Oakdale got its start as part of a royal land grant issued to William Nicoll, the founder of Islip Town. Prior to that, the area was the site of two Native American trade routes. Today, those routes exist as Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway. In 1765, St. John's Episcopal Church was built in Oakdale, and it remains as the third-oldest church on Long Island. By 1820, Oakdale had a stunning tavern (now part of the Connetquot River State Park Preserve) that attracted the New York elite, breathing new life into the community. In 1866, those wealthy patrons formed the South Side Sportsmen's Club. The main clubhouse and its facilities were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Today, Oakdale is known for its Gilded Age mansions that were constructed by its wealthy elite during the end of the 19th century into the early 20th century. Many tourists visit the area to escape city life and enjoy the luxurious throwback to yesteryear. Whatever your reason for visiting, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this memorable locale has to offer.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Oakdale, NY?
Like the rest of Long Island, Oakdale experiences gorgeous seasons throughout the year. Naturally, summer is peak tourist season thanks to the warm weather and beaches. Given Oakdale's location on the Connetquot River, which opens into Nicoll Bay, the community boasts multiple yacht clubs and marinas. As such, it experiences a large influx of visitors from June through August. Average highs hover around 84 degrees Fahrenheit in July, the community's hottest month.
If you'd rather avoid your fellow tourists, plan your trip during the spring or fall shoulder season. Oakdale still buzzes with activity, but hotel rates tend to be lower than in the summer months. Average temperatures hit the upper 70s in late May and September, which is pleasant enough to still experience all your favorite summer activities without the excessive crowds or heat.
Don't discount a trip to Oakdale in the winter. While the weather is frequently cold and wet, the community comes alive with seasonal events worth celebrating. Each winter, Oakdale features a holiday boat parade and fireworks show, a chili cook-off, Christmas performances, and a New Year's Day hike at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. While hotels tend to raise their rates around key events, they're still more affordable than any other time of the year, helping you to keep your trip under budget.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Oakdale, NY:
Oakdale by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean rate patterns by star rating class in Oakdale, NY. You can use these charts to evaluate the least expensive months to book in Oakdale throughout the year.
What About Luxury Hotels in Oakdale, NY?
4 Star Average Prices: $209.00
If you prefer more upscale accommodations closer to Oakdale, you're in luck.
Hilton Garden Inn Islip/MacArthur Airport is a highly rated hotel near the Bohemia Historical Society Museum. You'll also be within walking distance of Lake Ronkonkoma. The property boasts an indoor pool, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, a lobby fireplace, a business center, a town car service, and a round-trip airport shuttle. Dining options include an on-site Great American Grill, room service, a lounge, and cooked-to-order breakfasts (for an additional fee). Guests can also use a nearby fitness facility for free. Guest rooms include LCD TVs with satellite programming, shower/tub combinations, toiletries, hair dryers, safes, and work desks.
Jake's 58 Hotel & Casino is a stunning accommodation in Islandia that features everything you could hope for in a modern, upscale hotel. Long Island's only hotel-casino features a 24-hour front desk, concierge services, complimentary valet parking, room service, a 24-hour fitness center, wedding services, laundry services, and an area shuttle. There's also a range of dining and beverage options, including a restaurant, a coffee shop, three bars, room service, and a delicious breakfast buffet (for an additional fee). The spacious guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with digital channels, mini fridges, safes, desks, hair dryers, toiletries, and premium bedding.
Are There Any Budget Hotels in Oakdale, NY?
3 Star Average Prices: $168.72
Finding an affordable accommodation near Oakdale is easier than you might think. To maximize your chances of scoring a great deal, consider expanding your search to nearby communities to give you more access to budget-friendly hotels.
Rodeway Inn MacArthur Airport is located just 3.5 miles from Oakdale in Ronkonkoma. The popular lodging offers a 24-hour front desk, free coffee, a business center, a reception hall, ample parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms include complimentary wireless internet access, mini refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, and phones with free local calls.
Travelodge by Wyndham Bay Shore Long Island is another great option for budget-minded travelers. The downtown hotel features a 24-hour front desk, a business center, an elevator, free parking, and a complimentary continental breakfast. The guest rooms are basic but provide everything you need to enjoy your stay, including 50-inch flat-screen TVs, satellite programming, mini fridges, microwaves, rainfall showerheads, hair dryers, desks, and blackout curtains.
Located near Touro College School of Health Sciences, Bay Shore Inn is a bit dated, but the smoke-free property offers free parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. Guest rooms feature TVs with cable programming, DVD players, and tables.
2 Star Average Prices: $118.00
What Are the Top Hotels in Oakdale, NY for Discounts?
AAA members, seniors, military families, and government employees frequently qualify for special rates when traveling. Fortunately, there are many accommodations near Oakdale that offer money-saving rates to those who qualify.
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Ronkonkoma offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, room service, breakfast buffets, concierge services, an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a business center, an airport shuttle service, and event facilities. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, video game consoles, safes, work desks, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, and toiletries. Government and military personnel can usually save an average of 15% off regular room rates.
AAA members can save at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Islip – MacArthur Airport. Enjoy an indoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, free Wi-Fi, a meeting room, an airport shuttle, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, cable programming, mini fridges, pillowtop beds, premium bedding, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
If you don't mind staying a little farther out, government travelers can consider Hampton Inn Long Island – Brookhaven. Located about 8 miles from Oakdale, this popular accommodation features a beautiful indoor pool, a fitness center, a gift shop, free Wi-Fi, and a fireplace in the lobby. Business travelers will appreciate the on-site business center, event facilities, train station pickup service, and round-trip airport shuttle. Every guest will love the complimentary breakfast buffet served each morning. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, shower/tub combinations, hair dryers, toiletries, desks, free newspapers, and individual furnishings.
What Are the Best Value Options in Oakdale, NY?
The area around Oakdale has many midrange accommodations designed to give you more amenities for your money.
Courtyard by Marriott Long Island MacArthur Airport is a great option with an on-site restaurant, room service and cooked-to-order breakfasts. It also boasts a range of recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, and barbecue grills. The hotel also offers a business center, free newspapers, a meeting room, an airport shuttle service, and a conference room. Guest rooms include LCD TVs with cable, safes, desks, mini fridges, microwaves, and both wired and wireless internet access.
Another great option close to Oakdale is Homewood Suites by Hilton Ronkonkoma. Enjoy an on-site fitness center, an indoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, laundry services, a round-trip airport shuttle, a complimentary full breakfast, and an evening guest reception (on select days). The comfortable and spacious guest rooms include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, cable programming, safes, wired and wireless internet access, and kitchens with full-size appliances.
What Are the Top Historic Homes in Oakdale, NY?
With so many historic homes in Oakdale, you may be wondering which ones to add to your itinerary.
The William K. Vanderbilt House offers an intimate glance into the life of privilege from the Jazz Age through World War II. The site features a museum with educational exhibits as well as a planetarium, so book a guided tour to make the most of your visit.
Bourne Mansion is another Vanderbilt residence that showcases turn-of-the-century architecture, furnishings, and art. Today, the historic home is a popular wedding venue, but it also hosts special events throughout the year, including spectacular holiday parties.
Exploring Oakdale's Gilded Age icons is always a treat, but no matter what your itinerary includes, you'll discover a beautiful community with memorable landscapes, delicious restaurants, and unique shopping destinations that make it the perfect place for a getaway. No matter your budget, you can find the perfect hotel close to Oakdale that ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank.
FAQs about hotels in Oakdale