Just returned from HHI

[jagmeister]

At the spur of the moment, we decided to head down to HHI to enjoy four days at the resort. We were given a studio facing the creek and were pleasantly surprised to have a daily dolphin visitor swimming around. What a wonderfully peaceful place. Though I admit that I was a bit apprehensive about spending points at the resort, I am now a believer! My two small children had a ball at the beach and pool. Just my two cents about the place.

Rob

 

[JudithM]

Rob, I understand your apprehension. We stopped at Hilton Head on our way to WDW recently. We weren't sure what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised. We only stayed one night, but it was relaxing & enjoyable. Glad you had all had a ball!

 

[PamOKW]

I am now a believer!

LOL! "I'm A Believer" is playing on the TV as I read your post! Thanks for the info on HHI. I haven't been there yet either. A dolphin is very cool.

 

[cgcw]

Wait until your children are old enough to tell you they would rather go to HH then WDW....then you'll know your hooked! Glad to hear you enjoyed it there. It's our annual great familytime trip.

 

[DownNeckBoy]

Our family truly looks forward to HH every year. It is still Disney, but on a very low key level. I know that Dean rates it as the third best resort on HHI, (which it may very well be objectively) but we feel that the Disney touches make it the best resort there.

I am very glad to hear that you are now one of the "converted."

 

[hoosiergirl]

How was the weather at HH this time of year? I was also wondering about early September, if anyone has any info.....

 

[ZerasPride]

Hoosiergirl - I don't have any info on the weather in August/September (my guide book is at home or I will look it up for you) but I just wanted to say to Rob I'm glad you enjoyed your stay at Hilton Head. We can hardly wait to return this November! We love it there and I'm glad to hear you and your family had a good time.

 

[baileybrad]

HH DVC resort is the best kept secret of all of the resorts. I will never understand why some think that not being directly on the beach takes away from the experience. We think that it actually adds to the stay....when you are at the resort it is as if you were miles away from everything. Glad you were able find out for yourselves firsthand. Except for those expensive park passes it is a great vacation spot....never mind, I forgot no passes required!

 

[jagmeister]

Originally posted by hoosiergirl
How was the weather at HH this time of year? I was also wondering about early September, if anyone has any info.....

The weather started out as mid- 80's for the first two days and escalated to the low 90's during the weekend. The weather was perfect for the beach because of the breeze but I sought the shelter of the shade at the pool. For those who like sun bathing -- like my wife -- it was perfect. The walks at night were very comfortable.

Rob

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by baileybrad
I will never understand why some think that not being directly on the beach takes away from the experience.

It does detract for me. It's still a nice resort but the location makes it the third best timeshare on HH in my book. Still the flexibility is much better than the others I'd put ahead of it, Marriott's Grande Ocean and Barony, so it depends on one's situation. I've stayed at the DVC there and at others on the Beach as well as not on the beach. Location wise, I'd rather be on the beach. Second choice would be inside Sea Pines. As I said, I'd put DVC third but from a location standpoint, it'd be way down the list. I also own across the marina at Marriott's Harbour Point which has the same view basically though it too has a somewhat better view than DVC but doesn't have the trees or as good a pool. Still a great resort, just better choices for us.

 

[baileybrad]

With the flexibililty of the DVC system and the excellent standing and amenities of the program...HH DVC is the best option for our family. When we want a "beach" only vacation we do Daytona Beach. HH DVC is about so much more than not just being located directly on a beach.

 

[DVC1996]

Dean,

Would it still be better to use your points at the DVC resort when in HH versus exchanging out through II? I'm guessing probably not since staying at a DVC resort is typically the best value for your points. However, I have considered doing this. Would staying directly on the beach compensate for the loss of pts? I'm also guessing that having a Marriott timeshare might be best if you want direct beach access in HH and also Hawaii. Just wondering.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by DVC1996
Dean,

Would it still be better to use your points at the DVC resort when in HH versus exchanging out through II? I'm guessing probably not since staying at a DVC resort is typically the best value for your points. However, I have considered doing this. Would staying directly on the beach compensate for the loss of pts? I'm also guessing that having a Marriott timeshare might be best if you want direct beach access in HH and also Hawaii. Just wondering.

The answer to this question depends on what one wants and the time of year needed. For HH, obviously there's a choice of both DVC and non DVC. They are not mutually exclussive either. Actually the time of year has a large affect on the answer. If you're looking at off season and have a little of a gambler mentality, one could possible get a 2 BR Marriott for the price of a studio at DVC HH of season (55 points). Of course if one can schedule HH directly and it's a high demand time (summer) I'd do that. You could always put in an II request and see what happens while waiting to make your reservation (or after) at HH. A summer exchange using OKW would still be less points than a summer HH unit for a full week in a 2 BR. What you lose is the ability to look at other unit sizes and for times other than a full week as well as a direct reservation. So if you want a 2 BR for a full week, Marriott might be the better choice, anything else would favor DVC other than less than 2 months out. Just remember that you may not be able to schedule it and you may have to wait and see what happens in regards to II.

To me one of the ideal options for HH would be a full week at Grande Ocean starting on Sat or Sunday followed by a few days at DVC or the reverse option with DVC first then GO starting Friday or Sat.

baileybrad, that's cool. I was simply answering your question about not understanding others choices. I've done both and enjoy both, I simply enjoy certain non DVC resorts in HH far more. I'm assuming you've done both and enjoy the DVC resort better. I've stayed at resorts that are just as good as DVC in much better locations and resorts in better locations that were not quite up to DVC standards (Marriott's Monarch) as well as Harbour Pointe, right across from DVC.

 

[DVC1996]

Dean,

Thanks for responding to my question(s).. Dh and I are accumulating quite a few points on our Visa Marriott Rewards card. When we hit the 300,000 pt mark then I may be seeking your advice on where to spend them. Thanks again.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by DVC1996
Dean,

Thanks for responding to my question(s).. Dh and I are accumulating quite a few points on our Visa Marriott Rewards card. When we hit the 300,000 pt mark then I may be seeking your advice on where to spend them. Thanks again.

No problem. There are others that will know better in this area but I can put you in touch with some people.

 

[marley]

hoosiergirl:

We went there last year the last weekend in September and the weather was wonderful. In the early mornings, we wore light jackets and shorts bike riding, by 11 a.m. it was plenty warm to go in the pool, a little windy on the beach so we only swam in the clubhouse pool and at night the pool was too chilly for me but not for my 4 year old! For the campfire, we wore jeans and light jacket over short sleeves. Hope that helps! I absolutely loved that time of year there. Not too hot and not too cold

Marley