Danfords Hotel & Marina — Photo by TPG Hospitality
Danfords Hotel & Marina — Photo by TPG Hospitality
Danfords Hotel & Marina — Photo by TPG Hospitality

The harborside retreat on Long Island's North Shore has undergone a transformative refresh.

Danfords Hotel & Marina — a harborside boutique hotel and full-service marina situated in the nautical Port Jefferson Village on Long Island's North Shore — has unveiled an exciting property-wide refresh inspired by its idyllic harborside setting. The property has debuted with a refreshed exterior and interior, providing guests with a modern, nautically-inspired retreat that still pays homage to the rich shipping history of Port Jefferson.

Nautical-Meets-Approachable Chic

From the vision of leading interior designer David Ashen, Founder of Dash Design, Danfords total-property renovation draws inspiration from the hotel's quaint, waterfront setting, incorporating nautical elements inspired by Port Jefferson's past as the shipbuilding center of Long Island. The boutique hotel has seen a complete transformation of its striking white facade and interior spaces including all corridors, hallways and guest rooms.

Danfords vibrant refresh of its 89 guest rooms & suites features a fresh and casual elegance, incorporating colorways of blue, red and yellow, inspired by the sea, sails and the everchanging sunlight. Rooms feature striking sailboat wallpaper, white-washed wood wainscotting, historical photographs adorning the walls and pillows and throws varying in color ways from building to building. The overall goal of the refresh was to remain approachable but more aspirational, which is reflected through its casual and welcoming atmosphere. The refreshed guest rooms include new linens and charging stations for guests' ease. Guest rooms are equipped with king-sized or double beds, as well as spa-inspired shower and amenities, and guest suites feature a private library with antique books, private patio, a cozy fireplace and stunning water views overlooking the marina.

Danfords Hotel & Marina also features a selection of elegant private event spaces with experienced event planners, including an expansive contemporary ballroom with spectacular water views, perfect for a grand wedding reception that holds up to 165 guests. The property also offers more than 12,000 square feet of meeting spaces boasting water views, including a luxurious conference center located in the village of Port Jefferson.

The hotel's onsite HLB Spa & Salon is in the midst of a thorough makeover and will soon debut featuring beauty services and spa treatments including facial and massage treatments, lash, threading and brow services and more.

Casual-Yet-Chic Harborside Dining

Danfords Hotel and Marina features on-site Wave Restaurant headed up by Executive Chef Justin Staudt, a longtime resident of Port Jefferson and employee of Danfords. Wave Restaurant features a casual, chic dining atmosphere overlooking the marina, offering an all-day menu with a modern take on seafood and steak for guests and locals to enjoy al fresco or indoors, including delicious seasonal menus and refreshing cocktails. The menu features classic seafood dishes such as cold and warm lobster rolls, baked clams and sesame crusted tuna, as well as seasonal dishes like House Braised Veal Osso Bucco and Lobster Mac N' Cheese, debuting on the menu this fall. The restaurant offers a daily happy hour menu and a bottomless brunch every Sunday. The dock at Wave Restaurant features live music and draws an energetic crowd of travelers and locals alike to enjoy as the sun sets over the harbor.

History & Heritage

The original foundation of Danfords dates back to 1870, when Port Jefferson was a bustling shipbuilding community. At the time, it was home to a blacksmith shop, boxing emporium, social club, ice cream parlor, painter's studio, and gift shop. The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 demolished most of those structures, though some buildings on the west end of the property were left standing and were incorporated into the property when it became the 86-room Danfords Inn in 1986.

After being fully refurbished in 2008, the property became known as Danfords Hotel & Marina, with the additions of the new Wave Restaurant, full service marina, and HLB Spa & Salon, providing travelers with everything needed for an ideal New England getaway.

Port Jefferson, New York

The historic, harborside village of Port Jefferson is an idyllic escape for travelers seeking a quaint, lesser-known waterfront destination on Long Island's North Shore. Once known for its 19th-century shipbuilding industry, Port Jefferson features a working waterfront with a marina and the Port Jefferson-Bridgeport Ferry that crosses the Long Island Sound. The charming village is perfect for a leisurely stroll to discover its diverse offering of eateries and retail boutiques. Visitors to Port Jefferson can enjoy activities such as sailing and kayaking on the harbor, the educational Long Island Explorium, the Mather House Museum, wine tastings at the Pindar Vineyards store, and the Harborfront Park to relax and admire the harbor views.

Hotel website