It was kind of shocking that three boutique hotels opened in the Hamptons this past summer. Shocking because cool new hotels never open out east. But there they were: Ruchmeyer's in Montauk, Capri in Southampton, and La Maison Blanche on Shelter Island. Each one more of a scene than the next.

But now we're in the off-season and there's an even bigger surprise: La Maison Blanche is staying open for the winter. Eschewing the usual seasonal model of other Hamptons hot-spots—Ruchmeyer's and Capri among them—La Maison Blanche is in for the long haul.

Co-founded by Alistair MacLean, whose CV includes stints at Claridge's in London and Sunset Beach, the eight-room inn is chic but unfussy. The beds are super-comfy, the bar is cozy and fire-lit, and the brasserie-style restaurant has a Michelin-starred chef (try the scallops). La Maison Blanche is tot-friendly, to be sure (MacLean is a family man with three kids under the age of 3), but we like it even more as a snuggly, romantic getaway pour deux.

La Maison Blanche
11 Stearns Point Rd.
Shelter Island Heights, NY
631.749.1633; maisonblanchehotel.com
Off-season weekend rates from $225