Oheka Castle

Within the "Hotels Near Of Me" platform category, Oheka Castle stands as a distinctive and luxurious offering that transcends the typical hotel experience. Located at 135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743, USA, Oheka Castle is not merely a hotel but a meticulously restored historic mansion that serves as a grand hotel, event venue, and a window into the Gilded Age of Long Island. Its unique charm and opulent setting draw both local users seeking a special experience and those from further afield. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this iconic property.

Oheka Castle is nestled on the famed Gold Coast of Long Island, a region known for its historic estates and opulent mansions. The "drive up to the castle really gives away that you're arriving to a hidden gem," with its impressive approach leading to a cobblestone courtyard. The castle itself is a French-style château, built between 1914 and 1919 by financier Otto Hermann Kahn, making it the second largest private home in America, originally comprising 127 rooms across 109,000 square feet. It was designed to be fireproof, constructed with reinforced steel and concrete. The property spans 23.2 acres of "extremely beautiful surroundings," meticulously restored to its original glory. The "exquisitely decorated and restored to perfection" interiors transport guests back to a bygone era of grandeur. The gardens are a significant feature, with "meticulously maintained gardens" and a "formal axial sunken garden in the French manner" designed by the Olmsted Brothers, featuring reflecting pools and fountains. Guests often recommend visiting during the daytime, especially in spring, to fully appreciate the "blooming nature experience." The ambiance within the castle is described as "very romantic and beautiful all around," making it an ideal setting for special occasions or a luxurious escape. Despite its historical essence, Oheka Castle is conveniently located near various Long Island attractions, including the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, The Paramount theater, and easy access to New York City and The Hamptons. It's a place where "timeless elegance" meets modern luxury.

Oheka Castle prides itself on providing a high level of personalized service, reflecting its luxury status. The staff consistently receives praise for being "very polite and professional," with guests specifically mentioning "helpful staff" and a "warm welcome." The owner, Gary Melius, is also known to engage with guests, personally introducing himself during dinner service, which highlights the property's commitment to hospitality. Key services include:

• 24-Hour Front Desk and Concierge Services: Guests are assured of assistance at any time, with concierge services available for planning tours, local activities, and other needs.
• Fine Dining: The OHK Bar & Restaurant offers an on-site culinary experience. While one guest noted mixed experiences with dish quality ("dry piece of salmon," "underwhelming short rib pappardelle"), the overall "vibe was very romantic and beautiful," and the "drinks were nice and strong." Lunch in the dining hall has been described as "amazing," with a "beautifully prepared and well executed menu." Reservations are recommended for dining. The restaurant serves American cuisine with "casual elegant" dining style, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner, as well as a bar and happy hour.
• In-Room Amenities: Rooms are equipped with Frette Italian sheets, premium bedding, down duvets, pillow-top beds, iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, complimentary wireless internet access, bathrobes, and free toiletries. Turndown service is provided nightly. Rooms also include complimentary bottled water and irons/ironing boards.
• Parking: Both complimentary self-parking and valet parking are available on-site, adding to the convenience for guests.
• Event Services: Oheka Castle is renowned as a premier wedding and event venue. They offer dedicated wedding services, conference space (1,400 sq ft across 16 meeting rooms), and a grand ballroom, making it a popular choice for "socialites, celebrities and dignitaries." Their event spaces include the Grand Ballroom (2,380 sq ft, capacity 200-450), Formal Dining Room (1,590 sq ft, capacity 100-200), and Terrace Room (5,100 sq ft, capacity 350-700), along with extensive outdoor areas like the Formal Gardens and Great Lawn.
• Tours: Guests can delve into the castle's rich history through daily "Historic Mansion Tours" of the estate and gardens. These guided tours typically begin at 11:00 AM daily, with occasional 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM tours. Tours are by reservation only, with discounted rates for hotel guests.
• Spa Services: On-site massages and other spa services are available by appointment, offering a chance for pampering and relaxation.
• Other Services: Daily housekeeping, dry cleaning/laundry services, porter/bellhop service, and a business center are also available.

While a full breakfast is available, it typically incurs an additional surcharge of approximately USD 25 per person. A "continental breakfast" is also mentioned as complimentary on some platforms, indicating a need to verify current offerings.

Oheka Castle boasts a unique blend of historic architectural grandeur and contemporary luxury features:

• Luxurious Accommodations: The castle offers 32 individually decorated guest rooms and suites, each providing a unique and opulent stay. The rooms are described as "beautiful" and "elegant," with very comfortable beds. Hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.
• Stunning Gardens: The formal French gardens, complete with eight reflecting pools, three fountains, and meticulously manicured hedges, are a major draw, offering picturesque settings for strolls and photography.
• Elegant Event Spaces: Beyond the guest rooms, the castle features a magnificent Grand Ballroom, Library, Dining Room, and Terrace Room, totaling 18,500 square feet of event space, making it a highly sought-after location for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.
• OHK Bar & Restaurant: The on-site dining facility provides a sophisticated ambiance for meals and drinks, complementing the overall luxurious experience.
• Fitness Center: A 24-hour fitness center is available for guests who wish to maintain their exercise routine. Children under 18 require adult supervision in the fitness facility.
• Library and Fireplace: The property includes a charming library and a fireplace in the lobby, offering cozy and inviting common areas for guests to relax.
• Historic Significance: Oheka Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a member of Historic Hotels of America, underscoring its cultural and architectural importance. It has served as a backdrop for numerous films, television shows (like "Royal Pains"), and music videos (like Taylor Swift's "Blank Space"), adding to its allure.
• Pet Policy: The hotel is dog-friendly, allowing two dogs per room for an extra charge per pet, per night, with service animals exempt from fees.
• Accessibility: The castle is wheelchair accessible, including accessible routes to public areas, an elevator, and a wheelchair-accessible restaurant.

For local users interested in "Hotels Near Of Me" with a difference, Oheka Castle often provides exclusive packages and opportunities that go beyond standard hotel stays. As a non-chain, independent luxury property, its promotions tend to focus on experiences and special occasions rather than general discounts. These can include:

• Romantic Getaway Packages: Tailored for couples, these packages often include luxurious overnight accommodations in rooms like the Whitney Room, a three-course dinner for two at OHK Bar & Restaurant (sometimes with a bottle of house wine), champagne, chocolate-dipped strawberries in your room, and options for rose petal turndown service or in-room side-by-side massages.
• Special Occasion Celebrations: Similar to romantic packages, these cater to birthdays, anniversaries, or other milestones, often bundling accommodations with dining, and celebratory amenities.
• Historic Tour Packages: While tours are generally available, some packages might include a guided tour of the estate and gardens as a complimentary add-on to an overnight stay.
• Wedding and Event Booking Incentives: For those planning a wedding or large event, Oheka Castle frequently offers bespoke packages, often requiring direct inquiry to the sales department for customized quotes and inclusions. They are a popular venue for "legendary galas."
• Seasonal Offers: Depending on the time of year, the castle might introduce specific promotions to encourage visits, such as discounted extra night stays (e.g., 25% off standard rates) or waived room upgrade fees during quieter periods, like January through March.
• Add-on Options: Guests can enhance their stay with various add-ons such as limo/car service, flowers, French macaron plates by the executive pastry chef, private security, or a photographer.

It's advisable for interested guests to visit the official Oheka Castle website or contact them directly at (631) 659-1400 to inquire about current special offers, availability, and to make reservations well in advance, especially for weekend stays or dining, as the property is highly sought after for events. The experience at Oheka Castle is more about immersing oneself in a piece of living history and luxury, rather than simply finding a place to sleep, making its "promotions" focused on enhancing that grand experience.