Hilton get-away in August??

[JimV]

I just returned from a eight day Spring Break trip with my family of six. We visited friends in Alabama and had a nice time but because our friends had the flu, my wife got sick and the weather was cool and rainy, her comment was as we drove home, "Same Mom routine, just different scenery."

Okay -- I had rented a cottage on Lake Michigan for a week in August and am now thinking that Hilton Head may be a better choice. While it is farther away (16 hrs instead of 1) we will not have to make our own food (optional), there will be more activities for the kids and probably a better chance of a vacation for my dear spouse.

But -- I have not yet been to HH, and have a few questions:

1. Weather in August 11 time frame. Is this going to be a problem?

2. How are the children's activities? (ages span 6-14)

3. Is it a problem having the beach a distance away from the resort? (Comparing this to having a cottage on the beach) What is the Beach House area like? What facilities are there?

Costs for the HH week are about double what I will pay for a local cottage but I am willing to pay if it is worth it.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[RobDoc]

1) Weather will be hot and humid. Ocean temps will be much warmer than Lake Michigan, however.

2) There is an active activity program for the children and lots of things to do in the area also.

3) There is a free shuttle to the beach (~ 1 mile away)- but you can also walk the distance or rent bikes to ease the trip! (There are miles of bike trails at HH)The Beach House has a pool, snack bar, arcade area and access to the beach- which is spectacular.

Check out Tommy Towery's HH website for more information.

Keep in mind that reservations at HH in the summer are rather tight, so you might want to call ASAP. Good luck with your decision!

Doc DVC Board Co-Moderator
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[Dumbo]

Jim,

I hope you are talking about next year. I doubt very seriously if you will be able to get a reservation at Hilton Head in August this late in the year already.

Dumbo

 

[JimV]

I appreciate the answers. I already checked and I can get a 2 BR at HH for five nights the week that I wanted. So, I just need to decide whether or not to go.

Doc -- you are right -- the water in Lake Michigan can be 70's or in the low 60's depending on how much rain and air temps for the weeks prior.

I will try and book this week. How often are hurricanes a problem in August? If I book during the first half of the month am I still early in the season?

Thanks again...

Jim

 

[RobDoc]

You should be OK with hurricanes at HH (Lake Michigan too!) at that time, but you never know. I would not let that keep me from enjoying a vacation there at this point! Enjoy!

Doc DVC Board Co-Moderator
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[GrammieMame]

HH is beautiful any time of year, but I'd avoid August if you can make it any other time of year. To say it's hot and humid is putting it so mildly. We have a place there and always try to avoid late July and all of August. But then I don't care for hot weather. Lake Michigan sounds great to me.

 

[jroberts]

I called MS about a month ago and was told that there was NOTHING available at HH till September.

 

[JimV]

I called on 4/8 and got the five days I wanted in August. 2 BR villa 8/11-8/16.

So I am on my way (unless I over analyze my vacation plans again).

-- Jim

 

[RobDoc]

Thanks, Jim!
This goes to again demonstrate the dynamics of how MS works. There are cancellations which will change what's available from day to day. So, if you found nothing yesterday, no telling what might turn up today....or tomorrow!

Doc DVC Board Co-Moderator
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[Dumbo]

Jim,

99 points for a Saturday night. Ouch ! Stay an extra day on the night of the 16th. It will only cost you 33 more points.

Dumbo

 

[JimV]

I tried. I failed.

Someone else is coming in on the 16th so if I want five nights, I have to do it this way (I may make it four nights and spend a night in Charleston on the way in).

-- Jim

 

[cindyf]

Jim, Just back tonight from our first HH vacation. I think you made the right decision. My husband ,6yo daughter and I all had a WONDERFUL time. It was so relaxing for all of us. Plenty to do for the young ones and we saw lots of teens making their own fun... We just decided last month to try HH to get away from the horrid Maine winter and I waitlisted and got just what I was looking for too. So there is always disney magic when you wish upon a star. Have fun, Cindy

 

[Dean]

What about booking that night using cash and saving the points?

Dean