Of all times of the year I booked a room in February, on the coldest weekend of the year in an effort to do some seal watching offered by the parks dept by Montauk's lighthouse... We checked in to one of the kitchenette condos on the second floor and I have to say, we were impressed & liked our "little apartment" for the weekend. Lots of tropical colors, the place was VERY clean - and heated up in a jiffy on such a freezing cold night. We felt lucky - there was no one else staying in the entire hotel, and there were no visitors around Montauk except locals. It was a brisk but quick walk to nearby restaurants & it was neat to have dinner and hear stories from the Cod Fishermen about their recent trips out to sea with the weather the way it was. We felt cozy in our little spot, the bathroom had obviously been renovated recently, living room/eating area had a comfy couch & a flat screen TV, as well as a flat screen in the bedroom too. You do look across to another hotel which is on the water; the sea is off to the side - so this place is not about full frontal sea views, but rather a good spot in the heart of it all. The ocean is just a hop & skip across a tiny little side road and boom - you are right there at the water's edge. This little place does does have its character. If you're looking for something upscale, this isnt the place for you but if you don't mind a clean, comfy place to lay your head very close to town with easy access to everything - and dont have hangups about staying in a nice, casual, low-key spot, then this is a great spot. I'm sure it is extremely busy in the summer! I cannot account for the other rooms in the hotel, but I followed other trip advisor reviews and requested one of the condos to stay in - for me, it was a great choice. The hike to the lookout to watch the Seals was a fun experience, even on a grey day - it was good excercise - and guess what - there were NO seals! Apparently - it was too cold out so the stayed in the water that weekend!!! Despte this - it was a romantic and special weekend. If you don't go when it's warm, you should consider trying it during off season, too. - It's one of the few places that are open year round.

Recently returned from a stay at Born Free. Have been going to Montauk for 30+ years and staying at Hither Hills campsite but needed space for additional family. Searching online, this was definately the best deal for the money, especially when you'll be spending most of your time on the beach. We liked the casual atmosphere of the place---kids playing on the deck or around the building and even cooking out on the upper deck. If you're looking for extreme quiet and don't like kids in your midst on vacation, this is not the place for you. The room was clean and the kitchenette and bathroom were recently updated. The kitchenette was well stocked for cooking so that you are not forced to eat out for every meal. The pull out sofa was not very comfortable, but they never are. Best to put mattress on the floor or bring a good air mattress. Not always room for all cars on the lot, but it is easy to park on the street right in front. The small, cramped rental office needs some work, but other than that it was a very pleasant experience. We look forward to staying there again next summer.

If your looking for an inexpensive hotel--directly across the street from the beach, I don't see how you can knock this place. It is clean, roomy and convenient. If you prefer more upscale hotels, you can go right down the road--but or 3 times the cost. To each his own.

My wife and I have been staying at Born Free over Columbus Day, Labor Day and New Years weekends for several years. We generally request a second floor one-bedroom apartment as they are a bit quieter on busy holiday weekends. All of the essentials are supplied by Condo owners. Full equipped wall kitchen. Living room, bedroom and bathroom w/stall shower are each on separate thermostat for maximum comfort. Directly across the street from the ocean - a 75 yard walk to the surf.
Cable TV included.

If you are looking for a Hilton, you will be disappointed. If you are looking for a quiet well kept property to spend a week on-season at the beach, this place is perfect for couples or families of 4.

Two years ago over New Years Weekend, we invited two couples to visit with us and took 3 apartments. We all enjoyed walking the village and the beach, visiting the famous Montauk lighthouse, driving through old Camp Hero, shopping in the small village stores and eating at quaint restaurants.

I am simply a visitor to this property. I am not related to the owners, nor have I ever met any staff other than the manager who takes the reservations.

One final word ... The winter skies at Montauk are incredibly beautiful. The night sky is brilliant with thousands of stars visible.