The team behind the iconic Swifty’s and The Colony Hotel debuts a new boutique hotel in East Hampton

The hoteliers behind one of Palm Beach’s most iconic landmarks are heading north for the summer, reopening The Hedges Inn in East Hampton as a freshly refined seasonal escape. Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, the duo behind the celebrated reinvention of The Colony Hotel, have officially taken over the historic East Hampton property, welcoming guests back starting today, May 16.

Image: The Hedges Inn

Originally built in 1873 as a gift from John D. Hedges to his wife Caroline, The Hedges Inn is now under the stewardship of the Wetenhalls, who purchased the 13-room inn (plus a three-bedroom private residence) earlier this year. Nestled between East Hampton’s charming Main Street and the oceanfront stretch of Main Beach, the property retains its classic character while embracing thoughtful updates ahead of a larger renovation planned after the season ends.

A major highlight of the relaunch is the debut of Swifty’s at The Hedges, the second iteration of the beloved New York restaurant famously revived at The Colony in 2019. Led by executive chef Tom Whitaker, the 100-seat venue will serve elevated American cuisine using fresh, local ingredients from farms and fisheries throughout the Hamptons, including Montauk Shellfish and Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be open to the public daily, with menus showcasing Swifty’s timeless dishes alongside seasonal additions.

Image: The Colony, Palm Beach

A Palm Beach icon since 1947, The Colony Hotel has long been a cornerstone of the town’s social and cultural scene. Known affectionately as "The Pink Paradise," the hotel sits just steps from Worth Avenue and the Atlantic Ocean, with its signature pastel facade and classic British Colonial architecture making it instantly recognizable. Over the decades, it has welcomed royalty, presidents, Hollywood stars, and generations of Palm Beach regulars—serving as both a glamorous hideaway and a vibrant gathering place.

Image: Swifty's, Palm Beach

In recent years, The Colony has undergone a thoughtful transformation under Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, who acquired the property in 2016. With a deep respect for its legacy and a clear vision for its future, the Wetenhalls reimagined the hotel’s interiors, launched new dining concepts—including the revival of Swifty’s—and introduced curated art and fashion collaborations that reflect Palm Beach’s evolving style. Today, The Colony balances timeless elegance with playful sophistication, remaining as beloved as ever while ushering in a new era of design, hospitality, and cultural relevance.

Guests checking into The Hedges this summer can expect more than charming rooms and prime location. Beach butler service, complimentary electric Volvo EX90s, branded bikes, and an on-call concierge (cheekily named Ahab, after Jackson Pollock’s dog) are just the beginning. Community events will also be a focal point, from speaker series and trivia nights to beach bonfires under the stars.

Rates begin at $1,499 per night, with bookings now available at thehedgeseasthampton.com. The inn will operate through Labor Day, offering a stylish, service-driven alternative in one of the East End’s most treasured historic homes.

Separate yourself from millions of readers and sign up for New York of Tomorrow's free newsletter to receive the latest on all things coming to the Big Apple.