celebrates Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson At Hudson Club In NYC

Cocktail Of The Week: The “Emily In Paris”-Inspired Emily Lillet Royale Blanc

Subscribe to haute living.

Receive Our Magazine Directly at Your Doorstep

Embark on a journey of luxury and elegance with Haute Living magazine. Subscribe now and have every issue conveniently delivered to your home. Experience the pinnacle of lifestyle, culture, and sophistication through our pages.

Haute Black Membership

Your Gateway to Extraordinary Experiences

Join Haute Black and unlock access to the world's most prestigious luxury events

Club + Resort Business

Developer Redefining Montauk, N.Y. for Year-Round Luxury

By Rob Thomas | July 25, 2019

George Filopoulos, owner and president of Metrovest Equities, began changing the feel of the hamlet at the eastern end of Long Island with his purchase of Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa in 2013. He has since expanded with Gurney´s Star Island Resort & Marina (a takeover and redesign of the Montauk Yacht Club) and Gurney’s Newport (R.I.) Resort & Marina. In addition to providing luxurious amenities, Filopoulos has focused on integrating local brands and uplifting local business.

Montauk started out as a small fishing village on the East End of Long Island, in New York’s Suffolk County, a two-to-three hour drive from Manhattan. But it has evolved into one of the most sought-after destinations in the northeastern United States—with a reputation that extends far beyond its humble beginnings, the travel website Skift reported.

When it comes to a destination’s evolution from cool to something more luxurious, the question becomes how to maintain its original allure while providing the rooms, dining, and service expected by a higher-end clientele, Skift reported.

Is being a magical place—not to mention stylish and hip—enough, or do the amenities have to match Manhattan standards for Montauk to make it as a year-long luxury destination? What is considered luxury in a destination once known more for being a laid-back and relaxed surfer’s haven rather than a posh enclave? How do you manage the crowds while maintaining a sense of calm?

Few are confronting this conundrum head-on quite like George Filopoulos, owner and president of Metrovest Equities, which bought the controlling interest in Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa with his partner in 2013, Skift reported. Filopoulos has since grown the collection beyond its original property to include Gurney´s Star Island Resort & Marina, which opened this Memorial Day, and Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina.

Its second Montauk property is a takeover and redesign of the Montauk Yacht Club, Skift reported. At least one previous member remarked during the opening weekend that it had grown tired and outdated in the changing landscape of the East End.

Filopoulos is designing spaces that include all the necessities of a luxury property—rooms with sea views, restaurants whose reputations and waitlists exceed their menus, seawater spas, green grounds, and thousands of square feet of indoor and outdoor space for weddings and events, Skift reported.

Filopoulos was a veteran vacationer in Montauk before purchasing its first storied property, and he understood the nuances of doing business in a small town that swelled during the season, Skift reported. Faced with the same challenges as the likes of hospitality leaders in other U.S. beach villages and Mexico’s Tulum, Filopoulos focused on community engagement from the start.

“I’ve got to see [the evolution] firsthand, and it’s really interesting,” Filopoulos told Skift .

He recognized that integrating local brands, uplifting local business, and providing a platform to further engagement with sister businesses were a critical element to keeping the Gurney’s brand welcome and celebrated throughout its expansion, Skift reported.

Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina’s four restaurants and bars are led by Hamptons native and chef Jeremy Blutstein who built the menus around the local and seasonal produce from land and sea, Skift reported. Seafood is caught daily by local fishermen and delivered directly to the docks at Gurney’s Star Island—a surprisingly rarity in this fishing town—and most produce is sourced from farms located within 20 miles of the property. This focus on sustainability and localism creates a positive feedback loop with the surrounding community despite drawing visitors from far beyond Long Island.

“The concept was conceived when thinking about how few fish restaurants remain in Montauk,” Filopoulos told Skift .

“It’s hard to say without cracking up a little bit, but there’s been a lot of interesting places opening up over the last 10 years, and most of them are offshoots of a place that doesn’t really have any beach or any water around it. We started to look at that and say, ‘Well, that doesn’t make sense. Why don’t we go and do something that’s focused on bringing the freshest approach to that?’”

