A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) group, the Inn at Great Neck is a stylish Art Deco inspired property located on Long Island’s historic North Shore—also known as the Gold Coast.
F. Scott Fitzgerald fans of The Great Gatsby who are not familiar with this area (I wasn’t) may be surprised to learn Great Neck is the fictitious “West Egg” referred to in the author’s famous novel.
When I discovered this, I understood the reasoning behind the hotel’s Jazz Age mural on the mezzanine level and 1920s Art Deco inspired accents throughout. 
Located within walking distance of vintage shops, fashion boutiques and eateries, the hotel is also only two blocks from the Long Island Rail Road (you can be in New York City proper within 30 minutes).
A friendly Midwestern style welcome at check-in made me feel right at home —with helpful bellmen quick to offer assistance with luggage. Having arrived early, it was also a bonus to find my room was ready and I could check-in immediately.
The inn has 85 deluxe rooms and suites. My room was a comfortable and spacious Deluxe King. Understated and well-appointed, the room was simple and sophisticated. But soon after I opened the door, I saw a blur behind the window sheers—and realized the train (yes, the aforementioned Long Island Rail Road) ran right behind the hotel. Amazingly, the sound was so muted, I might not have noticed it except for the fact that the drapes were open. (I’m won’t vouch for folks with super sensitive ears though.)
The best part of the room, however, was the bed: a custom made-for-the-hotel “Serendipity Suite Sleeper.” While I know other hotels offer specialty mattresses too, I have to admit: I slept the best I have in ages that night. I’m not sure if it was the “gel-infused pillow top mattress”, or the luxury Frette linens and pillows—or the combination—but I loved it. I really did want to take it home with me (apparently, it is orderable—and what a way to sell mattresses. If only all hotels wanted to sell mattresses!)
Other smaller luxury touches included satin padded hangers, Frette robes, a Keurig coffeemaker, complimentary DVD player and rentals, plus standards like complimentary Wi-Fi, refrigerator, LCD flat screen t.v. and in-room safe.
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In the oversized marble bathroom, I loved the lighted makeup mirror along with plenty of plush towels and London’s Gilchrist & Soames bath products. 
The Inn offers room service; and on its main floor, the Brasserie Americana Restaurant, Bar & Lounge serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is tucked in back behind the check-in area while the bar and lounge are located in the lobby. I had a good lunch with a super accommodating and nice server. A wine list seemed overpriced but lunch itself was delicious and fresh. For breakfast, if you prefer, you can sit in the windowed and bright lobby area—which is a nice alternative. 
AAA, Military and Senior rates are available, depending on season and availability. Room rates vary with the season. My room was part of a wedding guest package block of rooms specially priced at $189. Check the hotel website more information or to make reservations. You can also book through Booking.com.
Review and photos by Donna Tabbert Long
