*HHI Owners and Beach Lovers Group Thread*

[Simba's Mom]

I do know that dolphins have been seen several times from Building 31.

 

[Economouse]

Hi HHI owners! I starting to plan a golf outing and I'm thinking about HH and staying at the resort. I know transportation is provided to the beach house, but do they provide any transportation to other part of the island? Mainly golf clubhouses?

Or do I need a rental car?

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hi HHI owners! I starting to plan a golf outing and I'm thinking about HH and staying at the resort. I know transportation is provided to the beach house, but do they provide any transportation to other part of the island? Mainly golf clubhouses?

Or do I need a rental car?

You really need a rental car-to the best of my knowledge, transportation isn't supplied by the resort to any golf courses. Also, with all the golf courses on the island, I'm sure you'll be golfing a few times. On our usual trips, DH golfs 4-5 times, and that's not even called a "golf outing" A golf outing implies more!

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi HHI owners! I starting to plan a golf outing and I'm thinking about HH and staying at the resort. I know transportation is provided to the beach house, but do they provide any transportation to other part of the island? Mainly golf clubhouses?

Or do I need a rental car?

Just to reinforce Simba's Mom's comment, you need a rental car. The only shuttle Disney offers is to/from the Beach House. Now, there is a free island shuttle during the summer, but I'm fairly darn sure they don't stop at golf courses, either, but rather shopping centers, beaches, and few other places like that. Beyond the golf courses, you can get pretty much anywhere on the island via a rented bicycle, however.

 

[LargoLori]

I just booked a 2 bedroom for the end of August. This will be our first trip to HH. Any suggestions for best building to request, things to do or places to eat? Also, how does one request a specific building or floor? Thanks in advance.

 

[T00dles]

I just booked a 2 bedroom for the end of August. This will be our first trip to HH. Any suggestions for best building to request, things to do or places to eat? Also, how does one request a specific building or floor? Thanks in advance.

Congrats on your first trip to HH! For room suggestions, check out post #1759. As for fun things to do—ride bikes, hit the beach, and relax by the pool. Dining? You’ve got over 300 options! We love Scott’s Fish Market (just across the bridge at the marina) and grabbing fresh local seafood from Benny Hudson Seafood to cook up ourselves. You’re going to love it!

 

[Simba's Mom]

To add to the above restaurant recommendations, any restaurant run by the SERG restaurant group there has been good-some of those are Poseidon, Black Marlin, and Nectar. And if you have a sweet tooth, the Hilton Head Social Bakery, also just across the bridge is a "must experience."

 

[eticketplease]

To add to the above restaurant recommendations, any restaurant run by the SERG restaurant group there has been good-some of those are Poseidon, Black Marlin, and Nectar. And if you have a sweet tooth, the Hilton Head Social Bakery, also just across the bridge is a "must experience."

Just to add the SERG restaurants also offer a discount for those staying at HHI. SERG also has another favorite, One Hot Mamma’s BBQ

 

[sleepydog25]

I just booked a 2 bedroom for the end of August. This will be our first trip to HH. Any suggestions for best building to request, things to do or places to eat? Also, how does one request a specific building or floor? Thanks in advance.

There are no bad rooms at HHI. Those which don't have a water view still overlook the lush landscaping of the resort and offer a great deal of calmness just sitting on the balcony...except perhaps those that overlook the pool! I made the post about rooms TOOdles mentions above, and it's a fairly good summary based on my time there. As for requesting a specific building or room, I'd simply ask for upper floor, water view. You can make that request via the DVC website. Additionally, about two weeks before you depart, call the front desk at the resort itself (I think the phone number is on the first page of this thread) and speak to a live person. The room allocators work in an office area just behind the front desk, and they try very hard to meet the requests based on what is available, of course. Still, I wouldn't worry too much about getting an amazing view since, again, there are no really bad rooms at HHI, just peace and tranquility for the most part.

TOOdles is also quite right in saying rent bikes and explore. The bike trails on HHI are expansive--over 100 miles of them--and they can take you nearly any place you'd like to go: nature centers, mini golf, restaurants, and shops. Now, in August, it will be hot, so keep that in mind. As for particular activities, I'm sure others will chime in but Outside Hilton Head offers all manners of cruises and rentals, from dolphin watching to kayaking. They're located right across the water in Shelter Cove Marina. If you want to see more nature than you might see from your balcony or biking, then the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge sits between the two bridges as you enter HHI proper, so only a 10-12 minute drive from the resort. If you enjoy shopping, the Tanger Outlet malls sit on your right in Bluffton which is the community you pass through just before crossing the bridges. Certainly, beach time will be primo during August, and while it will be busy in HHI and on the beaches, it's not the non-ending throngs of people you find in places like Myrtle Beach, et. al.

