Hilton Head

[Tigger031266]

Help me understand Hilton Head. We have never been there but we love Vero. Thinking of scheduling a trip for next summer and we are considering Hilton Head.

So I know the hotel is not on ocean and you have to take a bus. We don't like golf (except miniature). We have two boys (7 and 11). I do not like the idea of taking a bus to the beach but not that big of an issue.

What if anything makes it magical? What is fun? Are there nice restaurants that I can walk to? What do people dislike about HH? What is the best thing?

Vero is magical because it has fun great waves, it is pitch black at night like being on a deserted island, the green cabin room is so cool, the fire at night and mostly the views of the ocean from our hotel room..... So what is cool about Hilton Head????

 

[TheRobbs]

Help me understand Hilton Head. We have never been there but we love Vero. Thinking of scheduling a trip for next summer and we are considering Hilton Head.

So I know the hotel is not on ocean and you have to take a bus. We don't like golf (except miniature). We have two boys (7 and 11). I do not like the idea of taking a bus to the beach but not that big of an issue.

What if anything makes it magical? What is fun? Are there nice restaurants that I can walk to? What do people dislike about HH? What is the best thing?

Vero is magical because it has fun great waves, it is pitch black at night like being on a deserted island, the green cabin room is so cool, the fire at night and mostly the views of the ocean from our hotel room..... So what is cool about Hilton Head????

Would love to know more also. We are trying to decide between the two. Kids are 4 and 13 at that time (July 2010). Thanks!

 

[schwenksvillemouse]

Help me understand Hilton Head. We have never been there but we love Vero. Thinking of scheduling a trip for next summer and we are considering Hilton Head.

So I know the hotel is not on ocean and you have to take a bus. We don't like golf (except miniature). We have two boys (7 and 11). I do not like the idea of taking a bus to the beach but not that big of an issue.

What if anything makes it magical? What is fun? Are there nice restaurants that I can walk to? What do people dislike about HH? What is the best thing?

Vero is magical because it has fun great waves, it is pitch black at night like being on a deserted island, the green cabin room is so cool, the fire at night and mostly the views of the ocean from our hotel room..... So what is cool about Hilton Head????

Trust me in that if you love Vero you will love HHI. We've been to Vero multiple times, and HHI twice. They are both great in thier own way. Great family resorts.

 

[Candace]

I love both Vero and HH. That said, they are pretty different in a few ways. The beach at Vero is narrow, surf is sometimes rough, but I love that the resort at Vero is actually *on* the beach. At HH, yes, you have to go across the highway to the beach, but for me, I prefer the beach over Vero's. The beach itself is *very* wide at HH, soft white sand that packs down and is very good for sandcastles. The surf is not as rough as that of Vero. To get to restaurants off property at Vero, you have to drive a good ways - usually at least 15 minutes. HH has restaurants right across the bridge that you can walk to, and many, many others that you can drive to quickly. The town of HHI is just right there by the resort - unlike Vero's nearby towns of Sebastian and Vero Beach which are a further drive. Both resorts offer some programs for guests, but I prefer those at HH. I really like both resorts, like I said, but HH has more to offer (except it is NOT on the beach). It's a toss up. Good luck in your choice.

 

[bobbiwoz]

At HH, you can rent bikes for the length of stay and ride to the beach, that's about 10 minutes, maybe. There's a pool at the beach house, and a luncheonette where DH and I enjoyed sandwiches. Having the bike to ride around the island and the resort is wonderful!

There are campfires and scheduled activities at both places. We are empty nesters, had our first HHI stay over Halloween weekend and we can't wait to go back and introduce our family to our newest "find" as far as DVC's go. However, in 2010, we're introducing the family to BLT (in January) and SSR (in November) so our first all family HHI experience won't be until 2011 at least!

Bobbi

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Hilton Head offers:

Lots of good food choices, a nice quiet beach (with limited access for the Hoi Polloi), and a great view of Broad River.

It is not dark, as the whole island of Hilton Head is a city.

Hilton Head is also close to Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston. Great for day trips.

HH has a number if Golf Courses nearby (if you golf).

Otherwise, it's a great place to unwind and relax.

Magic? No place is magic unless you bring the magic with you.

