Where to Stay on Fire Island 2026: LGBTQ+ Hotels, Guesthouses & Rentals

Quick Picks: Best Stays by Trip Type

Not sure where to start? Here's the shortcut:

• First time on Fire Island: Grove Hotel — right at the Cherry Grove ferry dock, affordable, and steps from everything
• Luxury weekend: The Madison Fire Island Pines — the island's most acclaimed guesthouse with pool, rooftop deck, and continental breakfast
• Party weekend (Pines Party, Invasion): The Hotel Fire Island Pines (the Botel) — center of the Pines commercial district, walking distance to Pavilion and Sip-n-Twirl
• Clothing-optional: Belvedere Guest House — Cherry Grove's legendary men's resort with saltwater pool and bay views
• Oceanfront tranquility: Dune Point — Cherry Grove's only oceanfront guesthouse
• Group trip: House share or vacation rental — the classic Fire Island experience, especially for a full weekend or longer
• Budget: Grove Hotel or a Cherry Grove house share — the most affordable options on the island
• Day trip from NYC: No accommodation needed — LIRR + ferry gets you there in 2.5 hours

Fire Island Pines — The Upscale Gay Resort

Fire Island Pines is the island's more polished LGBTQ+ community — modernist architecture, harbor-front dining, and the epicenter of the circuit party scene. Staying in the Pines puts you walking distance from the Pavilion, Sip-n-Twirl, The Blue Whale, and the main beach. It's the best base for Pines Party weekend, Invasion arrival viewing, and anyone who wants to be in the center of the action.

The trade-off? Higher prices and more limited inventory. The Pines has fewer hotel options than Cherry Grove, and everything books out quickly for event weekends.

The Madison Fire Island Pines

The Madison is Fire Island's most acclaimed guesthouse and the gold standard for Pines accommodations. This adults-only property features 9 rooms in a stunning modern building with 20-foot glass-walled ceilings that flood the main room with light. The outdoor spaces are the real draw — a heated pool on a grand deck, plus a rooftop terrace with panoramic ocean and bay views.

Price: $250–500+/night (higher for event weekends) Best for: Couples, solo travelers who want comfort, and anyone celebrating a special occasion Amenities: Continental breakfast included, heated pool, rooftop deck, air conditioning, private bathrooms, mini fridge, streaming TV, high-speed WiFi Location: One minute walk to the beach, short walk to the harbor and all Pines venues

The Madison fills the gap between a hotel and a house share — you get the social atmosphere of shared outdoor spaces with the privacy of your own room. The pool deck is a social hub during the day, and the rooftop at sunset is one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

The Hotel Fire Island Pines (The Botel)

The Hotel — affectionately known as the Botel — is a Fire Island institution. Originally built in 1960, this 30-room boutique hotel sits in the center of the Pines commercial district, steps from restaurants, bars, shops, and the beach. The Botel name was reinstated as a tribute to its six decades of history serving the gay community.

Price: $150–350+/night depending on room type and season Best for: Solo travelers, friends who want separate rooms, and anyone who wants the convenience of being in the middle of everything Room types: Full-size bed rooms (~180 sq ft, up to 2 guests) and larger king + twin rooms (~320 sq ft, up to 4 guests), all with private bathrooms Location: Harbor Walk — the absolute center of the Pines. Walk out the door and you're at the Pavilion, Sip-n-Twirl, and The Blue Whale

The Botel combines hotel convenience with the social energy of a Fire Island share house. The property keeps rates reasonable despite continuous upgrades, making it one of the better values in the Pines. It's the obvious choice if you want to maximize your time at the harbor and nightlife without worrying about a long boardwalk walk home at 3 AM.

Pines Point

Pines Point is a luxury room rental that blends boutique hotel comfort with Fire Island's laid-back spirit. Steps from the harbor and nightlife, it offers a quieter alternative to the Botel with a more curated, intimate atmosphere.

Price: $200–400+/night Best for: Travelers who want proximity to the Pines scene with a calmer, more refined base Location: Close to the harbor and commercial district

Pines Bluff Overlook

This B&B-style property sits on Ocean Walk, one row off the beach, with views of both the ocean and bay. Continental breakfast is served daily, and the location offers easy access to both the beach and the harbor.

