*HHI Owners and Beach Lovers Group Thread*

[JGINPL]

There are so many things to do on HHI to include fishing excursions, kayaking/paddleboarding, tours, and restaurants. However, for most who come to HHI, the best idea is not to schedule too many activities. Part of the allure of HHI is the laid back vibe: going to the beach, sitting by the pool and enjoying music, trivia contests, et. al., lounging on your balcony with coffee or other drinks, playing the yard games scattered throughout the resort, riding bikes all over the island. In other words, spending quality time together. I'm not saying you can't do that with other activities, but what surprises people the most who visit HHI is that you can relax and not plan like you do for a trip to WDW. So, many just come to relax and leave feeling refreshed--like a true vacation. That being said, I'd be sure to do a couple of things. First, book a kayak tour through Outside Hilton Head located in Shelter Cove--a 10-minute walk from the resort back over the bridge. They're fun, easy, and a great family (our couples) excursion. Second, Pinckney National Wildlife Refuge located between the two bridges as you drive over to HHI from Bluffton--maybe a 15 minute drive from the resort. It's free and has walking/biking trails and you'll see plenty of wildlife, especially aquatic birds. (If you don't want to drive that far, a closer and smaller option is Jarvis Creek Park--about a 10-minute drive.)

Restaurants? There are so many on the island, and most of them are good to excellent. For my money. . .
Seafood: Fishcamp on Broad Creek, Skull Creek Boathouse, Hudson's, Black Marlin, Ela's on the Water (10-minute walk from the resort).
Italian: OMBRA Cucina, Nunzio's, Michael Anthony's
Other: Hilton Head Social Bakery (5-minute walk), Oddbirds Cafe (Bluffton), Alljoy Donuts (Bluffton), and Farm (Bluffton)
Fresh seafood to cook in your room: Benny Hudson's Seafood (not the restaurant), Barnacle Bill's

As for room selection, there's a great map on Page 1 of this thread that will give you a nice overview of which building sits where. In short, there are 21 guest room buildings on property, with Bldg 11 being at the entrance to the resort (and where you check in--Live Oak Lodge) and Bldg 31 being the farthest out at the other end of the resort. Don't be deceived, though, as it's a small resort and you can walk from 11 to 31 in 7-8 minutes. The main pool--Big Dipper Pool--sits in the back 1/3 of the resort, and it's co-located with the QS (Tide Me Over) and the gift shop (Mercantile). The fishing pier is also located there, as is the recreational activities window where you can sign up for classes, rent bikes, or grab fishing/crabbing gear.

No 2BRs are located in the first two buildings, 11 and 12, so you will be in one of the other 19 guest room buildings.
Marsh view: 14, 15, 18, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31
Pool view: 23, 25 (partially obstructed by the 2-story slide), 26
Closest to pool (keep in mind no bldg is very far away): 20 to 31
Closest to resort entrance: 11 to 18
Due to noise issues, I'd definitely ask for a top floor room. While marsh views are nice, there are no bad views at the resort with the possible exception of a few rooms overlooking the boardwalk off Bldg 12--the top floor rooms in 12 also have views of the main service building's dumpster and recycle bins. (However, those rooms, likewise, do have partial marsh views.) Still, Bldg 12 has no 2BRs so not an issue for you.

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you so much for this information, it will be very helpful planning our trip.

 

[sleepydog25]

Thank you so much for this information, it will be very helpful planning our trip.

I should have mentioned that perhaps others will chime in with a list of "to do/to see" things. There are lots of activities to be had, for sure, though some of them might not be in full swing at the time of year you're headed there.

 

[WildernessDodge]

Random question: are chip n’ dale now permanent, year-round daily visitors at Hilton Head?

 

[hhisc16]

Leaving tomorrow: 14 and 30 are for sure getting refurbed. Lots of work area around 30, 14, and small parking lot near bus.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Leaving tomorrow: 14 and 30 are for sure getting refurbed. Lots of work area around 30, 14, and small parking lot near bus.

Yes. We just left yesterday. We stayed in Building 12 and our last night there we started hearing power tools at 10:00 pm. We tried to call the front desk but our phone wouldn’t work. So my DH went down to the front desk and asked. They didn’t say anything was being “refurbed” but they said whatever they were doing was supposed to take about 20 minutes. They had tried to call to tell us. It was probably just a maintenance issue since it was so late at night but whatever it was sure was major.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Can anyone tell me how busy the island gets during the RBC Heritage? We are actually looking at the Thursday-Sunday before it begins next year.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Can anyone tell me how busy the island gets during the RBC Heritage? We are actually looking at the Thursday-Sunday before it begins next year.

