Retro-chic escape: Moonrise Motel enters third season of boutique luxury in Kismet

Staycation Spotlights

A look at unique places to spend a night — or a weekend — without leaving Long Island.

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Fire Island has long been one of Long Island’s best escapes. But for many locals, planning a stay there can still feel like a production.

That’s the space Moonrise Motel in Kismet has been looking to fill.

Now entering its third summer at 177 Pine Street, the boutique motel has turned the former Margarita Villas property into a polished, staycation-style option for Long Islanders looking for a Fire Island getaway without the fuss.

The Moonrise opened in 2022 under Standard Provisions Group, the hospitality company led by Frankie Bragaglia, whose other spots include Dive in Kismet and Ocean Beach, Standard Rec in Patchogue and Courtside in Babylon.

“Frankie was presented with the opportunity, and he thought it was great to expand our hospitality group to things of that nature,” Gina Macchia, operations manager, told Greater Long Island. “The Kismet community has been so good to us. We saw a lot of success with Dive, and we wanted to expand our range, to give back to the community in a different form.”

The property includes five renovated units: two one-bedroom suites, two two-bedroom suites and one three-bedroom suite that can sleep up to eight guests.

Each suite includes a separate living room with a sleeper sofa, TV, kitchenette, Keurig, microwave, full-sized refrigerator, luxury mattresses, linens and toiletries.

The goal, Macchia said, was to create something more comfortable and convenient than the old “bring your own everything” approach that longtime Fire Island visitors may remember from the property’s previous life.

“It’s home, but it doesn’t feel like you’re on Long Island,” Macchia said.

The motel leans into a retro 1970s, mid-century look, with a name inspired by the Wes Anderson film “Moonrise Kingdom.”

Guests also have access to a private communal courtyard with an outdoor shower, tables, benches and a barbecue area. The motel offers complimentary beach chairs, along with bike and umbrella rentals.

The property is also kid- and dog-friendly.

Its location ties into Standard Provisions’ larger Kismet footprint. Dive, the group’s modern beach bar nearby, offers live music, food and room service for motel guests. Lobby Boy Liquors is next door, and the group recently rebranded its on-site café, formerly Bar Aquatic, as Dive Taco, a fast-casual concept with a full bar, tacos, homemade guacamole and more.

Weekends tend to book quickly as the season ramps up, but The Moonrise also offers weekday deals for guests looking for a quieter midweek stay.

Rates start between $450 and $650 per night in season, with nightly minimums.

“We want to give our guests a luxury experience for a low price, a stress-free staycation,” Macchia said.

Tour the grounds, accommodations

Photos by Julianne Mosher