Price: $175–350+/night Best for: Beach lovers who want ocean proximity over harbor proximity Location: Ocean Walk — a short walk to venues, but you'll fall asleep to the sound of waves

Cherry Grove — Historic, Diverse & More Affordable

Cherry Grove is Fire Island's original gay community — more diverse, more relaxed, and more affordable than the Pines. Staying here puts you near the Ice Palace, Cherry's on the Bay, and the Grove's social beach scene. It's the better choice for Bear Weekend, Leather Weekend, Spartacus, and anyone who prefers a laid-back vibe with genuine character.

Cherry Grove also has more accommodation variety than the Pines, from clothing-optional men's resorts to cozy oceanfront guesthouses.

Grove Hotel

The Grove Hotel is Cherry Grove's anchor property — an adults-only hotel right at the ferry dock with rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and the legendary Ice Palace nightclub attached. When people say "steps from everything," this is what they mean — you're literally at the center of Cherry Grove the moment you step off the ferry.

Price: $164–350+/night Best for: First-timers, anyone who wants the easiest possible Fire Island experience, and Ice Palace regulars Amenities: Pool, on-site restaurant and bar, Ice Palace nightclub access, bike rentals, beach chairs and umbrella included Location: 1 Ocean Walk — at the ferry dock. You cannot get more convenient than this

Rooms have been recently renovated with comfortable beds and mini balconies overlooking the pool and bar area. The vibe is social and fun — the pool area doubles as a daytime gathering spot, and the bar is where the Grove's nightlife begins. It's no-frills compared to the Madison, but the location and included extras (bikes, beach gear) make it genuine value.

Belvedere Guest House for Men

The Belvedere is a Cherry Grove legend — the oldest gay resort in the United States, operating since the mid-20th century. This Venetian-style bayfront property offers a clothing-optional environment, 36 rooms across 7 categories, a saltwater pool, hot tub, gym, and a vibe that's unapologetically gay and body-positive.

Price: Varies widely by room category — from budget singles with shared bathrooms to luxury bay-view rooms with balconies Best for: Gay men seeking a clothing-optional social environment, repeat Fire Island visitors, and Bear Weekend attendees (the Bear Ass Pool Party is held here) Amenities: Saltwater pool, hot tub, gym, free WiFi, continental breakfast on weekends Season: Open May 1 through October 15 Location: 33 Bayview Walk — bayfront, 500 feet from the beach

The Belvedere is more than a place to sleep — it's a destination. The pool scene is social and body-positive, the bayfront setting is beautiful, and the property has hosted some of Fire Island's most memorable events for decades. If you're comfortable in a clothing-optional, men-focused environment, this is one of the most unique stays in American LGBTQ+ travel.

Dune Point Guest House

Dune Point is Cherry Grove's only oceanfront guesthouse — a serene, intimate property where the beach is literally your backyard. If you want to wake up to the sound of waves rather than the sound of last night's DJ echoing from the Ice Palace, this is your spot.

Price: $200–400+/night Best for: Couples, anyone seeking quiet oceanfront relaxation, and travelers who want a break from the party scene Location: 134 Lewis Walk — oceanfront, the most peaceful location in Cherry Grove

BauHaus

BauHaus is a newer addition to Cherry Grove's accommodation scene — a resort on Great South Bay offering a stylish, contemporary take on Fire Island hospitality. The property promises pristine beaches and easy access to the Grove's nightlife.

Price: $175–350+/night Best for: Travelers who want a modern aesthetic in Cherry Grove Location: 78 Bayview Walk — bayfront, near the commercial area

The Green House

The Green House offers a "four-star approach to vacation rentals" with a Great South Bay location. This property bridges the gap between a guesthouse and a high-end rental, with more space and privacy than a typical hotel room.

Price: $200–400+/night Best for: Travelers who want rental-style space with hotel-style service Location: 155 Bayview Walk — bayfront

House Shares & Vacation Rentals

The most classic Fire Island experience isn't a hotel — it's a house share. Groups of friends rent a house together for the season, specific weeks, or individual weekends. This is how the majority of Fire Island visitors stay, and it's the most social and often most affordable option.

