The event ends at 7 PM. Traffic heading back to Manhattan can stretch for hours. The smarter play: stay the night, enjoy dinner without watching the clock, and drive back Sunday when roads are clear.

This guide covers accommodation options near Polo Hamptons’ Bridgehampton venue—from luxury properties to practical alternatives—with booking strategies for the high-demand July weekends.

Tickets for July 18 and 25, 2026 are available now. Book accommodation simultaneously—July Hamptons inventory moves fast.

Why Stay Over

The case for overnight accommodation extends beyond traffic avoidance.

Post-Event Opportunity

Polo Hamptons ends at 7 PM, but social momentum continues. Dinner reservations, after-parties, and continued conversation become possible when you’re not racing to beat traffic. Relationships initiated during the match deepen over dinner. The evening extends your networking window significantly.

The Traffic Reality

July Saturday evenings on Route 27 westbound test patience severely. What takes 90 minutes on a Tuesday morning can take four hours on a summer Saturday night. Sitting in traffic after three hours of champagne and sun creates suboptimal experience.

The Sunday Morning Advantage

Driving back Sunday morning—early, before beach traffic develops—often takes half the time of Saturday night departure. You trade a frustrating drive for a comfortable night and pleasant morning return.

Both-Date Attendance

If attending both July 18 and 25, staying through the week between events makes sense for those with flexibility. The Hamptons between polo weekends offers its own rewards—beaches, restaurants, and the summer lifestyle the region provides.

Luxury Options

For those prioritizing experience over economy, the Hamptons offers properties that match Polo Hamptons’ positioning.

Topping Rose House (Bridgehampton)

The Spa at Topping Rose, Bridgehampton
The Spa at Topping Rose, Bridgehampton

The closest luxury option to the Polo Hamptons venue. Topping Rose House combines boutique hotel intimacy with Hamptons agricultural elegance. The property includes acclaimed restaurant Jean-Georges at Topping Rose, making dinner planning seamless.

Distance to Venue: Minutes from 900 Lumber Lane

Character: Farmhouse-inspired luxury with contemporary sophistication. The setting echoes Polo Hamptons’ aesthetic—agricultural heritage elevated to luxury experience.

Considerations: Book early. The property is small and July weekends fill quickly. Rates reflect the quality and location.

Gurney’s Montauk

Gurney's Resort Montauk
Gurney’s Resort Montauk

Further east but offering beachfront luxury unavailable in Bridgehampton. Gurney’s combines resort amenities—beach, spa, pools—with Montauk’s distinct character.

Distance to Venue: Approximately 30-40 minutes east of Bridgehampton

Character: Beach resort luxury with ocean focus. The vibe differs from agricultural Bridgehampton—more resort, less village.

Considerations: The drive to and from polo adds time but avoids the immediate Bridgehampton accommodation competition. Montauk offers post-polo environment change.

The Maidstone (East Hampton)

The Maidstone East Hampton
The Maidstone East Hampton

East Hampton village location provides proximity to polo while accessing the village’s restaurants and atmosphere.

Distance to Venue: Approximately 15-20 minutes from Bridgehampton

Character: Scandinavian-influenced design within historic East Hampton property. The restaurant provides excellent on-site dining option.

Considerations: East Hampton village offers evening activity walking distance from the property. The location works for both polo attendance and Hamptons exploration.

The Baker House 1650 (East Hampton)

Historic property offering bed-and-breakfast intimacy rather than hotel anonymity.

Distance to Venue: Approximately 15-20 minutes from Bridgehampton

Character: Historic elegance in 17th-century building. Limited rooms create exclusive atmosphere.

Considerations: The intimate scale means early booking is essential. The property suits those who prefer character over contemporary luxury.

Mid-Range Options

Quality accommodation without luxury pricing exists, though options are limited during peak July weekends.

Southampton Inn

Southampton village location with accessible pricing compared to boutique properties.

Distance to Venue: Approximately 20 minutes from Bridgehampton

Character: Traditional Hamptons inn with pool, tennis courts, and village location. Less luxurious than boutique properties but comfortable and well-located.

Considerations: Southampton village provides dining and evening options. The property fills for July weekends—early booking advised.

The Hedges Inn (East Hampton)

East Hampton option with historic character at moderate (for Hamptons) pricing.

Distance to Venue: Approximately 15-20 minutes from Bridgehampton

Character: Victorian inn charm with limited rooms. The setting feels distinctly Hamptons without boutique hotel pricing.

Considerations: Small property means limited availability. July weekends book well in advance.

Sag Harbor Hotels

Sag Harbor village, north of Bridgehampton, offers several accommodation options with village atmosphere.

Distance to Venue: Approximately 15 minutes from Bridgehampton

Options: The American Hotel offers historic character; various inns and B&Bs provide alternatives.