Gurney’s Montauk properties also partner with other brands that have a local presence to offer morning workouts, wellness events, and retail pop-ups, Skift reported.

“One of the first things we did prior to even starting work at Gurney’s was reach out to brands that we thought hit the same demographic as Gurney’s to come in and use this amazing setting. Wellness brings guests out, and we’ve had great success through partnerships. You’re doing it where your whole demographic is residing for that time period, and you get the opportunity to co-market together. It has to just feel right and, when it does, it works really well,” said Filopoulos.

Gurney’s properties stand out in Montauk not only for their size—with more than 100 rooms each—but for creating a complete luxury experience from design to dining in a single location, Skift reported. The hotels continue to see a rise in new guests as well as more visits from repeat customers. There are more guests coming from beyond the Northeast with a marked rise in Europeans and more people using the hotel as a seasonal rental rather than renting a home. Luxury amenities and the ability to book shorter repeats stays throughout the summer are part of the draw.

Gurney’s beachfront location hits close to 70 percent occupancy throughout the year, with more than 90 percent occupancy in June through September and 50 percent occupancy even in January, Skift reported. Weddings and corporate events drive business in shoulder months and the off-season.

Gurney’s is not the only hotel brand reestablishing itself for the evolving clientele headed to the East End, Skift reported. Other veteran luxury hotels in the Hamptons have also renovated for the increasingly younger and wealthier customer base. The Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton completed a renovation in May 2017. With 19 rooms, the renovation focused on a fresher design and more environmentally sustainable infrastructure.

Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton was originally built in 1843 and recently renovated with rates often going for around $2,000 per night, Skift reported.

“The Hamptons are a collection of beachside villages with a lot of history but a very seasonal crowd. As a result, luxury has been reserved for the extremely wealthy with their second homes out here. We are starting to see a shift where less-monied travelers can still enjoy the beautiful landscape,” said Joseph Montag, general manager at the property.

“New renovations such as ours have put all the details into place regarding a luxury experience. We certainly strive to have luxury service in terms of the personable nature with which we welcome guests.

“We see a wider and wider range of profile for our guests. Guests continue to get younger as wealth is developed at a younger age and travel is certainly trendy for those under 45, however, we have a lot of families with children that come out for the summer as well as more established annual guests.”

Montag expects that visitation will continue to boom in the next five to 10 years, with more people taking advantage of the ability to work remotely while on vacation, Skift reported. Although this has already impacted development in cities, he believes its impact on the economy in smaller destinations such as the Hamptons will skyrocket over the next decade.

These are clear examples of historic villages transforming as their popularity booms, but there are always locals looking to maintain the status quo, Skift reported. There are numerous groups throughout the East End that work hard to ensure the impact of new properties do not overburden the fragile environment or price out long-term residents. In addition to hotels, the rise in second homes and Airbnb rentals put pressure on the local infrastructure and economy.

A New York Times article published on Memorial Day chronicled the impact of growing visitation through the lens of bathroom lines at Montauk’s Surf Lodge, Skift reported.

In an almost comical piece, council members and leaders of groups such as the Concerned Citizens of Montauk fought to preserve the cleanliness of their waters impacted by overburdened septic systems—a clear example of how the increasing popularity of the destination put the environment at risk, Skift reported.

What’s happening in Montauk and the Hamptons is nothing new, but the hoteliers building their brands based on the humble values of a fishing community with the backing of newly monied Manhattanites will continue to juggle the demands of all parties for the future, Skift reported.

About The Author

Rob Thomas, Editor-in-Chief, is based in Cleveland, Ohio. He's a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and a long-time golf course rater. Married with three children, Rob enjoys golf when not participating in activities with his family. Follow him on Twitter (@AmGolferBlog) and listen to him on the Club + Resort Talks podcast.

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Related Articles Read More >

Miakka Golf Club: A New Florida Course With Sandbelt Flair

Former LPGA Star Honored by Robert Trent Jones Society

The Ledges Launches Executive Chef Search

CMAA World Conference and Club Business Expo Heads to Vegas This Week

Search club + resort business.

