Glorious sunny weather, world-class beaches, and a wealth of great golf courses mean that Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a popular year-round destination.
With so many attractions drawing tourists, there's also a need for a large swath of hotels. Indeed, Hilton Head is home to dozens of resorts of various sizes, small boutique hotels, budget motels, and even a Disney outpost.
To determine the best hotels in Hilton Head, I stayed at and researched hotels across the island, and determined a cross-section of properties offering the best value, rooms, locations, and overall experiences based on discerning criteria, as outlined below.
From a lively beachside stay to a more tranquil poolside vacation, these are the best places to stay in Hilton Head.
Browse all the best Hilton Head hotels below, or jump directly to a specific area:
- The best Hilton Head Island hotels
- FAQ: Hilton Head hotels
- More of the best beach hotels on the East Coast
These are the best Hilton Head hotels, sorted by price from low to high.
Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn
Book Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn
The Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn is a mid-range budget resort that is a step above some of its more worn-looking peers with rates that are incredibly competitive.
Set a short way back from Coligny Beach (just a couple of blocks and closer than some more upscale places) but right in the thick of the entertainment district, this hotel boasts the next best location to being right on the oceanfront. Strikingly modern interior design greets guests, with dark brown hues and oversized soft furnishings in the public spaces that recall hip urban boutique hotels.
The rooms maintain the build, with bold colors and large beds, some with kitchenettes, and all of them come with microwaves and refrigerators. The resort has a lovely breakfast bar and buffet with fresh fruit and pastries, and there's a wealth of restaurants within walking distance. Palm trees create shady spots around the pool, and there's a small fitness room and tennis court that add to the great value in terms of added amenities.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
Holiday Inn Resort Beach House
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Despite the budget brand affiliation with Holiday Inn, this hotel feels more like a hip boutique hotel that just happens to be by Coligny Beach. There are 200 rooms but it never feels too crowded, and extensive renovations have upped the style stakes considerably. Photography, art, and a classy blue and white color scheme now deliver a nice level of sophistication to the public spaces, and the upgrades have elevated the property far above standard chain hotel dowdiness.
The nautical themes continue into the guest rooms, which are also newly refurbished, and come with plush beds, clean lines, and bright colors that have livened up the rooms compared to their previous incarnation. Rooms also enjoy private balconies, though some views that are dubbed ocean view are obscured by trees and the pool area. Families can upgrade to suites that come with fun bunk beds.
The on-site restaurant, Porch Southern Kitchen, does a great job with its rustic fare and the Tiki Hut bar is a lively joint with live entertainment. The pool and surrounding deck are welcoming, and the beach is very accessible, though you should know that it's one of the busier areas.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
Marriott's Grande Ocean
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Set just back from wide, clean sands of the Forest Beach neighborhood, Marriott's Grande Ocean offers well-located two-bedroom villas that families will love.
Although they aren't the fanciest accommodations, families looking for a self-catering option will love the two-bedroom villas, all of which come with fully-equipped kitchens. The villas' decor is well above just being functional, with aquamarine and blue accents that liven up the otherwise neutral tones.
The Dolphin Grille and Loggerhead Bar are solid casual options if cooking isn't on the cards, and the resort even holds seasonal Lowcountry boils on the premises. Other recreational options abound, with ping pong tables, shuffleboard, and the like, but with some of the island's best beaches right at the doorstep, it's a shame not to spend your days by the ocean. Bike and electric bike rentals from the hotel are also available.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
Waterside by Spinnaker Resorts
Book Waterside by Spinnaker Resorts
If your traveling brood needs space to spread out but still wants plenty to do on-site, Waterside by Spinnaker Resorts is a solid option.
There are one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas (that sleep four, six, and eight guests respectively) which are perfect for larger adult groups on a golf getaway. Facilities are not really set up for kids though, despite the resort branding. Younger folk might find the resort pedestrian, but more mature travelers looking for some serenity will be right at home.
Being in one of the quieter parts of the island will be a definite boon for some visitors, as Hilton Head's best golf courses are very close. The accommodations enjoy a modern, open-plan design concept, with polished wooden floors, high-end contemporary furniture, and large whirlpool baths.
The pool area is pleasant, with water features and plenty of lounging space, and on-site activities on offer include everything from dolphin watching tours to candle making.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Book Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island offers 11 acres of tropical gardens and a stretch of the island's most alluring coastline. The hotel exudes a stylish vibe that feels upscale but not stuffy, and great beaches are a stone's throw away.
Even the entry-level Ocean View Guest Rooms have private balconies and good views of the sea and gardens. The rooms' decor is foreshadowed in the lobby, with splashes of bright colors that pop against whites and creams.
The resort has six dining outlets, the most formal of which is the flagship Heyward's Restaurant, which celebrates Lowcountry classics. There's a reassuringly impressive staff-guest ratio and the resort hits that perfect level of service, just below obtrusive. The pool areas were recently renovated, as was the plush Arum Spa.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
Island Links Resort
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Unlike, say, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head isn't overrun with properties that are specifically geared towards families, but this mid-range resort is a welcome exception.
Two huge pools, water features, and a huge menu of activities means that smaller guests will stay happy and entertained throughout the course of your stay. The beaches are a mile away, sadly, but the resort does run a free shuttle during the busier months.
Thoughtful landscaping and walking trails and wood-shingled villas (two- and three-bedroom options) are spacious, with recently upgraded contemporary furnishings in a light blue and yellow color palette. Activities go all day every day, with everything from bike rides to scavenger hunts to crafting, and the staff is great with children.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Book The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is a peaceful beachfront enclave that is similar in set up to the nearby Omni and Sonesta resorts, but just slightly more upmarket, justifying the more expensive rates. Thoughtful landscaping means that there are nooks aplenty to lounge around in and three large swimming pools means even when the hotel is at capacity it still feels relaxing and uncrowded. Plus, the direct beach access is outstanding.
