TGM Poster Rips HH

[Sammie]

HH might be my favorite resort and might be our family's favorite resort. We love the laid back atmosphere and seclusion amongst the hectic pace that HH can be in high season. We also like the fact that there is a lot of shade when the temperature is up. While DW and DD are beach people, access to the beach has not been an issue for us on our trips. We loved riding our bikes around, exploring the island, and shopping.

Totally agree. HH is the only DVC that anyone in my family would want to retire to or spend extended stays.

We love the marsh, the low country decor and look of the lodge buildings, the staff and everything the area has to offer.

I don't consider the one mile over to the beach a long distance. I have stayed in other timeshares such as Sea Pines that the distance to the beach was more. We either bike over or drive over to the Beach House.

The fact that it does not appeal to everyone is fine and would never affect my opinion of it. I don't like chocolate ice cream but sure many love it.

 

[mackey_931]

I don't like chocolate ice cream but sure many love it.

Well, this blows any credibility you may of had. You're just wierd......

No, I agree. Hilton Head is the best mix of relaxation and activitiy of any of the DVC resorts. A plethora of stuff to do and eat on the island, but then you can retreat to the "island within an island" of the reort which seems so removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Hilton Head. Love it. (plus I play golf.....)

 

[jjpenguin]

I loved it, but then I didn't expect a beach resort. It's so laid back & relaxing, the setting is georgeous and it's surrounded by nature.
We were there too short to really enjoy all the island & surrounding area had to offer (and I can't get DH to play golf) but would love to go again for longer just to relax

 

[Macnjac87]

The more DVC'rs that don't like it- the better availiability for my trips!
This place is the best. We are from Southampton, NY (think crazy Hamptons, getting crazier by the minute) and love the ocean and spend many a day and night having fun there. With that being said, HH has many of the same natural qualities that we love here, without all the citidiots. So laid back, lots of good eats, nice friendly people, that's why we are going back for our 4th trip for Easter 07. We have combined WDW/HH trips in the past- the kids love that- WDW first, then a short drive up to HH for some beach time with a Disney theme.
I LOVE THIS PLACE (can ya tell??)

 

[Jynohn]

We went to Hilton Head last November and I have to admit, that I found myself begging DH to drive the extra 6 hours to Disney World instead. I had no specific complaints about the resort itself, in fact, it was quite beautiful, but I just found myself bored out of my mind after the first day. Admittedly, I like a more fast-paced vacation, and HH in off season was just a little TOO laid back for my tastes. This was not helped by the fact that the resort was nearly deserted at the time, making it feel empty and lonely, and many activities were canceled due to weather and lack of participants. We also found that many of the nearby restaurants were closed for the season, leaving us with limited options of new places to eat.

That said, the staff at HH was the friendliest and most helpful of any Disney resort I've ever stayed at. This may have been because we were literally one of maybe 15 families staying there at the time, but they sure went out of their way to chat with us and make us feel welcome.

We may give HH another chance as a stop along the way if we ever drive down to Disney again. We may have a different experience during a livelier season, and now that we know what to expect.

 

[bwbuddy5]

Having read all of this thread now, and several reviews of the place from many travel websites, I have come to these conclusions:

The negative posters either:

1) Were WDW fanatics (which we are no longer; my twin boys are 17, and our family feel we have "outgrown" WDW)
2) Were expecting beachfront property (while that has it's enjoyments, we walk 3-5 miles daily, so the walk won't bother us, and we also enjoy nature walks, love bicycling, we're very laid back, and my boys like to sleep in)
3) Were expecting onsite restaurants (we look forward to having a selection of restaurants, rather than being tied to eating at a typically more expensive Disney eaterie).

So, with all that said, we are even more excited about HH.

Now, my only anxiety is booking for July in the 7-month window (we own at BW).

 

[lisaviolet]

2) Were expecting beachfront property (while that has it's enjoyments, we walk 3-5 miles daily, so the walk won't bother us, and we also enjoy nature walks, love bicycling, we're very laid back, and my boys like to sleep in)

And it is an absolutely beautiful walk. Enjoy!!!

 

[lisaviolet]

1) Were WDW fanatics (which we are no longer; my twin boys are 17, and our family feel we have "outgrown" WDW)

What!?!?!??! Blashemy! I can not and will not protect you.

