Just Back from HHI

[COACHSTING]

We just got back from our first visit to HHI and we think it was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations we've ever had. We went down with our best friends (two families) and stayed in a two bedroom and a studio. Originally, we were scheduled to fly into Charleston, but our flight got cancelled and we had to fly directly to Hilton Head's easy access airport.

The weather was HHH. At first it was in the mid 90's, but the temps cooled off to the uper 80's at the end of the week. Early evening lightning storms almost nightly curtailed some of the activities, including the Tuesday night fireworks.

The location of the resort is outstanding. The entire island is beautiful and well kept. The buildings were all clean, well stocked and physically in good shape. The grounds were clean and had a great deal of attention given to them while we were there.

The staff was superb. They were friendly, polite and were authentic in their desire to accommodate the guests.

There were lots of activities to keep all ages happy including the pool and water slide, horshshoes, shuffleboard, etc. The poolhouse and pool were also very nice amenities. Kid's actitivies were plentiful.

The biggest disappointment was the fact that the beach has no chairs or umbrellas to rent .....UNLESS we wanted to pay $127.00 for the week, which we felt was too high.

We purchased chairs from CVS which we gave away, 4 of them, at the end of the week. Disney should find a way to rent chairs and umbrellas from the beach house. I'd rather give them the money at a cheaper rate.

We had hoped to go fishing during the week, but the boat leaving the resort was only fishing for sharks the week we were there.

We did rent a pontoon boat ($70.00/hr.) and cruised to Harbortown one afternoon. We saw a bunch of dolphins and a variety of sea birds. The kids also parasailed. The parasailing was also done at Harbortown. We were given a price and were told that the kids would be going single. We were told it would be for an hour, but the kids went double and were back in withing 45 minutes or so. The kids were told that it was too windy for one, but 1/4 mile away people were riding single with the same boat company. We think it was a chance for them to get one more full boat out and cut us short to get it done.

There was plenty to do as far as shopping, dining, etc. Visits to Harbortown, South Beach and Coligny Square all were worth the short drive.

We ate at a number or Restaurants....Cafe' Europa...good food....took 80 minutes to get served.....Wild Wings was great and Oyster Factory was excellent.

If you have questions, please feel free to ask. if you have doubts about going to HHI, it's worth a look.

 

[daisy112878]

Hey,
I am so glad you had a great time. HH is one of my favorite places to go. My family goes at least twice a year and my parents go even more. It's a great little island. Thanks for the review.

 

[stacy6552]

thanks for the tip on the chairs and umbrella!

 

[TinksDH]

Thanks for the info! We just booked our first ever DVC trip to HH (October '04) and are looking forward to a Fall getaway.

We have taken a similar strategy at VB for renting boogie boards - we bought 2 at a Walgreens which paid for themselves in 2 days, so the other 3 days were 'free'. We were going to give them away, but decided to bring them home on the plane. Southwest just threw them in one of those clear plastic bags that they use when you are checking a carseat. They'll be going back to VB with us next year!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Could you tell me what room you stayed in, view, etc.? Thanks.
Did you rent the pontoon boat from the resort? We didn't know that was an option. But then, we've always gone in early spring, so there may be more available in the summer. What activities did you do?

 

[MrsG]

We plan on flying down, and not renting a car. How do you get around. Does Disney have shuttles? What about from the airport to HHI. Is there Disney transport or do we cab it?

 

[Disneyaholic]

MrsG, how long will you be at HH? For a short trip, not having a car is probably "doable", but if you're visiting for more than a few days, you may want to reconsider.

You can easily walk to several restaurants at Shelter Cove from the resort. The resort provides a shuttle to the beach house and there is the Palmetto Dunes Buggy which can also take you around the immediate area.

However, there is so much more to do on HHI!! I don't know if there is a good taxi service or not, but in many visits to HH, I haven't seen taxis other than from the airport. There are lots of bike paths, so if you're willing/able to use pedal power you can get to see some of the island that way. It depends on the time of year, as well. Right now, it's very hot and humid, which can limit the amount of time you may want to spend on a bicycle!

The groceries at the Broad Creek Mercantile are limited, so if you're planning on doing much cooking in your villa, you will probably want to visit a regular grocery store. The closest one is Piggly Wiggly, which is a quick bike ride away, but then you're limited to how much you can carry back.

In any case, you'll love Hilton Head!!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Thanks for the great report!!! You make me want to go back eariler than next May!! Can't wait!!!

Allison an associate

 

[MrsG]

We plan on staying about 4 days, just a quick get away for DH and I during the Feb. school break. Do you think we'll have any trouble booking at the 7 month window?

 

[marley]

We love HHI. It is definitely the most relaxing vacation we do every year.

I would also be interested in the pantoon boat information. This is a great idea.

Marley

 

[Disneyaholic]

Originally posted by MrsG
We plan on staying about 4 days, just a quick get away for DH and I during the Feb. school break. Do you think we'll have any trouble booking at the 7 month window?

You should have no trouble at all booking at 7 months. In fact, you will probably find the resort to be pretty quiet at that time. Also, some restaurants may be closed, since that is definitely "off" season in Hilton Head in general.

In fact, since its such a slow season, you may want to check rental car rates -- I would be willing to bet you could find a good deal -- probably not much more than a shuttle to/from the airport and a cab ride or two!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by MrsG
We plan on staying about 4 days, just a quick get away for DH and I during the Feb. school break. Do you think we'll have any trouble booking at the 7 month window?

This is what we did this past February, didn't have any trouble booking a 1 BR at 7 months. The weather is very "iffy" at that time-very cold when we were there-but we wouldn't hesitate to go again at that time.

 

[MJTinNH]

Your vacation report makes me want to book HHI now!! Thank you for posting!

 

[COACHSTING]

We stayed in 1813 which was a 2BR, bottom floor. It had a view off the back deck into the marsh. It was slightly shrouded by trees but was very nice and quiet. It was right in the middle of the complex and was easy walking distahnce to all areas of the island. A horshoe pit was right outside as was a cooking area.

The pontoon boat was directly across from the island. There was a little hut at the far end of the dock area that offered the pontoon boats, smaller craft and kayacking. The cost was $70.00 per hour plus gas which was about $6.00. We had two familes consisting of nine people on it and it was plenty big. It was by no means a powerboat, but allowed us to cruise the channels easily, offering some great relaxation and some nice sights.

 

[COACHSTING]

The pontoon boat was $70/hr and required a minimum of 2 hours. It took us 2.5 hrs to go from Shelter Cove to Harbortown and back. It's a beautiful ride and we got to see the dolphins a few times. They like to follow the big boats and play in the wake so we got behind a big boat and watched them diving in and out of the water for a while.

As for activites, the kids ages 13-17, liked to go crab fishing and stayed out until midnight at the end of the pier one night. They cooked them up the next night. We had family and individual shuffleboard competitions that were on-going the entire week. The kids also did the pizza and movie night. The BBQ, fireworks were cancelled due to thunderstorms. I think the shrimp boil was cancelled as well. Overall, it was just a nice relaxing week where everyone got along well. At the beginning of the week we asked each person..whats the one thing you want to do before you leave (within reason) and then we made sure we did all 9 of those things.