Hilton Head Island Questions

[baileykelly]

My parents are looking into staying here for a few days in January 2010. Has anyone vacationed here in January or February before? Is the weather generally nice enough to sit on the beach during the day (maybe in shorts and a t shirt/sweatshirt?) Are there good restaurants on Hilton Head? Has anyone taken a day trip to Savannah while staying here? We appreciate any feedback!

 

[SusieBea]

My parents are looking into staying here for a few days in January 2010. Has anyone vacationed here in January or February before? Is the weather generally nice enough to sit on the beach during the day (maybe in shorts and a t shirt/sweatshirt?) Are there good restaurants on Hilton Head? Has anyone taken a day trip to Savannah while staying here? We appreciate any feedback!

OK, I'll start, but I'm sure Doc and a few others will also pitch in. We have been to HHead many times in January and February, and the weather is iffy. I would choose February over Jan; might be quite nice, 60s or 70s in the afternoon, and, if you dress properly, the beach is wonderful.

There are many good restaurants on the Island, some within wallking distance of the resort. Some of our favorites are Alexanders, Old Fort Pub, Hudson's, Old Oyster Factory, and Red Fish.

A day trip to Savannah is always a good time whether you take a carriage tour or just go the self-guided route. A day trip to Beaufort, about an hour north, is also fun and interesting. Hope your parents have a good time.

 

[Connears]

We have been to HHI for 5 xmas weeks and yes, the weather if not predictable. One year DS swam in poor and it was mid 60's, another year we had hats, loves on the beach for a very brisk walk (30-40's). The resort also has activities for adults and kids, daily. We have done day trips to Savannah and Beaufort(smaller, historic and cute) and there are great restaurants at HHI(Old Oyster Factory, Frankie Bones, Old Fort Pub, some our repeaters, but we try new ones each visit). We also have eaten at Kingfisher and Scott's Fish Market right at Shelter Cove(you can walk there) and they were also good.
Connears

 

[Dean]

HH is great but Jan is likely the worst time to go though I haven't been there personally. I doubt you can sit out in shorts any days on the beach from mid Dec to late Feb. A lot of restaurants are closed at that time but many more are open. One thing to think about is that HH can be cheap during that time. If you know someone who owns with II, they may be able to get you a Marriott on the beach for a song, usually under $400 for a 2 BR. Or you could get DVC through RCI possibly even cheaper, as low as $199 for a week.

 

[Connears]

HH is great but Jan is likely the worst time to go though I haven't been there personally. I doubt you can sit out in shorts any days on the beach from mid Dec to late Feb. A lot of restaurants are closed at that time but many more are open. One thing to think about is that HH can be cheap during that time. If you know someone who owns with II, they may be able to get you a Marriott on the beach for a song, usually under $400 for a 2 BR. Or you could get DVC through RCI possibly even cheaper, as low as $199 for a week.

Just wondering why you would you go thru RCI when dvc at HHI is very low points for jan? what's the advantage of paying cash if you have the dvc points and they are so low at that time?

Connears

 

[RobDoc]

I'd agree that the January weather can be pretty unpredictable and I would prefer February over January. We were there in both Jan and Feb this year and temps ranged in the 50's - 70's both times - we did take walks on the beach each time and completely enjoyed those times.

There are a lot of restaurants available at that time of the year. I'd pick up one of the free restaurant guides available at the resort and check out what is open during the stay. A lot of the restaurants that are at capacity during the summer will even offer early dining specials during the winter.

I'd also suggest checking out the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (within walking distance of the resort) for some top quality shows. In December, they will present "My Fair Lady", in February "Boeing - Boeing", Elton John's "Aida" in April and The Who's "Tommy" in June. These are really great musicals with professional actors in the lead roles. (Cabaret is the show in October, 09).

Savannah is about 45 minutes away and offers a lot for a day trip during your stay.

Enjoy!

 

[Dean]

Just wondering why you would you go thru RCI when dvc at HHI is very low points for jan? what's the advantage of paying cash if you have the dvc points and they are so low at that time?

Connears

How about a week in a 2 BR at one of the 3 newer Marriott's Ocean front for $400 or a week for the same amount at Marriott's Heritage with 2 free rounds of golf (including Harbour town) for every day for the same amount. These are II options and not RCI but that's why I said if one knew someone that could get it for you. Even with the guest fee, it's still under $450 for the week. For RCI, the prices are comparable but will be around $200 as the time grows near. DVC is not currently listed but likely will be at some point as well. Why use that many DVC points for a week when you can get something for half to 2/3 what the fees are on those points alone. One could likely rent an oceanfront condo for the month for maybe $700. One can also trade to DVC fairly easily for Jan.

Unfortunately the way DVC is set up with RCI, DVC members can't take direct advantage of these options.

The bottom line is it's MUCH cheaper and you can often get resorts that many would consider better options than would the DVC resort in II, not so much in RCI but still potentially get DVC itself.

 

[dis-happy]

I'd also suggest checking out the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (within walking distance of the resort) for some top quality shows. In December, they will present "My Fair Lady", in February "Boeing - Boeing", Elton John's "Aida" in April and The Who's "Tommy" in June. These are really great musicals with professional actors in the lead roles. (Cabaret is the show in October, 09).

Just saw "Menopause: The Musical" there a couple of weeks ago....gee Doc, bet you're sorry you missed it!!!

 

[RobDoc]

Just saw "Menopause: The Musical" there a couple of weeks ago....gee Doc, bet you're sorry you missed it!!!

Yeah - I am sure sorry I missed that one but I was told it was well done and quite funny. We did make it to Les Miserables in the spring and couldn't talk DW into South Pacific when we were there late last year (she is now sorry we didn't go that one).

We went to Les Mis expecting it to be like a local civic theater production and were quite impressed with the quality of the program - about half the cast had actor's equity cards.