There's so much drama at the SLM--Surf Lodge in Montauk and it's kinda hard being a hotel owner managing all of the tension. But the Surf Lodge's co-owner/partner Steven Kamali is trying to bring some peace to the table. He tells us exclusively:
The Surf Lodge has successfully been attracting an incredible number of families within the local Montauk community....
Unfortunately as with any new business in a small town, there will always be a small minority of people that are not comfortable with the increased attention being brought to the area.
But we are confident that with time they will come realize the benefits of our presence.
According to a report in the NY Post yesterday, the Surf Lodge has come under the ire of locals who are annoyed by the illegal parking and New York City attitude. But guests are still flocking there. The hotel, which only has 32 rooms and features a restaurant helmed by Top Chef hotness Sam Talbot, is fully booked for the month of August.
All eyes are on Montauk this summer, thanks largely to the freaky-as-all-hell Montauk Monster that washed up on shore and has since sent the whole nation into a frenzy about mutated animals. [Ed. Note: Also, it helped Gawker meet its monthly traffic goal.]
But aside from the monster on the beach, hideous creatures are also spending some time about town, according to the Montauk locals.
And, oh goodness, after round 1 of the people of Montauk vs. the Surf Lodge, now someone's brought Page Six into this. The gloves are off.
Today's NY Post had a sassy little item about the "everyone hates the Montauk Surf Lodge" situation that's been a-brewin':
Someone made up a bumper sticker reading, "Mistake by the lake! Dodge the Lodge!" And some of the partners have been called choice words and even been re fused service at local eateries and bars. Brazilian co-owner Jayma Cardosa, known for her temper ament, has been standing up to the bullies by threatening to keep the place open year-round.
It's the classic case of David and Goliath, reincarnated in the town of Montauk and The Surf Lodge. An article in this weekend's New York Times details how the "proudly low-key" town where "middle-class families could afford hotel rooms," is fighting the Manhattanization of its streets and shores. And it's almost as nasty as Christie Brinkley's divorce case.
Every chance it gets, Montauk has attempted to knock The Surf Lodge down a notch, the Times says, issuing a violation for putting up an outdoor movie screen without a permit, putting its hair salon and clothing boutique on notice for not being allowed under its building permit and erecting no-parking signs in the area.
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by juliana
