16 Best Hotels in The Coastal Isles and the Okefenokee, Georgia

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We've compiled the best of the best in The Coastal Isles and the Okefenokee - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Beachview Club Hotel

$$ | 721 N. Beachview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA, 31527, USA

Grand old oak trees shade the grounds of this quaint boutique hotel, where rooms are either on the oceanfront or have a partial ocean view. The recently renovated interior design reflects an understated island theme, and offers several different bed configurations and layouts. Efficiencies have one king-size or two queen beds, a desk, and a kitchenette. Higher-end suites have full kitchens. Some rooms have balconies or patios.

Pros

  • Heated pool
  • Relaxing location with beautiful grounds
  • Property on the beach

Cons

  • Not much for kids to do here
  • Exterior corridors
  • Breakfast not included in rate
721 N. Beachview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA, 31527, USA
912-635–2256
hotel Details
38 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $$

Goodbread House Inn

$ | 209 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA, 31558, USA
This 1870 Victorian home, named after the Goodbread family who once owned it, is a comfy bed-and-breakfast with six uniquely decorated rooms named for famous lovers like Scarlett and Rhett and Bogie and Bacall. Inkeeper Mardja Gray is all about Southern hospitality and can assist you with ferry reservations, restaurant recommendations, and even pack a lunch for your Cumberland Island visit. She is also happy to accommodate children and pets, unlike many B&Bs. Each morning starts with a decadent home-cooked breakfast you won't want to skip.

Pros

  • Friendly and accommodating innkeeper
  • Golf cart available for exploring the town
  • Excellent breakfast and afternoon reception

Cons

  • The inn's eclectic decor isn't for everyone
  • Some rooms feel a bit dated
  • May be too small and intimate for some
209 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA, 31558, USA
912-882--7490
hotel Details
6 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites

$ | 1761 Memorial Dr., Waycross, GA, 31501, USA
Among the newer and more updated accommodations in Waycross, the Holiday Inn Express is centrally located in the commercial hub of the city, just down Knight Avenue from the shopping mall. The hotel has clean, comfortable rooms and beds and the wellness offerings of an indoor pool, sauna, and fully equipped fitness center.

Pros

  • Near shopping and dining
  • Clean rooms
  • Pool and fitness center

Cons

  • Complaints of noise
  • Service can be inconsistent
  • Breakfast is nothing special
1761 Memorial Dr., Waycross, GA, 31501, USA
912-548–0720
hotel Details
78 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $

Recommended Fodor's Video

Holiday Inn Resort

$$$ | 711 N. Beachview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA, 31527, USA

Decorated in coastal blue hues, the rooms here offer the standard comforts of a Holiday Inn but with sweeping views of the beach on the ocean side. Renovations include a full-service restaurant, a poolside cabana bar and grill, an oversized event lawn, and family-friendly amenities including a playground.

Pros

  • Lovely views
  • Large oceanfront pool with whirlpool
  • Multiple dining options on-site

Cons

  • Good views only on ocean side
  • Rooms near the restaurant are loud on the weekends
  • Exterior corridors
711 N. Beachview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA, 31527, USA
912-635–2211
hotel Details
157 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

$$$ | 371 Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA, 31527, USA Fodor's Choice

This sprawling 1887 resort was once described as "the richest, the most exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world," and its old-world charm persists. The comfortable resort's focal point is a four-story clubhouse, with its wraparound verandas and Queen Anne–style towers and turrets. Rooms, suites, apartments, and cottages are decorated with mahogany and wrought-iron beds, wardrobes, and plush sofas and chairs. Two beautifully restored former "millionaires' cottages"—the Crane and the Cherokee—add 23 elegant guest rooms to this gracefully groomed compound. Next door to the Westin, the Jekyll Ocean Club is the resort's newest beachside extension, with 40 modern suites and the same great amenities. Guests of historic inn also have access to the Ocean Club property.

Pros

  • On the water
  • Gorgeous grounds and common areas
  • Close proximity to restaurants, shopping, and sea-turtle center

Cons

  • Service can be varied
  • Some rooms are small
  • Can be noisy due to thin walls and older construction
371 Riverview Dr., Jekyll Island, GA, 31527, USA
912-635–2600
hotel Details
200 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort

$$$ | 201 Arnold Rd., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA

Situated at the southern end of East Beach, this lovely historic inn and resort has some of the only true beachfront accommodations on the island. Your accommodation options are spacious guest rooms, two- and three-bedroom apartment-style "villas," and stand-alone guesthouses. Guests have golf privileges (18-hole, 6,462-yard course is par 72) and discounted rates at the off-site King and Prince Golf Course, as well as access to many outdoor activities such as sailing and tennis. Many of the rooms and suites have ocean views and there's easy access to the pool and beach.