 

[CarolA]

Having read all of this thread now, and several reviews of the place from many travel websites, I have come to these conclusions:

The negative posters either:

1) Were WDW fanatics (which we are no longer; my twin boys are 17, and our family feel we have "outgrown" WDW)
2) Were expecting beachfront property (while that has it's enjoyments, we walk 3-5 miles daily, so the walk won't bother us, and we also enjoy nature walks, love bicycling, we're very laid back, and my boys like to sleep in)
3) Were expecting onsite restaurants (we look forward to having a selection of restaurants, rather than being tied to eating at a typically more expensive Disney eaterie).

So, with all that said, we are even more excited about HH.

Now, my only anxiety is booking for July in the 7-month window (we own at BW).

Actually for me beachfront is not as big as closer to the beach and INSIDE the plantation gates. I can't explain why that matters to me, but it does which is why my favorite Marriott is actually Marriott Monarch's resort, It's a little older, but beautiful IMHO.

 

[dumbo71]

Having read all of this thread now, and several reviews of the place from many travel websites, I have come to these conclusions:

The negative posters either:

1) Were WDW fanatics (which we are no longer; my twin boys are 17, and our family feel we have "outgrown" WDW)
2) Were expecting beachfront property (while that has it's enjoyments, we walk 3-5 miles daily, so the walk won't bother us, and we also enjoy nature walks, love bicycling, we're very laid back, and my boys like to sleep in)
3) Were expecting onsite restaurants (we look forward to having a selection of restaurants, rather than being tied to eating at a typically more expensive Disney eaterie).

So, with all that said, we are even more excited about HH.

Now, my only anxiety is booking for July in the 7-month window (we own at BW).

This is touchy but this is NOT true in my case. I always research resorts fully before booking. I knew HH wasn't on the beach and that the on site dining was limited. It still didn't stop our family from being dissapointed with the resort.

To say that, in so many words, families who don't like HH were either WDW fanatics or misinformed is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. In fact, I find that quite offensive. Many Disers/ DVC owners don't like HH and it is not because they are misinformed or WDW fanatics in most cases. Sorry, HH is a Disney miss IMO.

Enjoy the trip and please post a review upon return, I can't wait to hear your review, good or bad.

 

[bwbuddy5]

To say that, in so many words, families who don't like HH were either WDW fanatics or misinformed is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE.

You may be right. I was just making observations from the reviews I read on travel sites; I probably read over 50 of them, and by far the three reasons I listed were the three that came up most often.

My point was to list those as reasons why my family is now choosing to go, while some others have used the same as reasons not to go.

Ironic, don't you think? (maybe Alanis is reading this)

 

[lisaviolet]

Have a wonderful time. Let us know.

All the best,

Lisa

 

[Dean]

Having read all of this thread now, and several reviews of the place from many travel websites, I have come to these conclusions:

The negative posters either:

1) Were WDW fanatics (which we are no longer; my twin boys are 17, and our family feel we have "outgrown" WDW)
2) Were expecting beachfront property (while that has it's enjoyments, we walk 3-5 miles daily, so the walk won't bother us, and we also enjoy nature walks, love bicycling, we're very laid back, and my boys like to sleep in)
3) Were expecting onsite restaurants (we look forward to having a selection of restaurants, rather than being tied to eating at a typically more expensive Disney eaterie).

So, with all that said, we are even more excited about HH.

Now, my only anxiety is booking for July in the 7-month window (we own at BW).

True to a degree but I think it's more than that. While there are no onsite restaurants, there are several that would be as close as many WDW resorts restaurants are. Most people know it's not on the beach prior so I don't think that's it either. While I think you are looking at this from ONLY DVC members perspective, I take a broader view. For HH, I compare the area and the resorts separately then look at them as a sum as well. I know many people enjoy Shelter Cove and it's certainly a nice area however I feel that it is in about the worst area overall of any timeshare on the island COMPARITIVELY. Remember DVC is not the only timeshare in that area which includes two Marriott's, one fractional and several wholly owned condo complexes. I am quite amused that all the people that state how being away from the beach is fine but at the same time tout the closeness to Shelter Cove as a plus, seems a double standard to me to take that approach. If walking a mile is OK for the beach, it's just as OK for dinner. In general the appeal for HH for the masses is the Beach. If you look at rental or sales prices, proximity to the beach is directly correlated to price. I know many will have different views but I feel many try to rationalize this issue by stating what they wish to be true or have convinced themselves of and/or by forming an opinion without any direct knowledge or experience of the other options. Not being the best doesn't make it any less of a resort than it is. If one enjoys it, take advantage of the opportunity.

