The Hamptons’ divey Seabreeze motel transforms into lush Three Ducks hotel

New York Post - Mar 15th, 2025
Open on New York Post

The Three Ducks Motel, a reimagining of the 1956-built Westhampton Seabreeze Motel, is set to open just in time for the Hamptons summer season. Owned by Randall Stone and Elizabeth Bakhash, both first-time hoteliers with extensive backgrounds in branding and design, the project aims to offer a unique blend of luxury and serenity. Located in Westhampton, the 12-room boutique hotel boasts extensive renovations, including environmentally friendly materials, private garden areas, and a focus on minimalist design. The establishment emphasizes relaxation over the typical opulence associated with the Hamptons.

The hotel's transformation from a dated roadside motel into a tranquil retreat reflects a larger trend of revitalizing mid-century properties to appeal to a younger, more design-conscious clientele. The owners' commitment to sustainability and simplicity, paired with upscale service managed by Joseph Montag, positions Three Ducks as a distinctive alternative to the more bustling Hamptons locales. With amenities like bicycles for beach rides and a focus on local products, the hotel aims to offer guests a meaningful, nature-focused experience. Prices start at $495 per night, with full concierge services available for those seeking more traditional Hamptons excitement.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a detailed and engaging narrative about the transformation of a retro motel into a boutique hotel, focusing on the owners' vision and efforts. It excels in clarity and readability, offering vivid descriptions and a well-structured narrative that captures reader interest.

However, the article's reliance on the owners as primary sources limits its balance and source quality, as it lacks input from independent voices or external data. This focus results in a somewhat one-sided perspective that could benefit from broader viewpoints and critical analysis.

While the article is timely and relevant to those interested in hospitality trends, its impact and public interest value are constrained by the lack of exploration of broader implications. Addressing potential challenges or criticisms could enhance its depth and engagement potential, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the significance of such projects.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents a detailed narrative about the transformation of the Seabreeze Motel into the Three Ducks boutique hotel, including specific claims about the purchase price, renovation details, and amenities. The claim that the motel was purchased for $2.5 million in April 2024 is precise, but it requires verification. Similarly, the extensive renovation details, such as the use of Thermowood and the construction of 'The Barn,' are specific but need confirmation.

Additionally, the article discusses the hotel's amenities, management, and pricing. While these details are presented with confidence, independent verification would strengthen the article's accuracy. The narrative also includes quotes from the owners, adding a layer of authenticity to their intentions and plans, yet these should be checked for context and accuracy.

Overall, the article is detailed and specific, but it relies heavily on information from the hotel owners, which necessitates external verification to ensure all claims are accurate and not overly promotional.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the perspectives of the hotel owners, Randall Stone and Elizabeth Bakhash, providing an in-depth look at their vision and efforts in transforming the motel. This focus, while informative, results in a somewhat one-sided narrative that lacks alternative viewpoints.

There is little to no input from other stakeholders, such as local residents, potential customers, or industry experts, which could provide a more balanced view of the hotel's impact on the community and market. Including such perspectives would help paint a fuller picture of the hotel's significance and potential challenges.

While the article does mention the broader trend of retro drive-in motels being attractive to investors, it does not delve deeply into the potential downsides or criticisms of such investments, which could have provided a more balanced narrative.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and written in a clear, engaging manner, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative of the motel's transformation into a boutique hotel. The use of specific details and vivid descriptions, such as the environmentally friendly Thermowood and the wildflower meadow, helps paint a clear picture of the hotel's aesthetic and atmosphere.

The quotes from the owners are effectively integrated into the story, providing insight into their motivations and vision. However, the article could benefit from more context or explanation in certain areas, such as the significance of the 'North Fork-approach to the South Fork' or the choice of specific design elements.

Overall, the article succeeds in conveying the main points and engaging the reader, but a few additional explanations could enhance comprehension and provide a more complete understanding of the hotel's unique features.

5
Source quality

The primary sources of information in the article are the hotel owners, Randall Stone and Elizabeth Bakhash, whose backgrounds and quotes are extensively used to build the narrative. While their insights provide valuable context, the reliance on these sources raises questions about the potential for bias, as they have a vested interest in promoting the hotel.

The article lacks input from independent sources or industry experts, which would lend credibility and depth to the story. Additionally, there is no mention of third-party verification or external data to support the claims made about the hotel's transformation and market position.

To enhance source quality, the article could benefit from including a broader range of voices and data points, such as market analysts, local tourism officials, or customer reviews, to corroborate the owners' statements and provide a more comprehensive view.

6
Transparency

The article provides a transparent account of the hotel's transformation process, detailing the owners' backgrounds, motivations, and design choices. This transparency helps readers understand the basis for the claims made and the context surrounding the hotel's development.

However, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as financial incentives for the owners to promote the hotel or any affiliations the publication might have with the hotel industry. Additionally, the methodology behind certain claims, like the decision to use specific materials or design elements, is not fully explained.

Greater transparency could be achieved by clarifying the basis for certain decisions and acknowledging any potential biases or interests that might influence the narrative. This would help readers assess the impartiality of the article and the reliability of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34461-d86815-Reviews-Hampton_Inn_Mount_Dora-Mount_Dora_Lake_County_Florida.html
  2. https://www.peabodymemphis.com
  3. http://www.bantamjeepfestival.com/more-where-to-stay
  4. https://lodgingmagazine.com/sanderling-resort-reopens-after-multi-million-dollar-renovation/
  5. https://usa.boutiquehotelier.com/hamptons-hotel-to-unveil-flagship-new-restaurant-in-2025/