How House Shares Work

• Full-season shares: You get a bed (or a room) every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cost: $5,000–$15,000+ per person depending on the house and community
• Half-shares: Every other weekend — roughly half the cost of a full share
• Quarter-shares: One weekend per month — the most affordable option for a season commitment
• Individual weekends: Available for some houses, especially mid-season when shares have openings

House shares typically include a communal kitchen, living space, and outdoor areas (deck, pool in some houses). You'll bring your own food and drinks, cook communally, and share the space with your housemates. It's the most authentically Fire Island way to experience the island.

Finding a House Share

• LGBTQ+ Facebook groups are the primary marketplace. Search for "Fire Island Pines shares," "Cherry Grove house shares," or "Fire Island [year]" groups
• Word of mouth — ask friends who go to Fire Island. The best shares fill through personal networks
• Real estate agents — A Summer Place Realty specializes in Cherry Grove and Pines rentals
• Timing matters — full-season shares are arranged in January through March. Individual weekend spots open up as the season progresses when people can't make their weekends

Vacation Rentals (VRBO & Airbnb)

If you prefer a private rental without the house-share social dynamic:

• VRBO has 380+ properties in Cherry Grove alone, plus listings in the Pines
• Airbnb features properties in Cherry Grove, the Pines, and nearby communities
• Expect to pay $300–$1,000+/night for a standalone rental, with prices spiking for event weekends
• Book early — event weekend rentals (Invasion, Pines Party) should be secured 3-6 months ahead
• Read reviews carefully — some listings understate the walk from the ferry dock. In a car-free community, a 15-minute boardwalk walk with luggage matters

Best Neighborhoods for Rentals

• Fire Island Pines for harbor proximity, nightlife access, and the circuit party scene
• Cherry Grove for a more relaxed vibe, diverse crowd, and lower prices
• Ocean Beach if you want a mixed, family-friendly community with more restaurants and shops (not LGBTQ+-specific but welcoming)

How to Choose Your Community

| Factor | Fire Island Pines | Cherry Grove | |--------|------------------|--------------| | Vibe | Upscale, polished, party-forward | Historic, relaxed, diverse | | Crowd | Predominantly gay men, fashion-conscious | Mixed LGBTQ+, wider age range | | Nightlife | Pavilion, Sip-n-Twirl, Blue Whale | Ice Palace, Cherry's, Island Breeze | | Accommodation cost | Higher ($200-500+/night) | More affordable ($150-350+/night) | | Best for events | Pines Party, Invasion arrival | Bear Weekend, Leather Weekend, Spartacus | | Getting around | Boardwalks only (no bikes) | Boardwalks + bikes | | Architecture | Stunning modernist beach houses | Eclectic, charming, historic | | Connected by | The Meat Rack — 20-minute walk or $10-15 water taxi |

The bottom line: If this is your first time, start in Cherry Grove. The welcome is warmer, the prices are friendlier, and you can always walk or water-taxi to the Pines for a night out. If you're coming specifically for Pines Party or want the circuit-party experience, stay in the Pines.

Fire Island Accommodation Rates: What to Expect

Fire Island pricing is seasonal and event-driven. Here's a realistic breakdown:

By Season

• Early season (Memorial Day – mid-June): Lowest rates, 15-25% below peak. Many properties offer opening-weekend specials
• Peak season (late June – August): Full prices. Event weekends (Invasion, Pines Party) command surge pricing
• Late season (September – Labor Day): Rates start dropping. Closing-weekend deals are common

By Property Type

• Grove Hotel: $164–350+/night
• Belvedere Guest House: Varies by room category — budget singles to luxury suites
• The Botel (Pines): $150–350+/night
• The Madison (Pines): $250–500+/night
• Pines Bluff Overlook: $175–350+/night
• House shares: $150–400/person/weekend (or $2,500–$15,000 per season)
• Vacation rentals: $300–$1,000+/night for a standalone property

Event Weekend Surcharges

Expect 30-50% higher rates during:

• Invasion Weekend (July 4th) — the most expensive weekend of the year
• Pines Party (late July) — close second
• Bear Weekend (mid-June) — moderate premium
• Labor Day — season-closer premium

