We have been to Hilton Head 3 times, all over Easter vacation, and to Vero once during Christmas vacation and 5-6 other times during the summer.
Vero: 2 day drive from NY
Hilton Head: Long 1 day drive from NY
Vero: Lush tropical landscaping
Hilton Head: Low country landscaping, live oaks , more temperate forest with some palmettos mixed in
Vero: Right on the beach
Hilton Head: Beach house 5 minute drive away
Vero: Large, often busy pool, lounges often all full
Hilton Head: 2 pools, one at resort, one at the beach house
Vero: Very relaxing!!! Can get there and never leave the resort if you are so inclined.
Hilton Head: Very relaxing, but do have to drive to get to beach
Vero: Easter often in low 80's
Hilton Head: Easter often in low 70's
Vero: heated pool
Hilton Head: 2 heated pools (one at resort, one at Beach House)
Vero: Easier to fly into Orlando from northeast
Hilton Head: Harder to fly into Savannah from Northeast
Vero: More discount fares to Orlando or West Palm Beach
Hilton Head: Fewer discount fares to Savannah
Vero: Full size Pizza pick up at snack bar, can order 1-2, bring back to room for an inexpensive dinner
Hilton Head: No pizza pick up at snack bar
Vero: Local beach nearby, a 5 minute walk -- convenience store (non-Disney prices), downside is sometimes locals try to use the Disney pool.
Hilton Head: No convenience stores near the beach, bring a cooler!
Vero: Grocery store (Publix) over bridge on mainland on Route 1, a 13 minute ride.
Hilton Head: grocery store three lights away from the resort (Piggly-Wiggly)
Vero: Fewer restaurant choices, unless drive 15 minutes into town
Hilton Head: Many more restaurant choices, many within walking distance
Vero: Good restaurants on site (Shutters, moderate, Sonya's, expensive)
Hilton Head: Only snacks on site, restaurants a short walk away (pleasant in spring, may not be so in a humid summer).
Vero: Beach is fairly quiet, other condos a distance away, as is town beach
Hilton Head: Beach is very busy, kids zipping around on bikes, lots of activity as there are condos all around the Beach House
Vero: Beach ideal for a quiet walk
Hilton Head: Not the best beach for a quiet walk during spring/summer
Vero: Sand similar to that in NY, NJ Atlantic beaches
Hilton Head: Harder packed, denser, almost muddy sand, a bit darker than that on northern Atlantic beaches but not objectionable!
We love both resorts. On our last trip to Hilton Head we were overlooking the tidal marsh and saw dolphins jumping out of the water. It was very tranquil and beautiful. Weather at Easter can be a bit chilly. We lucked out last year and are hoping for luck in 2004!
The lush tropical beauty of Vero, the open design of the buildings, the huge main building and being right on the beach are all spectacular. The narrow beach doesn't bother us. We have had wonderful moments at Vero. Last Christmas we were there for 5 wonderful days, temps in high 70's, warm Ocean, golden sunshine. We also were on the porch at the Green Cabin Room, sipping drinks on a steamy July night watching lightning explode over the ocean.
So, both resorts are terrific. I'd look at the time of year you are going, if the driving/flying arrangements make a difference and then go and enjoy yourself!