Where to stay before checking in to HH?

[mouseclick1]

Our reservation at HH begins on July 1st. We have a couple of days to play around in the area before our check in date and don't know where we should spend it. We could check into another hotel on HH for 1 or 2 nights, then move to Disney on the 1st. Or, we could spend a night or two in a nearby city(Savannah, maybe?), then head over to HH on the 1st. Any suggestions on city or reasonably priced hotel? I was on the waitlist for 2 extra nights at HH for a while, but gave up and took myself off the waitlist and came up with another way to spend those 66 points! Would appreciate any info you can give! Thanks!

I should add that we will be traveling with our kids-two boys, 12 & 13.

 

[VMS]

We just got back from HH and we also were there the same week last year. Last year we spent 2 nights prior in Charleston, SC and we loved it. There are a number of hotels there, I forget where we stayed because we just got the hotel when we arrived. We toured the city with our DSs (then 8 & 11) and DD (then 5). It was only about 2 hours to HH from there. This time we got to HH the afternoon before check in and just stayed at the Fairfield Inn which is just past Disney. It was only $75 a night, but we spent that day at Harbor Town and miniature golfing at the place right in front of the hotel.

We had planned on going for a day to Savannah this year while at Disney, but the weather was so perfect and the kids were having so much fun doing everything at HH, that we did not even go there. I think if we had had a day with not great weather we may have gone.

Hope this helps!

 

[DownNeckBoy]

Here are a few suggestions:

1. The Hilton resort is near the Beach House and is a very good hotel. We stayed there the night before we arrived for our last stay and were very happy with the service and amenities. Since you will be looking for a Sunday and Monday, you should be able to secure a ncie rate.

2. Try for cash rates at the DVC resort. If available, they are a good buy.

3. Try Priceline and bid aggresively for the highest rated hotels available.

4. See if Marriott has any special offers for its properties.

5. Stay in Savannah. The Maqrriott on the river is a good choice with children there as it is right on the riverwalk.

Good luck with your planning!

 

[vernon]

Depending on where you're coming from I'd have either a couple of days in Charleston, or a couple in Savanah, whichever is the more convenient to get to. Either looks a great destination.
If you do decide you want more time on HH itself I would go the priceline route and see what they come up with.

 

[hoosiergirl]

We will be in a similar situation at the end of May so I'm curious about the Priceline suggestions. DownNeckBoy, what do you mean by "Try Priceline and bid aggresively for the highest rated hotels available."? I've never used Priceline before but have been very curious. What would be the "highest rated hotels" for the Hilton Head area and what would be good rates? Also, has anyone stayed at the Springhill Suites in Savannah? That was another option we've looked at.

Thanks!

 

[mouseclick1]

Thanks for your suggestions! I went ahead and booked 2 nights in Summerville, just outside of Charleston, at the Comfort Suites. It's supposed to be a new hotel and pretty reasonably priced. This way we can drive in to Charleston for the day, spend the night back a the hotel, and be just a couple hours away from HH. Can't wait!!

 

[KennySC]

To get information about the different hotels that people have received using Priceline try www.biddingfortravel.com. Pay attention to their bidding strategy because it really improves your success. Two weeks ago I stayed at the Westin Hilton Head for $60/night which was less than 1/2 the lowest web rate. As for the Disney Area the Dolphin and Swan people have gotten it from $60-100/night.

 

[hoosiergirl]

Thanks KennySC for the Priceline advice! Any comments on Springhill Suites in Savannah?

 

[Kiger]

Charleston! Charleston! Charleston!

Two short hours from HH. Its a beautiful, unique, and historic town located right on the water. Things to do in Charleston:
1) Take a carriage ride through the city and learn about the history of Charleston
2) Shop on King Street, or stroll through the old market and barter with the local merchants
3) Visit the SC Acquarium - its wonderful
4) Have a picnic at White Point Gardens
5) Dine in one of the numerous five-star restaurants (HH is great - but it is a bit lacking in restaurants)

Where to stay:
There are literally tons of B&Bs - you cant go wrong
Great location/great price: Days Inn, Meeting Street
Great location/great place: Charleston Place (Orient Express Hotel), Mills House Hotel
Great location/charming inn: Wentworth Mansion

Where to eat:
Casual: Fast and French, Vickerys, The Terrace
Southern: Poogan's Porch (casual) Magnolias, SNOB (both upscale)
Upscale: Peninsula Grill, Charleston Grill, Beumonts

Hope this helps! Enjoy!

 

[Rachel1]

We were just at HHI in March. My Mother stayed at the Holiday Inn near the restaurant Aunt Chilada's on the the Island. It was a nice room with a frig. The Holiday Inn also provided a continental breakfast. I think she got a rate of about $100 or so.

 

[Tommy]

Have you thought about checking out one of the other timeshare programs while you wait? I almost did this in January. I found a place that would give us two or three nights free stay and all we had to do was to listen to their two hour hard sell.

Seriously, I have found that once you explain that you are a DVC owner and then try to get them to explain how it is better to buy at their place instead of adding on at DVC, they cannot give you a good answer and leave you alone.

If you are the type that can win, or even enjoy the battle with those folks, you can get two nights free with little problem.

Just a thought.