Considerations: Sag Harbor village is vibrant with restaurants and nightlife. The location provides entertainment beyond just sleeping.

Alternative Approaches

When hotel availability or pricing proves challenging, alternatives exist.

House Rentals

Weekly house rentals dominate Hamptons accommodation, but short-term rentals around polo weekends may be available.

Platforms: Airbnb, VRBO, and Hamptons-specific rental agencies list properties. Weekend availability varies—many owners prefer weekly minimums during July.

Group Option: For groups attending polo together, a house rental provides gathering space for pre- and post-event socializing that hotels don’t match.

Considerations: Quality varies significantly. Research thoroughly, check reviews, and confirm details before committing.

Extended Stay

If attending both July 18 and 25, a week-long rental between events may prove more practical than two separate weekend bookings.

The week between polo dates allows Hamptons exploration—beaches, restaurants, villages, and the summer lifestyle that draws people to the region. Work remotely if your schedule permits; treat it as working vacation.

Manhattan Return

Some attendees prefer returning to Manhattan despite traffic, either to avoid Hamptons accommodation pricing or because Sunday obligations require city presence.

If returning same day, plan for extended drive time. Eat before leaving—you’ll be in the car for hours. Consider whether the traffic frustration undermines the afternoon’s enjoyment.

Booking Strategy

Hamptons July weekends fill early. Strategic booking prevents scrambling for last-minute inventory.

Timing

Book accommodation when you purchase polo tickets. Don’t wait to “figure out plans”—July Hamptons inventory is finite, and desirable properties fill months in advance.

For luxury properties and popular mid-range options, booking 3-6 months ahead is prudent. Waiting until June for July accommodation often leaves only undesirable options.

Cancellation Policies

Check cancellation policies before booking. Flexible policies allow you to adjust if plans change; restrictive policies may lock you into commitments you can’t modify.

Some properties require non-refundable deposits for peak-season bookings. Weigh the risk against the certainty of having accommodation secured.

Transportation Coordination

When booking, consider transportation to and from the polo venue. Properties within Bridgehampton offer walkable proximity. Properties further away require car or car service coordination.

If drinking at the event (likely, given open bar), ensure you have designated driver or car service for return to accommodation. Don’t plan to drive yourself after three hours at open bar.

Dinner Planning

Accommodation choice affects dinner options. Consider the following when selecting where to stay:

On-Site Dining

Properties with quality on-site restaurants (Topping Rose House, The Maidstone, American Hotel in Sag Harbor) simplify post-polo dining. You’re already there; no additional transportation required.

Village Proximity

Properties in East Hampton, Southampton, or Sag Harbor villages provide walking-distance restaurant access. Evening strolls to dinner become possible without car coordination.

Reservation Necessity

July Saturday dinner reservations in the Hamptons require advance booking. Make dinner reservations when you book accommodation—don’t assume walk-in availability at desirable restaurants.

Post-Polo Timing

Plan dinner for 8:00-8:30 PM. This allows time to leave polo, return to accommodation to freshen up if desired, and arrive at restaurant without rushing. Earlier reservations may feel hurried; later reservations may find you tired from the afternoon.

The Full Weekend

Polo Hamptons works best as part of a full weekend experience rather than isolated event attendance.

Saturday

  • Morning: Arrive in Hamptons, check into accommodation
  • Midday: Beach, lunch, or relaxation before polo
  • 4-7 PM: Polo Hamptons
  • Evening: Dinner at quality Hamptons restaurant
  • Night: Accommodation nearby

Sunday

  • Morning: Leisurely breakfast, beach if time permits
  • Late Morning: Depart for Manhattan before traffic builds
  • Alternatively: Extend stay if attending July 25 event

For complete weekend planning, see our Polo Hamptons Weekend Itinerary.

🏨 POLO HAMPTONS 2026
July 18 & 25 | Bridgehampton, NY
Get Tickets at PoloHamptons.com
Book accommodation when you buy tickets.


Connect With Polo Hamptons 2026

Tickets and Sponsorship:
PoloHamptons.com
Contact: Justin Mitchell | admin@polohamptons.com

Feature Articles, Advertising, and Brand Partnerships:
Contact Social Life Magazine

Join Our Email List:
Subscribe for Hamptons Insider Updates

Social Life Magazine Print Subscription:
Get Your Subscription

Support Our Coverage:
Donate $5 to Social Life Magazine

Related Articles

Polo Hamptons Insider Guide 2026: Networking, Strategy, and Making the Most of July

Polo Hamptons Weekend Itinerary: Making the Most of July in the Hamptons

The Complete Guide to Polo Hamptons 2026: Tickets, Sponsorships, and Insider Access

Polo Hamptons 2026 Guest Experience Guide: What to Expect at Bridgehampton