 

[UConnJack]

This is touchy but this is NOT true in my case. I always research resorts fully before booking. I knew HH wasn't on the beach and that the on site dining was limited. It still didn't stop our family from being dissapointed with the resort.

To say that, in so many words, families who don't like HH were either WDW fanatics or misinformed is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. In fact, I find that quite offensive. Many Disers/ DVC owners don't like HH and it is not because they are misinformed or WDW fanatics in most cases. Sorry, HH is a Disney miss IMO.

Enjoy the trip and please post a review upon return, I can't wait to hear your review, good or bad.

I don't understand why you were offended by his post, especially since two of the conclusions from his analysis were the two exact reasons you gave:

We don't like it at all. HH Resort not on the beach???? Not what we like at all. No on site dining other than grab/fried poolside food??? Again another strike against the resort for US, others are happy having the options a short walk away.

A little over sensitive?

 

[Sammie]

Well, this blows any credibility you may of had. You're just wierd......

No, I agree. Hilton Head is the best mix of relaxation and activitiy of any of the DVC resorts. A plethora of stuff to do and eat on the island, but then you can retreat to the "island within an island" of the reort which seems so removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Hilton Head. Love it. (plus I play golf.....)

Gee I guess I just should have stayed in the closest as a chocolate ice cream hater. I actually can not stand it, but I respect your opinion to like it and won't think any less of you for it.

I love the marina as much as the marsh. It is so nice to walk over to Shelter Cove to shop and dine. There is some mightly fine boats docked there.

Even if one does not golf, the minature golf is the best anywhere.

 

[Sammie]

Not being the best doesn't make it any less of a resort than it is. If one enjoys it, take advantage of the opportunity.

But being the best is subjective. Myself and others think it is the best on the island for many reasons. Does not make us right, but it doesn't make us wrong either. It is our opinion.

I can respect that others might like some place else better. I can't respect any opinion that in order to make their opinion heard, puts other's opinions down. Not saying you did that Dean but others have.

It's kinda like at times, if you don't like the same as someone else, you don't have any taste or sense at all. It gets tiring.

I like the walk to Shelter Cove, don't mind at all the distance to the beach. If I can't see the ocean from my room, I could care less where I am in relationship to the beach. Same at Vero, unless I am in a Beach Cottage or Inn room, the walk to the beach might as well be a mile compared to a hundred yards.

And I do agree that one can't really compare, unless one has experienced other resorts to compare them. I was a frequent guest to HHI, prior to DVC and have visited many of the newer locations for shopping, dining, etc. Friends have stayed elsewhere and have seen the rooms. They don't offer what I want. Did not dislike them and if DVC was not available I would gladly stay there and be very happy with it.

But as long as DVC is there, it will always be our first choice.

 

[Dean]

But being the best is subjective. Myself and others think it is the best on the island for many reasons. Does not make us right, but it doesn't make us wrong either. It is our opinion.

I can respect that others might like some place else better. I can't respect any opinion that in order to make their opinion heard, puts other's opinions down. Not saying you did that Dean but others have.

It's kinda like at times, if you don't like the same as someone else, you don't have any taste or sense at all. It gets tiring.

I like the walk to Shelter Cove, don't mind at all the distance to the beach. If I can't see the ocean from my room, I could care less where I am in relationship to the beach. Same at Vero, unless I am in a Beach Cottage or Inn room, the walk to the beach might as well be a mile compared to a hundred yards.

And I do agree that one can't really compare, unless one has experienced other resorts to compare them. I was a frequent guest to HHI, prior to DVC and have visited many of the newer locations for shopping, dining, etc. Friends have stayed elsewhere and have seen the rooms. They don't offer what I want. Did not dislike them and if DVC was not available I would gladly stay there and be very happy with it.

But as long as DVC is there, it will always be our first choice.

