Hilton Head vs. Vero Beach

[KAMLEM]

We stayed at Hilton Head two years ago and we absolutely loved it. We enjoyed the activities for the kids, the beach, the pools and just relaxing. We are considering spending a few nights at Vero Beach this summer after a week at WDW. How do you guys think Vero Beach compares to HH?

 

[apulk]

Our home resort is HHI and we've spent a week there the last 8 summers -- and this year we've decided to skip HHI and try out Vero. We'll be there next week. I'll try to post a comparison trip report when we get back.

 

[TnRobin]

We have loved HH ever since our first visit in 2000. This year we decided to try out Vero Beach since we wanted to attend a Mets Spring Training game. Here is my comparison.

Hilton Head is a more homey- comfy feel about the decore and resort in general. Vero Beach has a more Flagler-like turn of the century ambience about it. Still relaxing, but a little more upscale. This is not to say anything negative about HH. HH is wonderful, just a different atmosphere.

Kid activities - Both resorts get an A++ from my 10 year old. DS loved the putt-putt length of stay pass offered at the resort. He could play anytime he wanted without having to get us together and take a car trip.

Pros for Vero
---It is really nice to have the beach right outside the resort at Vero. We had a pool view room that had a partial ocean view - loved it.

---Croquet on the lawn is totally fun.

---Family Dining on-site.

---Tennis and Basketball Courts on property.

---Nice walking trail across street around mini-lake

-- Great location for MLB Spring training - Dodgertown - 5 minutes away. 45 minute drive to Port St Lucie for the Mets

Cons for Vero

---very secluded - No shopping nearby-Not many activities nearby offsite. 25 - 30 minute drive to a sit down resturant. At HH, you could walk to nearby off property dining options.



In summary - Vero is what you have come to expect with any Disney Property. It is beautiful and well maintained. The staff is great. It is perfect for the Beach Vacation Type Families.

Sadly that is not us. We like spend a few hours at the beach, but like to spend most of our time doing other stuff too. Hilton Head is still my favorite DVC resort. It fits our family to a tee.

 

[Desnik]

TnRobin
Thank you so much for that great comparrison of the 2 resorts!! I have been contimplating a trip to HHI for Easter break next year but was afraid we wouldn't like it or hate that it wasn't on the beach like VERO. From your description I think we would really enjoy it. Sometimes we like to just go to the beach and relax, and other times we like to keep busy. Vero is perfect for us for this coming trip in June because we really need to relax and have quality family time. On the other hand, if we were to go to HHI in April, we would love to check out the surrounding area, go to nice dinners, shop, etc.... Sounds like the best of both worlds! I love my DVC!!!!

To the OP:
I can't compare the 2 resorts but I can add that Vero is simply beautiful and a perfect way to end a hectic WDW vacation. Nice, and relaxing. We were going to just do Vero and I had to add 2 nights at SSR! We're drivng down so we just couldn't drive by WDW!!!LOL We are really looking foward to Vero!

 

[KAMLEM]

Thanks to all of you. TnRobin-your post convinced me to book it. We are doing 5 nights at SSR then 3 nights at Vero Beach. I'm really looking forward to it!

 

[TnRobin]

Oh I forgot to add one thing. I really missed riding Bikes at Vero Beach. Although they do rent bikes at Vero, the traffic on the highway outside is not conducive to "Family" Bike Riding.

Desnik - I wouldn't worry too much about the beach being away from the main resort. I think Disney makes up for this by having a fabulous beach house. We would just hop on our bikes, take a 5 -10 minute ride over there (2 minutes by car) and then spend a day at the beach. They have a nice counter-service resturant for lunch. A little nicer than the one at Vero as it has tables and chairs. I expect that this is because it is separate from the main resort. As for surrounding things to do. Outlet Mall shopping and Savannah top my list. Charleston is a little farther drive, but well worth it for a day trip.

I also agree, Vero and HHI are both great ways to "Bring it down" after a hectic week at WDW.

 

[TW1]

Only been to VB once, about 5 years ago and almost bought there, until the next summer when we went to HHI. We're making our first trip back to VB this summer and can't wait.

VB is classy. Think of a beautiful resort hotel with a lovely main building, multi-story open lobby area, all ochre and pastels, tile and stucco. Nicely appointed rooms, Add a couple of restuarant choices, a bar, fun pool and place it all right on a great Florida beach. On our trip back then, we stayed there, never got in the car, just relaxed at the beach and pool.

HHI, where we bought, reminds me more of the house we rented at the Jersey Shore every summer. Laid back, under the trees, off the beach, on the bay, quiet. Decor is more earth tones, pine green, deep reds, lots of wood. Add the pool, hammocks, massive live oaks, drippy spanish moss, and palm trees. At HHI you go out to eat, do take-out, or shop at the Publix and cook in your villa. Yes there is an awesome beach, much wider than VB, just not at your doorstep. When you stay "on" the beach you constantly feel, and hear, the ocean. HHI is on the 'bay' making it very quiet. At HHI we tend to jump in the car, drive around, explore the neighborhood.

Both offer outstanding Cast Members, wide range of activities for all ages and fantastic value. They have their own unique flavor and we like them both.

Our final decision came down to two factors. We like the shady, bayside location of HHI and it is easier for us to get to HHI every year, than VB.

Clear as mud, right?

 

[BraveMom3]

We're heading to VB for 4 nights after our 2 weeks at WDW. I thought I read somewhere that there is a nice bike trail. Is this true or not? Thanks

 

[Par8hed]

Yes there is an awesome beach, much wider than VB,

FYI- VB's beach is MUCH, MUCH wider than 5 years ago thanks to last years storms.

 

[TW1]

VB's beach is MUCH, MUCH wider thanks to last years storms.

I guess there is a silver lining to those horrendous storms. I read somewhere that folks used to also walk north along the beach abit to another beach. Do VB'ers still do this?

 

[quentina]

Personally, I did not like Vero at all....I can honestly say, I will never go there again (so much for my 50 point add-on from when they were haveing a "sale".

I love HH...too be honest, my son and my parents like to go there before WDW...not sure where he came from!

HH has many more activites, shopping, sights ste. Vero is way to low key for me.

Kim

 

[TnRobin]

We're heading to VB for 4 nights after our 2 weeks at WDW. I thought I read somewhere that there is a nice bike trail. Is this true or not? Thanks

When we asked about bike trails, they showed us a map of the trail, but to get to the trail you had to bike down A1A a bit and on the return trip you had to drive back on Highway 535 (i think that is the right number). While the other two legs of the trail were in secluded areas and probably beautiful, I did not feel comfortable about letting my 10 year old ride down these busy highways.