Live from HHI!

[gracelrm]

Arrived at HH on Saturday, leaving Friday. We love this place! The weather has been nice, just one rainy day and the resort is not very crowded. It seems as though the further we go in the week, the more people we are seeing. We originally had the first night and last night on cash with a member discount. I saw a better offer on the passholder's site and decided to save a few more bucks. Didn't realize that would mean I had to check out and back in three times! It's a minor nuisance, but apparently they can not link passholder reservations with DVC. At least we don't have to change rooms!

We are in building 16 - first time for this building. At first I didn't think I'd like it that much - the view from the balcony isn't much, however, we are able to park outside our building most of the time and that is a nice perk!

The room is in fine shape, everything is working. Really only have two complaints in the five days we've been here. Apparently they have the new style sofas in the living rooms. We don't have anyone sleeping on the sofa - so we don't really need the better sleeping arrangements and the sofa is very uncomfortable to sit on. I thought it was just me being short and uncomfortable, but DH (6'4") says he feels like he is sliding off of it too! It hurts my back to sit on the sofa. I wondered if it wasn't folded back together correctly from Housekeeping before we checked in - but DH says he checked it all out and it seems to be folded fine. Thank goodness there are chairs to sit in. The kids don't mind the sofa and we just use the chairs.

The only other problem is the bugs! Not in the room, but outside. I assume they are no-see-ums. They are terrible. We've never encountered them this bad at Hilton Head. Last night at the pool, there was a lady in long sleeves and long pants with a beach towel totally covering her head. She was talking to someone who walked by saying that she thought she'd be safe in long pants and long sleeves and then they started biting her face and scalp. DH said the only escape was to complete submerge in the pool water. Then he laughed and said they were biting his bald spot that didn't complete go under. Last night we ate at The Black Marlin and were seated outside. The bugs were terrible there as well and we were there at about 5:15 p.m. The wait staff would bring customers Deep Woods Off upon request. We've probably been to HH five or six times during October and have never encountered these pests like this. I guess the cooler, wetter summer and fall have contributed to this. We're about to head to the pool this morning - I hope we don't find the bugs as bad during the day.

Other than the bugs and sofa - things are great as usual here! We just love this place!!!!

 

[Tinks "SS"]

Sounds great except for the bugs and sofa! Glad you are having a great time! I can't wait to try out HHI myself one of these days. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

 

[bunny]

We are thinking about going this same time next year, since my kids have Fall Break next week, so how is the weather? Is the ocean warm or cold? Do they have activities going on? Is there a campfire? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks for the warning on the bugs. We'll be at HHI next month, and we'll bring some bug spray just in case (although sometimes by then, all the bugs have been frozen). I'm particularly interested in how you're finding Building 16. Are you on the first floor or the second? I wonder how noisy you find it, if you're staying on the first floor. That's one building we've never been in either, but since it's one of the few that has a 1 BR (which is what we get), I know it's only a matter of time. What kind of view is there from that building?
How was the Black Marlin Resturaunt?

 

[gracelrm]

We are thinking about going this same time next year, since my kids have Fall Break next week, so how is the weather? Is the ocean warm or cold? Do they have activities going on? Is there a campfire? Sorry for all the questions.

We've been in early to mid October five or six times and love it this time of year. The days are generally upper 70's to mid 80's. We stay 5 or 6 days and can usually count on at least one day of rain while we're here. The ocean is cooler (obviously) than summer, but still fine for our kids to play in. There are plenty of activities on the weekly list. A variety for young kids through adults. There may be a few more things offered during the busy summer months - but I can't imagine there being much more than they have right now. Pool is supposedly heated to the same temp. year round - it's a little cool when first getting in - but I adjust without any problem. I think this is the best time of year to come. The island isn't that crowded and there's still great weather for outside activities. I highly recommend October.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We'll be arriving the day after Thanksgiving. Hope the bugs have abated by then.

 

[gracelrm]

Thanks for the warning on the bugs. We'll be at HHI next month, and we'll bring some bug spray just in case (although sometimes by then, all the bugs have been frozen). I'm particularly interested in how you're finding Building 16. Are you on the first floor or the second? I wonder how noisy you find it, if you're staying on the first floor. That's one building we've never been in either, but since it's one of the few that has a 1 BR (which is what we get), I know it's only a matter of time. What kind of view is there from that building?
How was the Black Marlin Resturaunt?

Simba's Mom: Hopefully the bug situation will improve by November, guess it'll depend upon whether they have a cold snap or not. Building 16 isn't bad. We are in a 2BR on the first floor. Occasionally I've heard the neighbors climbing the stairs at night and walking through their villa - but it has not awakened me or any trouble like that. It has not been nearly as loud as being under a grand villa!!!! I guess it is actually pretty centrally located. Parking has been good - sometimes we've been further down the property and have had trouble finding parking - not so much this time.

The view is mostly looking at other buildings. From our balcony we can look and see some of the boardwalk that leads to the main building and see some of the marsh area beyond that. But other than that - it's just other buildings. I believe next to us is a 1 BR/Studio room under a GV. The views from there would be more building and walkways and maybe one area between buildings.

We ate for the first time at the Black Marlin. It was good. We got there early enough for the early bird specials. They were all yummy. DS13 ordered the filet with crabmeat & bernaise sauce on it. The filet was very thin and looked more sirloin than filetish - but all the other meals we had were good. Desserts were very good. We had five different ones - nearly ate everything off the dessert menu!!!! The bar was hopping next door to us. They must have been having good deals because some people left the outdoor dining area and got their drinks from the bar - instead of ordering from the waiter. We had never been to that part of the island and seemed like a nice area to try visiting and looking through the shops when we have some time on our hands!

 

[Conan the Librarian]

Secret of the Sand Gnats (no-see-ms). Get Skin-so-soft from Avon. Most places around here sell it. Dilute it 50% with water and rub it on your exposed skin. The bugs will leave you alone.

They tend to come out between 65 deg and 75 deg. By November, you 'should' be ok.

There is not a lot that can be done about them otherwise.

Enjoy!

 

[gracelrm]

The Deep Woods Off worked pretty good if you don't mind using that stuff on your body. However, I refused to spray my hair and was even feeling the little critters biting my scalp! It may be a little cooler this trip than our other October trips - maybe that is why they are the worst we've seen here. They bothered DH at Vero when we went to walk on the beach one evening - he had bites for about 3 weeks after that. This time, they haven't caused too many bad bites - but more of a nuisance.

 

[podsnel]

We were in BLDG 16 in the GV this summer- and my MIL & BIL & family were in the same 2 bdrm you are in!! We like that location for getting to stuff- it's very central- but not so much for the view. Have fun, and don't forget to say hi to Dottie in the mercantile!!