Westin has been our choice for the last two years. The grounds and the pool are excellent. Makes you feel like you are on the tropical island. However, it looks like this year prices are way to high. Ask for Deluxe Oceanfront (the closest rooms to the ocean). An elevator and exit door will put you directly to the beach entrance.

When in doubt, I also choose Westin. Not familiar specifically with Hilton Head, but I would go with the Westin.

Stayed at Hilton Oceanfront (in Palmetto Dunes) for 1 nt in mid March. rooms were large with kitchenette, clean, but simple. Not Westin quality - but very functional. Grounds were great - nice pools and hot tubs, nice beach access and all roos faced the beach (however indirectly). Staff very friendly.

For a whole week, though, I think I would try and spring for a condo - depends on what you want to do.

Thanks

I MUCH prefer the Hilton. The rooms are HUGE and have a small kitchenette. But it's the grounds that make me return to the Hilton. They have an interior courtyard of swimming pools and lagoons with fish and birds. They also have nice wooden decking that juts right out over the dunes. I find that useful for sunbathing on days that are a little windy and/or cool on the beach itself. Ask for an interior room, you will have a view of the ocean and the courtyard (otherwise you get a view of the ocean and the parking lot).

The Westin , IMHO, has more of a cookie-cutter resort feel. It has a big lounging area, but a bit more sterile. I wound compare the feel to some of the big hotels in Cancun. Hilton has more of an island feel. Also, the Westin really ticked me off with their ammenity fee.