Speaking of the beach, Hilton Head Beach Services provide chair and umbrella rentals. You can set them up for a 1/2 day, full day, or even the week. Now, they're pricey, but it's convenient and easy. You just tell them you'll be on the part of the beach by the Disney Beach House, and you'll be all set. Many prefer to purchase cheaper chairs and umbrellas once they arrive to HHI (the large Kroger in Shelter Cove Centre next to the resort has them as does the local Walmart), then leave them behind for others to use. You can give them to the CMs at the Beach House or simply leave them outside your room and make note of them on here or FB.

You can easily bike to the beach from the resort--it's right at 1.5 miles--but the resort offers a free shuttle that runs every 20-30 minutes depending on how busy things get. You can also drive there, but go early as that time of year the parking lot at the Beach House fills quickly. The Beach House has its own pool, lounge chairs, and quick service. (Little known fact: you can also have UberEats and others deliver to the Beach House--the address is on a plaque sitting just above the water fountains.) No need to bring towels, as the main pool and the Beach House pool provide plenty of them and, yes, you can take those towels to the beach. Just please make sure you bring them back and drop them off at the Beach House or even back at your room.

Restaurants. There are so many great places to eat, and everyone has their favorites. Keep in mind that many of the more popular places don't take a reservation such as Skull Creek Boathouse and Hudson's, two perennial hotspots. If you desire seafood, both of these are very good. One of my most beloved places is Fishcamp on Broad Creek, and they do take reservations. For Italian, I highly recommend Nunzio's (they also feature fresh seafood on the menu). And, yes, Hilton Head Social Bakery is a must. You can walk to it from your room, although they have a second location with better hours about a 5-minute drive away toward Sea Pines.

DHHIR is a great place to unwind, decompress, and enjoy a true vacation without running around worrying about rides, crowds, ADRs, and the like. This ability to just be with your family and not stress is the true key to HHI's popularity...that and the best CMs in all of Disney.

 

[steve_rob]

Long shot here, but hoping that someone might know somewhere. Is there anywhere on the island that rents "normal" bikes?

Any internet search I do only seems to return results for hiring "cruiser" bikes, which I really don't like after a previous experience elsewhere. I would much prefer a standard, flat handlebarred bike like I use at home (typically referred to as a hybrid); I'm not interested in riding on the beach, only on paved trails; don't need big fat knobbly tires or anything like that. But I'm struggling to find any places out there. Don't go to HHI until May, so still have plenty of time.

 

[hhisc16]

Long shot here, but hoping that someone might know somewhere. Is there anywhere on the island that rents "normal" bikes?

Any internet search I do only seems to return results for hiring "cruiser" bikes, which I really don't like after a previous experience elsewhere. I would much prefer a standard, flat handlebarred bike like I use at home (typically referred to as a hybrid); I'm not interested in riding on the beach, only on paved trails; don't need big fat knobbly tires or anything like that. But I'm struggling to find any places out there. Don't go to HHI until May, so still have plenty of time.

When we had a bike issue while riding on HHI, we stopped at this place for air:
https://bikedoctorhhi.com/
They had hybrids for rental.
You may have to call to confirm with the South location which is nearest to DHHIR.

 

[MFG]

Hi all! We’re strongly considering renting points for a week at DHHR this summer for a more relaxed vacation than we normally do at the parks. A few questions if you all don’t mind!
-are there fun resort activities that will entertain the kids too? Would love to hear your experience! Ours will be 5 & 8.
-is doordash popular or should we plan to walk or drive for meals we aren’t eating at resort?
-any nearby gems?
-anything you wish you’d known before your first stay here?

Thanks all!

 

[mort1331]

Just wondering...i am driving down from Ontario tomorrow, tuesday..with the wildfires right now , are the hiways ok? Taking 79 and 77. Or what would be an end around?

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

Hi all! We’re strongly considering renting points for a week at DHHR this summer for a more relaxed vacation than we normally do at the parks. A few questions if you all don’t mind!
-are there fun resort activities that will entertain the kids too? Would love to hear your experience! Ours will be 5 & 8.
-is doordash popular or should we plan to walk or drive for meals we aren’t eating at resort?
-any nearby gems?
-anything you wish you’d known before your first stay here?

Thanks all!

I hate to burst your bubble, but you have probably waited too late to book. Summer is super popular at DHHIR. In order to get a full week, you would have needed to rent from an owner around 11 months out. You might can get a weekend at the most at this point. Maybe start planning now for next summer.

 

[TCRAIG]

I hate to burst your bubble, but you have probably waited too late to book. Summer is super popular at DHHIR. In order to get a full week, you would have needed to rent from an owner around 11 months out. You might can get a weekend at the most at this point. Maybe start planning now for next summer.

Agree - DHHIR is a very small resort that is super popular…you may get a Fri/Sat night ressie but not a week at this point - unless you want late August (after school starts around here).