I don't think we disagree much at all. My opinion is just that. However, my statements encompass more than simply my personal opinion. They take into account condo and timeshare prices and exchange difficulty for HH plus a certain amount of knowledge of beach areas in general. Still my interpretation of the info I have, but it is far more than just where I prefer to stay. It is also my opinion that many people want it to be the best because it's DVC and thus talk themselves into that position. Not much different than when one talks college football before the start of the season. But the best proof is the sales which were extremely slow by DVC standards and by other HH sales standards and with a much lower resale price than WDW resots.

 

[dis-happy]

Dean,
Not sure what all your criteria are for comparing HH resorts, but would it be safe to say that HH-DVC has the most to offer to families in the way of activities on-site? While some things are available to anyone staying on island (ie. nature walks, boat excursions, swimming pools, bike rentals) it seems that Disney does offer the extra things (campfires, crafts, stories, etc). Plus everything is right there, you don't have to contract out for it on your own (and hope for the best). So, beach frontage aside, does any other timeshare on HH offer anything close to this? Just wondering what your experiences have been. We are considering a stay at the resort in order to take advantage of the activities (even though we already have a summer home at HH).

 

[Dean]

Dean,
Not sure what all your criteria are for comparing HH resorts, but would it be safe to say that HH-DVC has the most to offer to families in the way of activities on-site? While some things are available to anyone staying on island (ie. nature walks, boat excursions, swimming pools, bike rentals) it seems that Disney does offer the extra things (campfires, crafts, stories, etc). Plus everything is right there, you don't have to contract out for it on your own (and hope for the best). So, beach frontage aside, does any other timeshare on HH offer anything close to this? Just wondering what your experiences have been. We are considering a stay at the resort in order to take advantage of the activities (even though we already have a summer home at HH).

Do you have any experience as to what the other resorts offer in the way of activities and amenities, I'm guessing you do not since you have a home there? Having stayed at a number of the other resorts I don't think your assumption is correct. Grande Ocean is the one I'm most familiar with and they will offer in the neighborhood of 50-60 activities or more during the week if my memory serves me. ASAMOF, I think many of the other resorts offer a lot more activities overall than does DVC. But one can't do everything and if you enjoy the one's offered by DVC, that is all that really matters. Granted they do tend to be larger resorts and there is an economy of scale.

As for my criteria it's a combo of location, resort quality, pool, unit size, activities, proximity to restaurants/shopping and the like. With actual location, unit size/quality and resort quality being the main factors. Plusses for on the Beach, in Sea Pines and to a lessor degree, in the other plantations. Given it's location and the Sea Pines pass being included, I count GO as essentially a Sea Pines resort on the Beach. I also think the other restaurant & shopping areas are generally better than Shelter Cove so the proximity to them is a plus as well but that is simply my opinion. I also consider the condo rental levels and the timeshare rental prices I see routinely. Come to think of it, I don't ever recall seeing a post where someone rented DVC at HH though surely it's happened at least a few times. I also pay attention to non DVC preferences for HH, esp for those that are not staying at a brand or system they own at. In the end it's still subjective and to a degree, just my opinion. But it is far more informed than someone who only knows DVC, stayed and like DVC HH.

The biggest plus to DVC HH is one that I rarely see touted on this and similar threads. Even if it's not the best resort in the best area, the flexibility can make it the best choice for many people, esp if you can avoid or minimize weekends. But for those that want a 2 BR for 7 days, there are far better and cheaper choices on HH IMO.

Since you own a home, you would be far better off buying a timeshare that gave you day use privileges that is close to where you're home is. The Marriott's do, not sure about many of the others.

 

[Sammie]

I don't think we disagree much at all. My opinion is just that. However, my statements encompass more than simply my personal opinion. They take into account condo and timeshare prices and exchange difficulty for HH plus a certain amount of knowledge of beach areas in general. Still my interpretation of the info I have, but it is far more than just where I prefer to stay. It is also my opinion that many people want it to be the best because it's DVC and thus talk themselves into that position. Not much different than when one talks college football before the start of the season. But the best proof is the sales which were extremely slow by DVC standards and by other HH sales standards and with a much lower resale price than WDW resots.

agreed, I am sure in the monetary value aspect there are many locations more desirable at HHI, than DVC.

And I will be the first to admit just because it is DVC does not impress many in the business. Kinda like cars the number one seller might one I really dislike and would sell if given one.

I did learn something though, did not realize since DVC is at HHI, you could trade out. You can't do that in Orlando can you?