Situated in the heart of historic Port Jefferson Village on the waterfront right next to the Bridgeport/Port Jefferson ferry dock, Danfords Hotel & Marina blends modern luxury with a rich local history. The site of this luxury resort dates all the way back to 1870 when it housed a blacksmith shop, boxing emporium, social club, ice cream parlor, painter’s studio, and gift shop before the Hurricane of 1938 demolished most of it including the original foundation.
Fast forward to 1986 when the hotel was completely rebuilt into the 86-room boutique property with the contemporary design and layout you experience today. After being fully refurbished in 2008, Danfords Hotel & Marina added and upgraded amenities like Wave Seafood Kitchen & Lounge accompanied by gourmet catering facilities, a full service marina, and Butterfly Salon & Spa completely transforming it into a destination ideal for vacation getaways as well as weddings and conferences overlooking the harbor and Long Island Sound in the distance.
Danfords' artful juxtaposition of historic character inlaid with modern comforts is readily apparent as soon as you enter the lobby for check-in. The front desk is opulently crafted with carved wood trim painted in white along with wood plank flooring under foot. The color scheme is bright and nautically themed anchored with a gas fireplace surrounded by plenty of plush seating clustered throughout. To one side, a doorway opens up into Wave Seafood Kitchen & Lounge while to your right, a wide wooden staircase with an ornate banister leads to Presidential and Tower Suites as well as the Brookhaven Room event space upstairs.
The overall design evokes an airy yet cozy ambiance steeped in history. Step outside and brick walkways interconnect the property's 10 other buildings including over 12,000-square-feet of meeting space featuring a newly renovated ballroom with panoramic ocean views as well as rooms featuring a wide variety of sizes and amenities.
Interior decor throughout is themed around nautically inspired accents and artwork showcasing marine artifacts as well as tall ships and their exuberant sails. Some rooms include balconies with waterfront views and fireplaces while the seaside theme is carried over into most bathrooms with stone surfaces, luxury hardware, and well appointed spa-inspired showers with built-in seats and glass enclosures.
Chef Jeff Bunbury at Wave Seafood Kitchen & Lounge applies farm to table sensibilities to his menus prominently showcasing fresh local produce and seafood with dishes like Charred Octopus served with mussels, chorizo, and herbed Arborio rice or Pan Seared scallops with asparagus puree, Spatzle, and freshly harvested mushrooms. The restaurant's name is inspired by the panoramic water views visible from every table. Their 40-seat lounge/dining area is also defined by white baby grand piano and a gallery of photographic seascapes making for perfect oceanfront dining especially during summer when the outdoor dockside deck opens to offer al fresco dining.
What makes this property truly unique is their full service 75-slip marina accommodating short and long term stays for boats up to 280-feet long. Many conveniences include refueling and shower facilities, water, electrical, and cable hook-ups, and slip-side food and beverage services. They even have a full-time Dock-Master at the ready to make special arrangements and plan on shore itineraries for boaters.
On land, you are several blocks walking distance to vibrant walk able downtown Port Jeff with plenty of eateries and galleries to pick from. If you brought your car, you may have the extra hassle of parking and navigating traffic particularly during summer but your access to infinitely more activities extends your reach to miles of beach walking at nearby McAllister County Park as well as other nearby attractions like Splish Splash Water Park, Atlantis Marine World, bike paths, and golf courses. A bit further afield lie the Hamptons and North Fork wineries.
Photos courtesy of Steve Mirsky and Danfords Hotel & Marina
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