 

[CarolynFH]

Hi all! We’re strongly considering renting points for a week at DHHR this summer for a more relaxed vacation than we normally do at the parks. A few questions if you all don’t mind!
-are there fun resort activities that will entertain the kids too? Would love to hear your experience! Ours will be 5 & 8.
-is doordash popular or should we plan to walk or drive for meals we aren’t eating at resort?
-any nearby gems?
-anything you wish you’d known before your first stay here?

Thanks all!

FYI there are many other timeshare resorts on Hilton Head Island - Marriott has more than one, and there are others. Many of them are on the beach. So if you really want to visit HHI and can’t get the D.V.C. there, check TUG’s rental page https://tug2.com/timesharemarketplace/rentals or RedWeek or go-Koala or the Marriott Vacation Club website.

 

[peder]

I hate to burst your bubble, but you have probably waited too late to book. Summer is super popular at DHHIR. In order to get a full week, you would have needed to rent from an owner around 11 months out. You might can get a weekend at the most at this point. Maybe start planning now for next summer.

Dedicated DVc rentals are or might be available, however. So could still happen via that route.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi all! We’re strongly considering renting points for a week at DHHR this summer for a more relaxed vacation than we normally do at the parks. A few questions if you all don’t mind!
-are there fun resort activities that will entertain the kids too? Would love to hear your experience! Ours will be 5 & 8.
-is doordash popular or should we plan to walk or drive for meals we aren’t eating at resort?
-any nearby gems?
-anything you wish you’d known before your first stay here?

Thanks all!

- Yes, there are plenty of activities at the resort aimed squarely at kiddos. Plus, there's the pool (which has its own activities), kiddie pool, hot tub, the pool at the beach house, and, of course, the ocean. There are bikes to rent (you can get a tag-a-long if the kids don't ride yet), nature walks around the island, miniature golf, and plenty of yard games right on property: putting green (kids love it), giant checkers, bocce ball, horseshoes, corn hole, and more.
- I wouldn't say DoorDash or Uber Eats are particularly popular, but they are used, yes. In fact, they will deliver to the Beach House, as well. That being said, it's not necessary to use them given the close proximity of so many restaurants, including a few that you can walk to. Others are a very short drive away in Shelter Cove Shopping Centre (you can walk but with kids, I wouldn't), and there are tons more that require less than 10 minutes of driving (or biking). You definitely can eat meals at the resort, but they'll all be quick service. There is no table service restaurant on property.
- Nearby gems. While many like Scott's which is the first restaurant you pass walking from the resort to Shelter Cove marina, during my years working at the resort, I found it to be rather pedestrian. Not bad but not notable, either. Another 6-7 minute walk past Scott's farther down the marina is Ella's on the Water which is better, though slightly pricier. Sitting right beside Scott's is Hilton Head Social Bakery which is a true gem. Plenty of delicious pastries, quiche, sandwiches, breads, desserts, and the like. Definitely pricey but generally worth it. As there is something like 300 restaurants in and around HHI, you will find folks who love nearly all of them. In other words, you can't go wrong. That being said, I'd give Fishcamp on Broad Creek a try--was one of my top three places for seafood on the island and actually takes reservations unlike many others.
- What to know before a first stay? Don't look at this as a typical Disney vacation where you have to plan, plan, plan. This is a retreat where you want to enjoy family, so let the kids run around the resort and enjoy the beauty. Splash in the pool. Sit on your balcony and share a meal from Tide Me Over. Kick back and relax. The low country vibe is what sets apart HHI from all other resorts, that and the best CMs anywhere. So, don't overcrowd your schedule with "things to do." It's not that kind of place, though you can certainly find plenty to do.

Finally, you say "considering renting points this summer." Hmmm, not sure that's going to be possible. DHHIR is a small resort which is extremely well-loved, especially during the summer. In fact, from the early spring breaks through Labor Day is considered the busy season there, in particular, the months from late May through late August. Unless you're very fortunate--and that does happen occasionally--rooms rarely open up. There are only 123 total rooms there, and unless you own at HHI, the chances of someone snagging a reservation during the peak season are remote. Now, watch you prove me wrong! It's a great resort, so best wishes to you!

 

[sleepydog25]

Just wondering...i am driving down from Ontario tomorrow, tuesday..with the wildfires right now , are the hiways ok? Taking 79 and 77. Or what would be an end around?

I think you'll be just fine. While I'm not familiar with 79, I live just off 77 in Virginia and it's clear. There are still some lingering air issues from all the wildfires last year and continuing this year, but nothing you can actually see or smell along I77.

 

[MFG]

I hate to burst your bubble, but you have probably waited too late to book. Summer is super popular at DHHIR. In order to get a full week, you would have needed to rent from an owner around 11 months out. You might can get a weekend at the most at this point. Maybe start planning now for next summer.

We got lucky because we just got the confirmation for our week with rented points! Noted for next time though, don’t want to risk it.