When it comes to luxury travel in the Hamptons, Topping Rose House and Gurney’s Montauk are two of the most talked-about destinations. Each offers a unique experience—one centered around history and boutique charm, the other offering a beachfront retreat with a lively atmosphere. After researching both, making calls, and ultimately experiencing both locations firsthand, I have a well-rounded perspective to share in this Topping Rose House Review.
Here is my in-depth review of the Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton.
First Impressions & Arrival
Our journey started with a flight into JFK, but for those looking for an even smoother arrival, flying into East Hampton Airport via a private plane is an option. Companies like Blade offer direct flights, making travel to the Hamptons seamless. Given how busy traffic can be, a direct private flight is something I’d strongly consider next time.
Upon arriving at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, one thing that stood out to me immediately—unlike most 5-star properties, there was no valet upon arrival, which was unexpected. Instead, we parked ourselves and made our way inside to check-in.
That’s where we met Ryan Pendzick, who was not just the bellman but also the driver and check-in attendant. From the moment we arrived, his warm demeanor and genuine enthusiasm made us feel instantly welcome. He handled everything with ease—checking us in and ensuring we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. It was clear that he took great pride in his work, and his passion for hospitality truly stood out.
Throughout our stay, Ryan continued to provide exceptional service. In an industry where service can make or break an experience, Ryan elevated ours with his attentiveness and professionalism. His presence was a testament to the level of care that Topping Rose House strives for, and he was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our visit.
A Blend of Historic Charm & Modern Luxury
Topping Rose House is a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion with a contemporary twist. The mix of old-world charm and sleek design makes for a visually stunning property. The historic elements—like the library with its fireplace—add to the cozy and intimate feel. (Although, I wish the fireplace had been lit at all times, as it would have added an extra layer of warmth to the space.)
Our stay was made even better when we were upgraded to a gorgeous suite, overlooking the grounds. The attention to detail in the rooms is apparent, with Frette linens, Sferra bathrobes, Farmaesthetics bath products, and complimentary snacks and beverages. The daily housekeeping and turndown service ensured everything stayed impeccable.
See My Topping Rose House Room Tour Here:
Dining at Jean-Georges
The only restaurant at Topping Rose is Jean-Georges, a farm-to-table restaurant sourcing ingredients from local farms and fishermen. Breakfast was included in our stay, and it was absolutely fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. While we only dined here for breakfast, the restaurant offers meals throughout the day, including room service.
Amenities & Wellness
For a boutique hotel, Topping Rose offers an array of amenities:
- Heated outdoor pool and hot tub
- 24-hour gym with Peloton bikes, full showers, and sauna
- Complimentary BMW shuttle (within a 5-mile radius, though unavailable between 10 PM and 6 AM)
- Spa services in partnership with AIREM Aesthetic Spa and Farmaesthetics
- Seasonal beach equipment (chairs, umbrellas, towels, and car park passes)
- Complimentary bicycles for exploring the area
One slight letdown was the seasonal nature of some services. Massages, for example, are only available on weekends in the off-season (Labor Day to Memorial Day), and the hotel slows down significantly from January to March. These are things to consider when booking a stay.
Comparing Topping Rose to Gurney’s Montauk
As someone who loves to research before booking a stay, I made calls to both Gurney’s and Topping Rose before making my decision. Surprisingly, when I called Gurney’s, their front desk staff actually recommended Topping Rose because of its location and accessibility to other Hamptons hotspots. That alone swayed my decision, but after visiting Gurney’s myself, I have to say—it felt like the true luxury escape I was looking for.
Gurney’s Montauk sits right on the beach, providing stunning oceanfront views, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and a lively atmosphere even in the off-season. When we pulled up, there was immediate valet service, fireplaces burning in the lobby, a vibrant bar scene, and an amazing gift shop. The ocean was beautiful, and at 73 degrees, it was a picture-perfect day. It was at that moment my girlfriend and I looked at each other and thought, this is where we wanted to be. While Gurney’s is more remote (about 30 minutes from Bridgehampton), for those wanting a beachfront luxury experience, it might be worth the extra distance.
Final Thoughts
Topping Rose House is an excellent choice for travelers wanting to be centrally located in the Hamptons while enjoying a boutique luxury experience. The service—especially from Ryan—was outstanding, and the blend of historic charm with modern design creates a truly unique atmosphere. However, the lack of valet and certain off-season limitations did slightly impact the experience.
For those seeking an active, beachfront luxury stay, Gurney’s Montauk might be the better option. But if you want a cozy, well-appointed boutique stay close to everything, Topping Rose House is a fantastic choice.
Luxury. Service. Passion. Ratings
- Luxury: 5/5
- Passion: 5/5
- Service: 8/10 (Service was exceptional, but the lack of valet and a 24-hour house car slightly impacted convenience)
