Dan's Papers - October 26, 2007 - Hampton Tradition X

Traditions are defined as behavioral patterns established by populace over time in an identifiable way. There is no other way to describe Gurney's Inn, located on 290 Old Montauk Highway, overlooking the mighty Atlantic Ocean in Montauk. With beautiful weddings held on the beach, various functions are expertly handled including the recent opening night party of the Hamptons International Film Festival. The staff at Gurneys Inn, led by CEO Paul Monte, brings the family touch to every aspect. Marketing Manager Ingrid Lemme is always ready to assist in making Monte's mantra of "everybody feels at home" an everyday occurrence at Gurney's.

When one pulls into the entrance of Gurney's Inn, it almost seems as if the parking lot itself is on the deck of a huge ocean liner docked in the ocean. As soon as you dip down through the welcoming entrance you know you have entered somewhere very special. Valet parking, doormen and many other staff members greet guests.

The thing about Gurney's is that there are so many different reasons for guests to visit. There are those who visit on a regular basis to take advantage of the many luxurious treatments offered at the Gurney's Sea Water Spa. In the beginning, Nick Monte brought in Baroness Hildegard van Mengerson to formulate the spa in a very European style. So many people schedule trips to the spa in small groups to socialize, have a ladies day, week or weekend. Who doesn't love to be pampered by a world-class staff at a spa?

For others, the tradition of Gurney's is the yearly visit to their timeshare to rally the family, or have some down time right there at the foot of the ocean. Over the years Montauk legend and visionary Nick Monte, who just passed away, understood the essence of quality family time, whether it be a dad going walking with his growing children along the surf, a mom relaxing with the little ones, or families gathered in the spacious yet cozy dining rooms to have family meals prepared by the talented chefs. Not to mention the wine list is world-class and the ocean views are the essence of what a dining view should be. Those who own timeshares at Gurney's always leave wishing they could stay longer.

Traditional events such as Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving are done with a warm touch that makes guests feel at home. So many local families join others from as far away as California to enjoy a sit-down feast Gurney's-style on those traditional holidays. The gathering rooms are decorated in great detail and skill under the direction of Ingrid Lemme, who also writes books, hosts the "American Dream Show," takes beautiful photos and makes everybody smile and feel so much at home at Gurney's Inn.

CEO Paul Monte is perhaps a classic example of how to handle the responsibility of a great inn while treating every single guest like a member of his family. Brooklyn born, Paul has received many awards from the Hamlet of Montauk for his tireless work to keep the Easternmost End of Long Island a very special place.

He has been handed the torch to lead and plan the success of Gurney's Inn into the twenty-first century, as the visionary Nick Monte did during the twentieth century. Everyone seems to agree the legacy of Gurney's is in the best of hands.

Perhaps an overlooked tradition is that of just wandering over to Gurney's for a drink at the bar, a nice lunch or a quiet dinner. Kenny the singing bartender sings wonderful tunes for his patrons when he takes his turn on the regular Thursday night karaoke.

Nick Monte purchased Gurney's Inn in 1956 from Mrs. Maude Gurney. He personally supervised its growth. His vision had great worth. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His results are for all to enjoy. His legacy is of a great man who was a good man.

The tradition moves forward. In fact, my own mother, Elizabeth Clemente, battling lung cancer, celebrated her 82nd birthday on October 20 by driving from New Rochelle to stay at Gurney's perhaps for one last time. She said, "It was wonderful!"