5 Minutes With Owner of Southampton Inn

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Dede Gotthelf, one of the most successful hoteliers on the East End, never planned on owning a hotel.

Gotthelf, who had a successful career in financing and consulting said the career shift was a surprise. “My only real experience in hotels was staying in them and taking over foreclosures while working at Chase Manhattan Bank,” she told Patch.

But, when she was asked by a local Bridgehampton broker to assist in a sales package on the Southampton Inn, she ran the numbers, and an idea was born.

Gotthelf decided to make an offer. "It just happened," she said.

In 1997 she became the owner of the Southampton Inn, which features 90 rooms, event spaces, a 50-foot pool, all-weather tennis courts and an indoor/outdoor restaurant on five acres with private gardens near Gibson’s Beach and Main Street.

Gotthelf’s vision for the hotel was inspired by a love of hotels that were not just places to stay, but gathering spots, she said.

“I admire the early American hotels that provided lodging as well as being the watering spot for the community. Some of my favorite trips have been to The Boar's Head in Charlottesville, Virginia, or the Hotel Northampton in Massachusetts. Or the Hotel Le Lotti in Paris,” she said.

One of the biggest obstacles she’s had to overcome running a hotel on the East End is the seasonality factor, Gotthelf siad.

Gotthelf said there are challenges: With thousands of visitors flocking to town in the summer, there are a shortage of hotels available, while in the middle of winter, there's no run on hotel rooms.

Gotthelf, however, works closely with The Hamptons Visitor Council, local cultural institutions, fellow businesses, and the press to promote all the great reasons why visitors should take advantage the East End during the months between Labor Day and Memorial Day.

Gotthelf reflects on the success of her business. “It certainly is challenging to own and operate any successful business. But I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful and supportive staff to assist. And equally fortunate to have over 70 percent of our guests returning year after year — almost like a public 'club' where visitors meet their friends from prior stays, and reserve at their preferred restaurants, and even try to return to their same guest rooms.”

While many well-known faces are seen at the Inn, lounging by the pool and dining at Café Klyde, Gotthelf respects all her guests' right to privacy, giving celebrities private time.

“We treat them as we treat all of our guests. The only difference is that people recognize them at the pool or in our café. And in this world of social media, we also find the Inn and the celebrity guests on Facebook and Instagram."

Part of her enduring success has meant becoming fully dedicated to the year-round community, even lending a hand during weather emergencies, she said.

Over Labor Day weekend, the threat of Hermine was on Gotthelf’s mind and she spoke with Patch what she has done in the past to help the community weather the storm.

“During past storms such as Irene and Sandy we do provide discounted rooms for our neighbors. During big snowstorms locals can call for special rates when they are unable to get down their unplowed driveways or have no heat/power. I think that is one of the pleasures of providing hospitality to the community as well as to visitors wanting to experience our unique community.”

Making the hotel even more welcoming to her neighbors, a portion of the rooms at the Inn are pet friendly.

Photo of Dede Gotthelf by Joe Standart Photography; interior photo by Lenny Stucker Photography; exterior photo by Erik Freeland