Entry-level rooms keep it simple but classy with sleek wooden fittings, pillow-top beds, and double vanities. All the rooms have private balconies and a good number have ocean views.
Dining options are casual but high quality, with two restaurants and a bar. The spa here is particularly alluring, with an extensive menu of treatments, steam rooms, and whirlpools.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
The Inn and Club at Harbor Town
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Located within the landscaped greenery of the huge Sea Pines Resort, this boutique bolthole sets out its sophisticated stall as you arrive. A lobby pianist plays, the smell of freshly-cut flowers wafts through the air, and staff immediately see to your needs.
There are only 60 guest rooms, which are large, with high-quality wooden furniture and an urban feel. The diminutive size also means the hotel maintains a sense of exclusivity and privacy, and it's easy to relax around the large pool that overlooks surrounding golf courses.
Seafood and Southern cuisine dominate the on-site fine dining, and food trucks and bakeries serve as backup snack options. The resort is more suitable for golfers and poolside loungers than beach fans, as the ocean is not close by, but if you don't need sand to enjoy your holiday (or don't mind a short drive to the beaches) then the scenery isn't too shabby.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
Book Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort
It's hard to think of a better hotel for a high-end family vacation on the island than the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort.
Two large family pools, as well as a 'Splash Pad' for younger children, and an adult-only pool provide plentiful options for lazy days in the sun, and tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts offer added recreational activities. Some of the island's best golf courses are also on the doorstep, and there's even an 11-mile lagoon for kayaking.
Choose from a long list of room types, but no matter your choice, expect decor that is contemporary and colorful. Luxury oceanfront suites are probably the best of the resort, with over 1,000 square feet of space.
Dining options encompass a gourmet steakhouse, casual cafes, a sports bar, and there's even a fire pit for evening-time socializing.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Book Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
Disney operated this Hilton Head outpost, making it an obvious choice for families who also want to be welcomed by a familiar guest experience.
The hotel has a hunting lodge aesthetic, but does not celebrate any specific Disney movies. Rather, its vaguely kitsch design will more likely just ring as familiar to frequent Disney resort aficionados. Rooms decor includes furniture shaped like tree stumps and the like for a fun, rustic feel. Entry-level studio rooms are pretty standard; upgrade to a villa for more space and panache for the price.
There are family-friendly dining options and two pools, one including a wraparound water tower slide that reaches a 72,000-gallon heated pool and spa. As expected in a Disney hotel, there are also child-friendly activities, such as fishing and crabbing, plus bike rentals, nature walks, dolphin spotting, golf, and tennis. Although on its own island, the resort is a mile from the beach. However, Disney's Beach House is an annex where you can rent beach gear, and relax in the lounge.
Covid 19 procedures are available here.
FAQ: Hilton Head hotels
Where is Hilton Head Island?
Informally known as Hilton Head, the island is a Lowcountry resort town in South Carolina. It is around an hour's drive from Savannah, Georgia, and is the southernmost point in South Carolina. It's a popular, relatively upscale resort town with beautiful natural scenery, several picturesque beaches, and rich history.
Where should I stay on Hilton Head Island?
The island is a mix of independent hotels and resorts, some of which are full service, and some of which are more like condos, with kitchens and facilities that are more like a private home rental but also have pools, bars, etc.
What part of Hilton Head is best?
If you want to stay at an oceanfront hotel, some of the best beaches are generally held to be Folly Field, Coligny, Islanders, and Driessen beaches.
How much do hotels in Hilton Head Island cost?
If you want to book a hotel room in Hilton Head, the cost will depend on the quality of the hotel and the time of year that you're visiting. Generally, the standard of hotels in Hilton Head is relatively high, with a number of five-star properties at the luxurious end of the scale.
In terms of peak seasons, Hilton Head Island gets incredibly busy during the summer and over holiday weekends. An off-season room at a four-star hotel might set you back just over $100 per night, while an entry-level room at the same property in high summer might be around $350-400. Five-star properties at peak times might start from $500 per night.
Expect to pay, at minimum, a few hundred dollars for a short midweek stay off-season, or a couple of thousand for a weekend or summer visit in a higher-end property. It's also important to note that some hotels charge daily resort fees.
Some of the more expensive neighborhoods include Sea Pines, Hilton Head Plantation, Shipyard, Wexford, Long Cove, Port Royal, Indigo Run, Palmetto Hall, and Palmetto Dunes. For more affordable Hilton Head rooms, look to North Forest Beach, South Forest Beach, and Coligny Beach, all of which are located close to the main entertainment and nightlife district.
When are the best deals in Hilton Head?
For the best deals, as well as increased availability, visit in shoulder seasons like spring or fall when the weather is still quite pleasant and there are fewer crowds. If you're set on a summer trip to Hilton Head, plan to increase your budget or consider only staying midweek for lower rates.
What is there to do in Hilton Head Island?
The beach is the main attraction and draws large summer crowds. There is also a decent foodie scene and a good amount of nightlife and entertainment.
Golf is another popular activity, and there are a dozen or so courses. The island also celebrates its rich history, with the historic homes of Old Town Bluffton and the Coastal Discovery Museum among the sights.
Is it safe to stay in a Hilton Head Island hotel during COVID?
The CDC now says fully vaccinated people can safely travel in the US. Of course, there are still risks and we recommend following CDC guidelines, practicing social distancing, double masking, and washing hands frequently.
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