• Course+Grounds
• Design+Renovation
• Food+Beverage
• 2023 Top Ranked Clubhouses
• 2023 Top Ranked Pro Shops
• 2023 Top Ranked Patios
• 2023 Racquet Facilities
• 2023 Aquatics & Pools
• 2023 Fitness & Wellness Centers
• 2023 Culinary Experience
• 2023 Club + Resort Business Leaders in the Club Industry
• 2022 C+RB Leaders in the Club Industry Winners
• Culinary Playbook
• Kitchen Equipment and Design Playbook
• Maintenance Employees Playbook
• Technology Playbook
• Digital Issues
• Sponsored Content
• The Road Ahead/The Road Back
• Unboxing Videos

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

Mom’s viral airplane seating hack sparks debate: 'Can't stand...

I’m an etiquette expert — you look like a snob when you do...

I'm a doctor — here are 9 simple ways to reduce your risk of...

Court bans couple’s historical baby name over bullying fears:...

38-pound rescue cat Crumbs gets stuck in shoe rack while trying...

I'm an air travel expert — here's why I always book the worst...

I'm a heart surgeon — these are the two types of patients who...

I'm a flight attendant — here's why the cabin crew never helps...

Jennifer Gould

Gurney’s sets sail with new menu for montauk yacht club.

Now that Gurney’s has bought the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina — in a deal first reported in Side Dish — the team has partnered once again with LDV Hospitality for newly named Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club’s food and beverage offerings.

Before Gurney’s involvement, the yacht club was not exactly known for its food. But that’s about to change.

Gurney’s Resorts, which is now the biggest hotelier on the East End, with three properties in Montauk, has hired chef Paolo Dorigato, of Miami’s Dolce Italian, the winner of Bravo’s 2015 Best New Restaurant, to spearhead the new menu.

Chef Chris Jaeckle is overseeing the execution of all menus. Jaeckle is the co-founder and executive chef of Uma Temakeria and the founder of Kitchen Connect Consulting. The new menu offers Italian-inspired seafood creations, from spicy sriracha lobster rolls to whimsical star-shaped pizzas.

Where barefoot luxury meets waterfront adventure

Spanning 16 acres of waterfront expanse, untouched natural beauty, and endless views, montauk yacht club is a haven on the calm waters of lake montauk—bridging a legacy of east end tradition with star island adventure, exceptional dining at ocean club montauk, elevated wellness offerings, and direct access to the hamptons’ largest marina…all from the team behind proper hospitality..

At The End, discover a new beginning…

What’s new for the season:, our holistic renovation includes all new dining options at the waterfront ocean club montauk restaurant & bar; the intimate lighthouse lounge; an exclusive spa partnership with la prairie; two padel courts with privé padel; house fleet of ineos cars & x shore boats; and a fully renovated fitness center, curated retail shop, gourmet grab-and-go market, refreshed guest rooms, and more..

Serene Stays

Stay in guest rooms appointed with airy, light-filled interiors, each offering a window to the expansive surroundings & views of the marina, lakefront, or garden. Or retreat to the property’s enclave of newly appointed, historic 1928 cottages, each pairing original architectural charm with elevated amenities.

Ocean Club Montauk

Join us at the all new Ocean Club Montauk, an all-day dining destination for sweeping waterfront views, just-caught seafood, open-fire Braai grilling, and the best local, in-season ingredients—all prepared in the Hamptons’ most expansive open kitchen by Chef Jarad McCarroll.

An acclaimed St. Barths destination is reenvisioned through an East End lens at the all new Ocean Club Montauk, an all-day dining destination for sweeping waterfront views, just-caught seafood, open-fire Braai grilling, and the best local, in-season ingredients—all prepared in the Hamptons’ most expansive open kitchen by Chef Jarad McCarroll.

everything you need

Opt in to activity or perfect the art of leisure—with amenities including boating & fishing excursions, sunset cruises on our house boats, two pools, a private beach, a newly-expanded fitness center, spa, tennis, bocce ball, volleyball, and Montauk’s only padel courts.

