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3 months ago
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Nestled in the exclusive Hamptons enclave of Sag Harbor, the American Hotel is a magnet for the rich and famous.
The quaint establishment has played host to countless A-listers past and present, including the likes of Bono and Truman Capote.
But with a high-end clientele inevitably comes some high-end scandals, with Justin Timberlake the latest celebrity in hot water following a night at the historic establishment.
Timberlake was arrested on Monday for allegedly driving while intoxicated following a boozy night at the hotel.
The American Hotel is a magnet for the rich and famous and has provided the backdrop for several celebrity scandals
However he is allegedly not the first to have had a brush with the law following a heavy session at the American hotel.
Singer Billy Joel narrowly escaped with his life after he crashed his Mercedes into a tree in Sag Harbor in 2003.
Despite initial reports he was sober, sources told local newspaper the Southampton Press that Joel was seen glugging back several glasses of wine at the hotel prior to the crash.
The musician's struggles with alcohol have been well documented and he has since given up drinking.
Reports at the time indicated that he was not breathalyzed because his face was so bloody from the smash.
This has led to speculation that Joel was not sober as his representatives stated at the time.
Most recently, Justin Timberlake was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated following a boozy night at the village's famous American Hotel
The American Hotel dates back to 1846 and has attracted a host of stars over the years
Joel has owned a property in Sag Harbor since 2002 and spent his childhood in Long Island.
In 1992, he joined forces with local commercial fishermen from the East Hampton Baymen's Association and was charged with catching striped bass illegally during a July 1992 protest against fishing regulations. The charges were later dismissed.
The plight of fishermen whose livelihood is threatened by regulations inspired Joel's song 'The Downeaster Alexa.'
Joel was spotted lunching at the American Hotel the day after Timberlake's arrest.
'Judge not lest ye be judged,' he told PIX11 reporters. 'I don't really know him that much so I have no comment.'
The ritzy hotel dates back to 1846 when it was first used as a boarding house, before whaling Captain William Freeman established a bar and restaurant.
Singer Billy Joel narrowly escaped with his life after he crashed his Mercedes into a tree in Sag Harbor in 2003 reportedly following a drinking session at the American Hotel
Joel dined at the hotel the day after Timberlake's arrest and urged people not to judge the singer
It fell into disrepair following collapse of the whaling industry, before being snapped up by current owner Ted Conklin in 1972.
Today, the restaurant offers a luxury menu featuring $200 caviar and $76 steaks, complimented by $4,000 bottles of wine.
An eclectic interior which has been largely unchanged over the years offers an old-world charm, while modern additions such as a heated porch make it a year-round draw for both locals and celebrities alike.
Rates for the eight double rooms the hotel offers are not disclosed on its website, but guests in high season are required to book a minimum stay of three nights.
Each room, 'has its own distinct character individually created with the finest fabrics, turn of the century furnishings and artwork' according to the management.
Just like with the hotel, the tranquility of Sag Arbor often belies the raucous antics that occur in the sleepy village.
The American Hotel's restaurant offers a luxury menu featuring $200 caviar and $76 steaks, complimented by $4,000 bottles of wine
Rates for the double occupancy rooms are not stated on the website
Former NASCAR CEO Brian France was arrested in the village for driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of oxycodone in August 2018 after police said he was seen driving his Lexus through a stop sign.
France pleaded guilty to DWI and was required to perform 100 hours of community service and undergo alcohol counseling.
He joins several high profile names also arrested in the Hamptons, including Martha Stewart.
A landscaper working for real estate mogul Harry Macklowe accused the TV personality and homemaking entrepreneur of intentionally backing her car into him in May 1997 amid a feud between Macklowe and Stewart, East Hampton neighbors.
The Suffolk Count district attorney’s office investigated but decided not to bring charges against Stewart.
Meanwhile, publicist to the stars Lizzie Grubman was charged with crimes including second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated and reckless endangerment after backing her vehicle into a crowd.
Martha Stewart was accused of intentionally backing her car into someone during a neighbor dispute in the Hamptons in 1997 but no charges were filed
The PR guru, whose clients included Britney Spears and Jay-Z, was asked by a security guard in Southampton to move her Mercedes out of a fire lane on July 7, 2001.
Grubman responded by backing the vehicle into the crowd, injuring 16 people. Grubman.
She faced a prison sentence of up to eight years but served only 38 days in jail and five years probation after reaching a plea deal.
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