We were there about 10 years ago, when the Heritage happened to be Good Friday and the final day was on Easter Sunday. Good Friday evening was impossible to find anywhere to eat, but come to think of it, we were only going to seafood restaurants. From the circle by Pope Ave and Sea Pines, traffic really clogged up. and once you got into Sea Pines, you had to park in a lot right there, and take a trolley around. However, the other end of the island wasn't too bad. I would think that the week before the Heritage won't be too bad. Remember, we're comparing it to November, so we tend to look at it compared to a very slow time of year. People who go to HHI in the summer may see the week before the Heritage as relatively slow.

 

[schucrew]

Has anyone used a photographer while staying at DHHIR? I am looking for recommendations. Thank you in advance. (I looked but didn’t see that this has been asked before.)

 

[sleepydog25]

Random question: are chip n’ dale now permanent, year-round daily visitors at Hilton Head?

Yes, though permanent might be overstating it a bit. What Disney giveth, Disney taketh away on a whim.

Can anyone tell me how busy the island gets during the RBC Heritage? We are actually looking at the Thursday-Sunday before it begins next year.

As noted, it will be far busier on the Sea Pines side of the island--I wouldn't bother going there during the actual tournament week. However, the other side of the island starting down near Nunzio's and OMBRA Cucina (Wexford area) and stretching to Bluffton usually isn't too bad; however, it will be during some schools' spring break so busier than, say, early March. Given you'll actually be there the week before, then you shouldn't have an issue--all you'll have to deal with is spring break traffic and crowds which, while noticeably busier than typical off-season months, generally isn't awful.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Yes, though permanent might be overstating it a bit. What Disney giveth, Disney taketh away on a whim.

As noted, it will be far busier on the Sea Pines side of the island--I wouldn't bother going there during the actual tournament week. However, the other side of the island starting down near Nunzio's and OMBRA Cucina (Wexford area) and stretching to Bluffton usually isn't too bad; however, it will be during some schools' spring break so busier than, say, early March. Given you'll actually be there the week before, then you shouldn't have an issue--all you'll have to deal with is spring break traffic and crowds which, while noticeably busier than typical off-season months, generally isn't awful.

Thank you, sleepydog25. We are also considering the last weekend of April. To avoid spring break, that might be the best time to go back.

ETA: So I switched the dates to the last weekend of April, but I have the first week of April (Spring Break) waitlisted just because we can go during the week and stay an extra night due to lower points. I sure wish I had booked that at 11 months out. DH and I had decided to just do one trip next year and stay in a 1-BR (which we love). But we just got back today and realized we can't wait over a year to get back, so it's two trips again next year in studios until we finally decide to add on.

 

[DigitalOlli]

Hello
We plan to stay for 5 nights in July at HHI ( first time)

We own AKL and SSR. Hope to get in at 7 month. is it easier to get the weekend ( because of the high points) or the week?
We hope to get a Studio but have points for a one bedroom. 2Br would be too much points

 

[badeacon]

Hello
We plan to stay for 5 nights in July at HHI ( first time)

We own AKL and SSR. Hope to get in at 7 month. is it easier to get the weekend ( because of the high points) or the week?
We hope to get a Studio but have points for a one bedroom. 2Br would be too much points

Probably at most 50% chance of getting studio or 1 BR in July according to availability charts on dvchelp.com as it shows 3-7 days available over 2 week intervals.

 

[hhisc16]

Hello
We plan to stay for 5 nights in July at HHI ( first time)

We own AKL and SSR. Hope to get in at 7 month. is it easier to get the weekend ( because of the high points) or the week?
We hope to get a Studio but have points for a one bedroom. 2Br would be too much points

At 7 months, your best chance may be a weekend night in 1 bedroom at hhi compared to a studio.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hello
We plan to stay for 5 nights in July at HHI ( first time)

We own AKL and SSR. Hope to get in at 7 month. is it easier to get the weekend ( because of the high points) or the week?
We hope to get a Studio but have points for a one bedroom. 2Br would be too much points

Weekends tend to be a little busier in terms of check ins which is in itself not a great predictor of availability, however. July is a tough month because it's the peak month of the peak season which runs roughly from April (spring break) into Sept (Labor Day weekend). Studios and 1BRs are limited to 21 units each while there are 76 2BRs, thus your odds are even a little worse with either of those as opposed to a 2BR. Try right at 7 months, and if you don't get what you want, then put in a waitlist. I will say that waitlists often work well for HHI.