 

[buzz5985]

I have never been to VB - but looking forward to the day I will go. The hardest decisions you make at HH is - should I go to the beach? The pool at the beach? or the pool at the resort? LOL Some of our highlights of HHI - I have a DS 13, last summer we were there with his cousins 12, 10, 4. They spent the entire time crabbing off the dock. Net is $5. Went to Kid's Night Out (pizza and a movie). Goofy Bingo. An "interactive" campfire. Meeting Shadow. Some tours offered - dolphin cruise or shark fishing. Kayaking. Playing horseshoes while your coals burn down in the BBQ. Sitting on your balcony watching a dolphin feed in the inlet next to the main lodge. For the little guy - we walked over to Shelter Cove and listened to Shannon Taylor sing for the younger set. You can be as busy as you want to be - or not.

Janis

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We love Savannah!!!

If you like old houses and old trees and just love surroundings you will love it.

Hilton Head is known for the very protective nature of the island. Seeing the lush natural landscaping at Disney is particularly wonderful, but the lack of signage on the island will drive you a little nuts.

On our last trip, I had really looked forward to seeing the Pinckney Wildlife Refuge, but I was sick and it was 17 degrees outside. I hope to see it next time.

This sounds strange but...IMHO its almost worth the trip to Hilton Head just to see the Piggly Wiggly parking lot!!

 

[Tigger031266]

This was really helpful. Thanks to everyone that posted. After reading your posts, HH seems much closer to our taste that Vero (And we love Vero). Kids are biking ages and I love the fact that there are more places to eat and we like softer sand.

Thanks everyone!

 

[dvc_john]

You don't really have to take the shuttle to the beach if you don't want to.
You can drive. You can bike. And you can walk. (It's about a mile or so.)
There's a very busy road between the resort area and the beach, but the bike/walking path goes underneath the road, so it's a safe crossing.

If you are into biking, there are bike paths all over the island. And the beach is very wide, with soft sand near the dunes, changing to firm sand near the water, firm enough that you can bike on the beach. Walking and biking on the beach are my favorite things to do at HH.

 

[texansue]

We have a 2 1/2 year old who cannot ride a bike yet - do they rent the adult bikes with the attached child seat on top? That would be great to know.

Thanks,
Sue

 

[podsnel]

We have a 2 1/2 year old who cannot ride a bike yet - do they rent the adult bikes with the attached child seat on top? That would be great to know.

Thanks,
Sue

I have seen the child seats on bikes, not sure if they were rented from Disney or another bike company- there are a LOT of bike companies on the island because it is such a BIG part of HHI, with all the bike paths. I also saw the little baby buggies you pull with your bike there.

I enjoy both resorts- Vero is beautiful and quiet, right on the beach. I look forward to going back, but not sure if I could spend more than a few nights there (unless I was looking for a TON of relaxation). I'm hoping to go back for a night following our cruise next year, I think it will be PERFECT. But I think HHI has my heart- it is such a unique island with so many activities, literally over 200 restaurants to try and I LOVE the shade of those gorgeous trees!! The party on Tuesday nights in the summertime is awesome- because part of it is on the marsh and part of it is on the ocean, it almost feels like you are experiencing 2 different vacations. Something for everyone. And I actually LOVE riding our bikes to the beach. HHI feels....more like home to me, I guess.

Really need to add on there.....

 

[Kris10luvsDisney]

I LOVE HHI!! I took my kids there are few summers ago (they were around 4 & 2 at the time). The pool is great, the nightly campfire with singing and s'mores was a big hit for all of us. We still sing songs that we learned there!

My DD also did an ecological camp from 9-12 on a Saturday morning. She ended up being the only child with 2 counselors and they took her all over the property to explore the sea creatures that live on the rocks etc..and she still talks to this day about getting to try the pickle grass while there.

I can't wait to go back now that my DS can ride a bike on his own and we can really explore our surroundings!
I am a runner and there are lots of paved walking/jogging/biking paths to use and I agree w/a PP, it's only about a mile or so between the resort and the beach house. The beach there is beautiful! Nice and wide with white soft sand, it was gorgeous!
All of this talk is making me want to go back now!!