Distinctly Montauk

Montauk’s pristine waterfront, untouched landscape, and expansive views have always spoken to a certain kind of soulful traveler—from artists to writers, surfers to fishermen long drawn to the magic waiting just off the beaten path.

come together

From waterfront weddings to intimate dinners, creative workshops to team retreats, Montauk Yacht Club’s expansive property offers an inspired, diverse range of indoor & outdoor spaces to gather—including The Great Lawn, private dining at Ocean Club Montauk, and the ballroom.

Welcome aboard

Safe Harbor Montauk Yacht Club is the largest marina in the Hamptons, serving everything from small day cruisers to 300-foot superyachts. And whether you’re a seasoned mariner or casual seafarer, wet slips & chartered boats are ready for waterfront excursions, fishing trips, local transportation, sunset cruises, and beyond.

Metrovest, Lloyd Goldman secure $218M refi on Montauk resort

Deutsche Bank provided loan for 158-key hotel, which the partnership acquired in 2018

Gurney’s Montauk

Metrovest Equities and Lloyd Goldman’s BLDG Management refinanced their luxury resort hotel in the Hamptons to the tune of $217.5 million.

Deutsche Bank provided the loan on Gurney’s Montauk Resort, Commercial Observer reported.

Goldman’s BLDG Management and Metrovest — owned by George Filopoulos — spent about $30 million over the last three years to upgrade the 158-room hotel, which sits on a 2,000-foot-long private beach off Old Montauk Highway.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

Improvements include the addition of a “seawater spa” expected to open early next year. The property, about a three-hour drive from Manhattan, includes five restaurants, watersports activities and retail, meetings and events spaces.

BLDG and Metrovest also own the nearby Montauk Yacht Club, which they bought in 2018 and rebranded as the Gurney’s Star Island Resort and Marina, as well as the Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina, across Long Island Sound in Rhode Island, which the partners acquired in 2017.

Newmark’s Dustin Stolly and Jordan Roeschlaub arranged the financing for Gurney’s Montauk Resort, the publication reported.

Goldman and Metrovest recently secured $110 million from Värde Partners to buy the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Paradise Valley, Arizona, according to the Observer, which reported that the partners plan to rebrand it as the Gurney’s Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa.

[ CO ] — Rich Bockmann

Protect Your Trip »

Montauk yacht club.

Courtesy of Montauk Yacht Club |

Find the Best Price

at the Montauk Yacht Club

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Gurney's Montauk Yacht Club & Resort is a historic lakeside resort on Lake Montauk that offers 107 guest rooms and 22 villas. Recent visitors loved the property’s beautiful location. Rooms have contemporary decor and furnishings and offer free Wi-Fi access, coffee makers, minifridges, and custom bathrobes and slippers. Complimentary parking and shuttle service to nearby restaurants or attractions is available. There are four on-site eateries where guests can grab everything from a full meal to craft cocktail. For larger affairs, there are 10,000 square feet of meeting space including the spacious Farmhouse Ballroom. The hotel’s ample amenities include beach cabanas, complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, a heated indoor pool and two heated outdoor pools, saunas, volleyball, four tennis courts, a spa and fitness center, nightly bonfires and s’mores, and complimentary paddleboards, bicycles and kayaks. Guests can also reserve a slip to dock their yacht and enjoy all the resort amenities.

• Hotel Class 4.0

Tripadvisor Traveler Rating

U.S. News analyzed more than 35,000 hotels to find the best in the USA, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, based on reputation among travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings.

• # 5 in Best Montauk Long Island Hotels
• # 2 in Best Montauk Long Island Resorts
• # 383 in Best New York Hotels
• # 20 in Best New York Resorts
• # 4230 in Best USA Hotels
• # 966 in Best USA Resorts

Similar Hotels Nearby

Hero Beach Club

The Montauk Beach House

Montauk Soundview

Guest Reviews

A hotel's guest rating is calculated using data provided under license by Tripadvisor. A total of 41 have reviewed the Montauk Yacht Club , giving it a rating of 4 , on a scale of 1-5.

Tripadvisor Travel Rating: 

• Free Internet
• Free Parking
• Meeting Rooms
• Shuttle Service

Editor’s note: Hotel information is updated periodically. If this is your property and you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know .

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.