Another point of possible exacerbation: the big refurb has started at HHI, and with any luck, they'll be done by spring...at least I imagine that's their goal. However, if the refurb stretches out a bit, then there still may be some rooms out of inventory come July further lowering your odds. Crossed fingers and toes that the refurb is done by next July and that you'll have great good fortune befall you for booking then!

 

[Zach197]

I just booked 4 nights in January in a one bedroom. This will be our first trip to Hilton Head and we’re pumped! I just saw this resort is due for a refurb. Any idea when? Any annual events or must dos in January?

 

[sleepydog25]

I just booked 4 nights in January in a one bedroom. This will be our first trip to Hilton Head and we’re pumped! I just saw this resort is due for a refurb. Any idea when? Any annual events or must dos in January?

The refurb has started with Bldgs 14 and 30--the latter has a 1BR in it that is already renovated as it was one of the test rooms a couple of years ago. However, most of the 1BRs are in Bldg 11 or Bldg 12, so one of those two is likely where you'll be booked. No special events in January as I recall--the months of Jan and Feb are perhaps the slowest on the island. While most restaurants remain open (some with curtailed hours), a few close down for a week or two during this time to freshen up the decor and just give the employees a rest. That being said, there is always plenty to do. Biking, visiting the beach (water will be too cold to get in for most people), hanging out pool side (both pools are heated to 84F), shopping at Tanger Outlets in nearby Bluffton, playing the several yard games located around the resort, and special activities that the recreation CMs offer on a daily basis. What HHI offers the most is the ability to truly unwind, kick back, sit on your balcony, and soak up the low country vibe--an opportunity to enjoy your family and not feel obligated to run around in a pricey theme park and worry about dining reservations.

 

[Simba's Mom]

The refurb has started with Bldgs 14 and 30--the latter has a 1BR in it that is already renovated as it was one of the test rooms a couple of years ago.

However, I haven't heard from anyone who's stayed in Building 30, in a 1 Bedroom. I'd love to hear what it was like-even though I know there may be some changes-hence, the idea of "test". Anyone?

 

[sleepydog25]

However, I haven't heard from anyone who's stayed in Building 30, in a 1 Bedroom. I'd love to hear what it was like-even though I know there may be some changes-hence, the idea of "test". Anyone?

That 1BR and the studio in 30 were both renovated but not released for room inventory during the past couple of years. Thus, there have only been 20 1BRs and 20 studios available during this time.

That being said, depending on your love of and desire for the nostalgic feel the old rooms provide, the new rooms may or may not be a welcome change: expect a muted/earthier color scheme, updated lamp fixtures/curtains, sleeker looking cabinets, no wall sconces, no painted tiles in the kitchen's backsplash, soaking tub replacing the jetted tub, et. al. The rooms definitely will not remind you of a fishing lodge which was the original storyline that has, more or less, been followed over the years.

 

[Zach197]

The refurb has started with Bldgs 14 and 30--the latter has a 1BR in it that is already renovated as it was one of the test rooms a couple of years ago. However, most of the 1BRs are in Bldg 11 or Bldg 12, so one of those two is likely where you'll be booked. No special events in January as I recall--the months of Jan and Feb are perhaps the slowest on the island. While most restaurants remain open (some with curtailed hours), a few close down for a week or two during this time to freshen up the decor and just give the employees a rest. That being said, there is always plenty to do. Biking, visiting the beach (water will be too cold to get in for most people), hanging out pool side (both pools are heated to 84F), shopping at Tanger Outlets in nearby Bluffton, playing the several yard games located around the resort, and special activities that the recreation CMs offer on a daily basis. What HHI offers the most is the ability to truly unwind, kick back, sit on your balcony, and soak up the low country vibe--an opportunity to enjoy your family and not feel obligated to run around in a pricey theme park and worry about dining reservations.

Thank you for the info!

 

[LadybugsMum]

I’m here right now and it appears that building 14 may be done as they have moved the staging area to outside of building 19. I saw some workers removing random stuff from 19 yesterday. Also, they put in 2 EV charging stations outside of 14.