Booking Tips for Fire Island

General Tips

• Book early for event weekends — 3-6 months ahead for Invasion and Pines Party, 1-2 months for other events
• Pack light — you'll carry everything from the ferry dock to your accommodation on boardwalks. Rolling bags beat suitcases
• Bring groceries — island stores have limited inventory at premium prices. Stock up in Sayville before the ferry
• Confirm ferry logistics — some properties arrange pickup carts at the dock; others expect you to walk. Ask when booking
• Check cancellation policies — many Fire Island properties have stricter cancellation windows than mainland hotels
• Consider midweek stays — weekday nights (Monday–Thursday) are dramatically cheaper and quieter. Perfect for remote workers or anyone who wants the beach without the crowds

For First-Timers

• Start with a one-weekend visit before committing to a season share
• Cherry Grove is the easier, friendlier introduction to Fire Island
• A day trip costs nothing but transit (~$60 round trip from NYC) and lets you test the waters
• Ask your accommodation about arrival logistics — getting from the ferry to your room involves navigating boardwalks with luggage

For Event Weekends

• The Invasion (July 4th): Stay in the Pines if you want to watch the queens arrive; stay in Cherry Grove if you want to see them depart
• Pines Party: Stay in the Pines — you'll want to walk home from the Beach Party at 3 AM, not navigate the Meat Rack
• Bear Weekend: Cherry Grove is the base, but Sunday's pool party is in the Pines — plan your transit
• Leather Weekend: Cherry Grove, full stop — all events are in the Grove

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book accommodations for Fire Island?

For event weekends (Invasion, Pines Party), book 3-6 months in advance. For regular summer weekends, 4-6 weeks ahead is usually fine. Full-season house shares are arranged January through March. Last-minute availability does pop up — check Facebook groups for cancellations.

Are there LGBTQ+-owned hotels on Fire Island?

Yes — virtually all accommodations in Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines are LGBTQ+-owned and operated. The Belvedere, The Madison, Grove Hotel, and The Botel all cater specifically to the LGBTQ+ community. Fire Island is one of the few places where the question isn't "is this place gay-friendly?" but "is everything here gay?"

Can I find budget-friendly stays on Fire Island?

The most affordable options are Cherry Grove house shares (as low as $150/person/weekend with a half-share), the Grove Hotel during early season, and day trips from NYC (~$60 round trip transit). The Belvedere's single rooms with shared bathrooms are another budget option. Avoid the Pines if budget is a priority.

Is Fire Island clothing-optional?

Some accommodations are. The Belvedere Guest House in Cherry Grove is explicitly clothing-optional. The beaches themselves are technically not designated clothing-optional, but in practice, nudity becomes increasingly common as you walk east from the main beach areas, especially near the Meat Rack. Most pools at private homes and some guesthouses are clothing-optional by custom.

Can women and non-binary people stay on Fire Island?

Absolutely. Cherry Grove welcomes everyone and has strong lesbian and non-binary representation. The Grove Hotel, Dune Point, BauHaus, and The Green House are all open to everyone. The Belvedere is specifically a men's guesthouse. In the Pines, The Madison and The Botel welcome all guests. Fire Island Pines skews heavily toward gay men, but accommodations do not restrict by gender.

What's the difference between staying in Cherry Grove vs. the Pines?

Cherry Grove is more affordable, diverse, relaxed, and historic — it's the better choice for first-timers and anyone who prefers a laid-back vibe. The Pines is more upscale, party-focused, and architecturally stunning — ideal for circuit events and the see-and-be-seen crowd. They're connected by a 20-minute walk through the Meat Rack, so staying in one doesn't mean missing the other.

Do I need a car to get to Fire Island?

No — and you can't bring one. Fire Island is car-free. Take the LIRR from Penn Station to Sayville (~90 minutes), a shuttle van to the ferry terminal ($5), and the Sayville Ferry to Cherry Grove or the Pines (~25 minutes). If driving, park at the Sayville Ferry terminal, but arrive early on weekends — lots fill up by midday.

Should I stay on Fire Island or commute from Long Island?

Stay on the island if at all possible. Fire Island's magic is in the evenings — tea dance at sunset, dinner on the harbor, late-night dancing, and morning beach walks. Day-tripping means missing all of that. If budget is tight, even one overnight transforms the experience. The last ferry back to Sayville is typically 10-11 PM, which means leaving before the night really gets going.