Hilton Head question for those who have been - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I am looking at various condos on VRBO. They are listed in different areas (Palmetto Dunes, Folly Field, Shipyard, etc). I ahve never been to HHI, so I know nothing about these areas. Are their any areas that are particularly recommended? What I want is close to the actual beach (walk, not drive), preferably oceanfront, and on the quiet side (we will be going in Sept, probably right after Labor Day).
Two particluar places I'm looking at are Folly's Field Beach and Racquet Club (good prices!) and Hilton Head Resort (Folly's Field area). Anyone stayed at these places? The HHR has the marsh area between you and the beach. Is that area mosquito-y??
I'm still considering the Hilton Hotel. It just depends on how long we stay there. If it's for more than a couple of nights, it sure would be nice to have a real kitchen!
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I've been twice and stayed in Sea Pines, which was a very nice area. Sea Pines has Harbourtown (where the lighthouse is located) and the Salty Dog Cafe. I can remember driving around the island and seeing the Folly Field area, and I think I remember where the Hilton was. Seems like the Hilton was near the Disney resort, but on the other side of the street. I had checked into the Hilton Head Resort, and I read some not-so-great reviews about it.
Here's a map I found online that shows all the plantations (each area is called a plantation):
We stayed at South Beach in Sea Pines, and it was very quiet. We weren't oceanfront, but it was a quick walk to the beach.
I know there are several people here on the boards that have visited HHI a good many times that could offer more info.
When you first enter the island there is a very good seafood restaurant located on the right called Crazy Crab that you should try. We've eaten there several times and it was great every time. We had heard so much about the Oyster Factory being the place to go for seafood. It was good, but we liked the Crazy Crab better.
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Re: Hilton Head question for those who have been
Try to find a place to stay in either Shipyard, Palmetto Dunes, or Sea Pines. There are also some timeshares that are not in a Plantation, so look for ones near North or South Forest Beach for some as well.
Not Folly Field area....too far from the main part of the island for my tastes and you end up having to drive everywhere. I prefer a place where you can ride bikes on the great paths to go out for lunch or shopping.
We often stay at a Marriott Vacation Club location. They are always fantastic, consistent and there are many locations on the beach.
Basically HHI consists of several plantation areas. The primary ones are Port Royal, Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines. All have residential areas, condos and hotels.
Sea Pines is where the Heritage PGA tournament is held. It is managed/owned by Marriott and all of the accomodations (other than homes) are run by Marriott. This is where the Salty Dog Cafe is located.
Palmetto Dunes contains the Marriott and the Hilton. The Disney property is not on the beach, but is on the marsh near Shelter Cove. The Disney Beach House is in Palmetto Dunes between the two hotels.
Port Royal Plantation contains the Westin as well as the Marriott Barony Beach Resort condos.
We usually stay at Barony or Marriotts Grand Ocean which is at the back gate of Sea Pines. I am also a fan of Daufuskie Island which you access by ferry from HHI.
Another major area is North and South Forest Beach. Lots of older condos, a hotel or two. It is a great spot and close to Coligney Circle.
There are two main traffic circles Sea Pines circle and Coligney Circle. You will see things referenced in relation to these as well. Also see things referenced as near Shelter Cove which is the mall area.
My parents live in Hilton Head Plantation (the plantation right next to the ferry to Daufuskie Island) and we usually go to Folly Field Beach. It is a drive though not a walk. I recommend staying in Sea Pines which is the other end of the island. (We have to take the Cross Island Pkwy to get down there.) Harbourtown is great! If you have kids be sure to check out Gregg Russell who performs every night under the Oak Tree. He is wonderful! And the Crazy Crab is my favorite for seafood too.
I've been there many, many times, and stay at the holiday inn on the beach. The Disney resort is about 1 mile for the water. The Holiday Inn has great rates, and it's the only non-resort hotel with ocean front views.
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