Hilton Head Island hotels

Surrounded by the abundant natural beauty Hilton Head is known for – think rolling sand dunes, lush greenery, and tranquil water views – Marriott’s SurfWatch tops the list of the top boutique hotels in Hilton Head. This sprawling 31-acre resort combines top-notch amenities with the kind of personalized service you’d expect to find at a much smaller boutique hotel. Guests can take part in a range of leisure activities during their stay, including soaking in one of the resort’s heated saltwater pools, playing shuffleboard, enjoying cocktails by the fire pit and working up a sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness centre. Accommodations include two- and three-bedroom villas with modern design accents, cozy beds and high-tech amenities. Plus, the on-site eatery Sea Salts is sublime. Trust me – there’s nothing like feasting on fresh seafood tacos and a mango mojito, complete with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean, to end your day on a high.

When I was compiling this list of the best hotels in Hilton Head, the Inn & Club at Harbour Town was the first place that popped into my head. That’s because this hotel is the epitome of luxury. The only Forbes Four-Star hotel on the island, the Inn & Club boasts truly elite amenities and accommodations. The guestrooms and suites ooze Southern charm thanks to a combination of elegant wood headboards, buttery-soft cotton linens, Molton Brown toiletries and a warm colour palette that feels light, airy and soothing. A team of dedicated staff are on hand to ensure every aspect of your stay is taken care of, from the seasonal beach concierge service at the Sea Pines Beach Club to personalized butler service. And, of course, the resort’s three world-class golf courses are also some of the main reasons for staying here.

The island’s coastal natural beauty is on full display at Palmera Inn and Suites, easily one of the best hotels in Hilton Head. This hotel is located just a few moments away from some of the most pristine local beaches, and guests can enjoy access to beautiful bike and nature trails mere steps from the property. The colour scheme inside the studio-style suites is beachy and calming, with cozy furnishings and all the essentials, like a coffeemaker, a microwave, cookware and even a private balcony. After a long day of exploring, a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and leisurely soak in the hot tub are just what the doctor ordered. Budget travellers, take note – considering the calibre of Palmera Inn and Suites, the hotel is surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to other properties on the island.

Marriott’s Harbour Club is widely beloved for its abundance of upscale amenities. These include a sleek fitness centre, an immaculately landscaped outdoor pool and an array of organized activities for guests to participate in. Accommodations are spacious and ideal for families with kids, as the two-bedroom villas come with a separate living area and two walk-in showers, along with a full kitchen and washer/dryers. Conveniently, the resort is also located within easy walking distance of the marina, where you’ll find delicious seafront eateries, unique shops and water activities. Not to mention, the hotel’s setting – on beautiful Calibogue Sound – is hard to beat. One of the best hotels in Hilton Head, Marriott’s Harbour Club is the ultimate escape for travellers who value the finer things in life.

No list of the best hotels in Hilton Head would be complete without mentioning Marriott’s Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe at Shelter Cove. These are two vacation ownership resorts set in idyllic Shelter Cove Harbour, overlooking Brod Creek. It’s hard not to feel instantly relaxed as soon as you wake up in this peaceful waterfront setting. You’ll also be near some of the finest shops, restaurants, beaches and golf courses on the island.

Both resorts offer two-bedroom, two-bath villas with separate living and dining areas and furnished balconies and patios. Expect all the comforts of home, including top-of-the-line linens and ultra-high quality mattresses. Be sure to reserve plenty of time for playing pickleball, lazing on the sundeck and lounging by the fire pits. This is one of those places you won’t want to leave.

The Courtyard by Marriott Hilton Head Island is considered one of the best hotels in Hilton Head for its excellent amenities, prime location and immaculate rooms. Located just a short walk from Coligny Beach Park, this hotel is a quick jaunt from all the great watersports, dining and shopping that keep travellers returning to the island year after year. Start your day right with a workout at the 24-hour fitness centre or a swim in the pool. Unwind later with a tropical drink at the fire pit or rooftop bar, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the shimmering Atlantic. If you need a quick snack, The Bistro offers healthy grab-and-go selections. Guestrooms are light-filled and relaxing, with crisp white linens and modern artwork. In my opinion, the Courtyard by Marriott Hilton Head Island is right up there as one of the top choices in Hilton Head.

Of the best hotels in Hilton Head, the Simple Rewards Inn wins out for its unpretentious, laidback vibes. Nestled on the north end of the island, this intimate hotel is great for travellers who are looking for a no-frills lodging experience that doesn’t skimp on in-room amenities. Rooms range in size from one queen-size beds to three queen-size suites. All are well-maintained and equipped with every creature comfort you’d want. Think flat-screen TVs, work desks, coffeemakers, fridges, microwaves and hair dryers. Whatever you need to make you feel right at home, they’ve got it.

The Simple Rewards Inn is also a great base for exploring Hilton Head, as the hotel is located next to the Hilton Head Plantation, the Coastal Discovery Museum and some of the best local shopping centres. It’s also just a short drive away from many of the top beaches and golf courses the island is known for.

The calming vibes begin the moment you enter Marriott’s Barony Beach Club, one of the best hotels in Hilton Head. Located on a prime slice of oceanfront paradise, the hotel’s sophisticated design elements blend seamlessly with its scenic natural surroundings. The property offers a range of amenities for guests to enjoy during their stay: learn to paddleboard, tour Hilton Head by bicycle, play games like table tennis or bocce or simply sunbathe by the pool. Marriott’s Barony Beach Club is also one of the top choices for a family getaway due to its spacious, well-appointed two-bedroom villas. These provide the perfect respite after a long day. You don’t even have to leave the hotel to get a great bite to eat. At All Y’all’s Bar & Grill, savour tasty quesadillas, burgers, and salads, all of which pair nicely with a frozen drink.

The Home2 Suites by Hilton Head Island is well-known for being one of the best hotels in Hilton Head. It’s not hard to see why. The friendly local staff, immaculate rooms, convenient on-site amenities and affordable prices all render this a top choice for your next island vacation. Rooms and suites are smartly decorated with clean, modern touches and plenty of amenities. Guests have access to a full-size fridge, seating area, microwave, coffeemaker, hair dryer and more.

The hotel doesn’t skimp on on-site amenities, either. Catch a workout on the treadmill or elliptical, swim laps in the outdoor pool and make use of the fully equipped business centre if you need to fit in a couple hours of work. There’s even a complimentary hot breakfast every morning. No wonder this has long been considered one of the best hotels in Hilton Head.

Prepare for some serious pampering as you step through the doors of Marriott’s Monarch at Sea Pines, widely regarded as one of the best hotels in Hilton Head. This property just gets it right on every level, from its gorgeous location just steps from the beach to the wide array of amenities that allow you to relax and enjoy your stay to the fullest. There are multiple pools on-site, including a heated outdoor lap pool, a children’s splash pad and a whirlpool spa. Guests can also take advantage of a pristine fitness centre, bike rentals and access to the next-door tennis courts at Sea Pines Beach Club.

Rooms include plenty of charming details and come equipped with a full kitchen, a balcony or patio, a washer and dryer and separate living and dining spaces. Wake up to sweeping views of the coastline and enjoy direct beach access during your stay.