Pros

  • Sprawling suites
  • Golf-course access
  • On-site restaurant with pool and oceanfront dining

Cons

  • Amenities are fairly basic
  • Some rooms are small
  • Tide levels can make it difficult to access the beach
201 Arnold Rd., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA
912-638–3631
hotel Details
195 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

Open Gates Bed and Breakfast

$$ | 301 Franklin St., Darien, GA, 31305, USA

Built by a timber baron in 1876, this two-story, Italianate house on Darien's Vernon Square is filled with antiques that beautifully decorate each room and offers a relaxing library filled with books of local historical interest. Innkeeper Zach Rath is a former cruise chef, and with his wife, Carrie May, the duo provides unique and thoughtful accommodations for visitors, intimate wedding parties, and family gatherings. A full gourmet breakfast is included in your stay: think cheese-filled crepes, fresh baked muffins, Southern-style grits, and more.

Pros

  • Beautiful setting
  • Easy walking distance to Darien's restaurants and waterfront
  • Outstanding gourmet breakfast

Cons

  • May be a bit too small and intimate for some
  • Two rooms share a bath
  • Upstairs rooms require a steep flight of stairs
301 Franklin St., Darien, GA, 31305, USA
912-437–6985
hotel Details
5 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $$

R. J. Reynolds Mansion

$$ | Sapelo Island, GA, 31327, USA
A stay at this 10-bed, 10-bath historic Sapelo Island mansion is a rare treat reserved only for groups of 8--25, or a smaller group willing to pay the minimum nightly fee per person. The Spanish moss--draped home was once the summer retreat of tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds and features a bowling lane, billiards, library, and ornately decorated "Circus Room." Owned and managed by the State of Georgia, the property stays booked well in advance, so definitely plan and book ahead. A stay here includes all meals, and you can arrange guided tours and nature experiences on the island.

Pros

  • Surrounded by nature
  • All-inclusive with many program opportunities
  • A chance to have a historic mansion all to yourself

Cons

  • Can stay booked years in advance during peak season
  • Can be pricey if fewer than eight people
  • May be too remote for some
Sapelo Island, GA, 31327, USA
912-485--2299
hotel Details
10 rooms
Rate Includes: All-Inclusive, Rate is per person with minimum of $1,400 (8 people)

Quick Facts

  • $$

Saint Simons Inn

$$ | 609 Beachview Dr., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA

In a prime spot by the lighthouse, and only minutes on foot from the Village and the beaches, this European-style inn is made up of privately owned guest rooms—nothing fancy, but they're clean, comfortable, and individually decorated, many with furnishings and art that give off a beachy vibe. "Deluxe" rooms are swankier, most with a very modern appeal. There's a two-night minimum during high season on weekends. Discounts are available for longer stays, depending on the season.

Pros

  • Excellent location
  • Affordable rates
  • Some pet-friendly rooms

Cons

  • Two-night minimum stay on weekends
  • Some rooms are small
  • Individually decorated rooms means some are not as nice as others
609 Beachview Dr., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA
912-638–1101
hotel Details
34 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $$

Sapelo Island Birdhouses

$$$ | Sapelo Island, GA, USA
Any one of these well-equipped stilt cottages offers a comfortable (yet rustic) lodging experience right along the shore of Sapelo Island. The aptly named birdhouses provide soaring views of the Atlantic and marshes and of the island's natural beauty and near-empty beaches. Managed by local members of the Hog Hammock community, cottages come with a golf cart rental and the option for prepared meals. Pets can stay for a fee.

Pros

  • Unprecedented views
  • Central access to island's historical sites and remote beaches
  • Friendly staff and nearby community

Cons

  • On-island stay can feel too remote for some guests
  • Minimum two-night stay to book
  • A pricey choice for just two people
Sapelo Island, GA, USA
912-223–6515
hotel Details
4 cottages
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

Sea Palms Resort and Conference Center

$$ | 515 N Windward Dr., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA

Fully renovated in 2020, this full-service resort offers accommodations overlooking the beautiful "Marshes of Glynn" immortalized by poet Sidney Lanier, as well as condo-style suites near the ocean. At the marshfront Sea Palms complex, you’ll find large modern rooms—many with balconies and screened porches offering scenic views. There’s also an 18-hole golf-course, tennis center, luxurious pool with cabanas, and a restaurant. You’ll also have access to the beach through Sea Palm’s private beach club. The Sea Gate Inn, the smaller beachfront complex, is walking distance to St. Simon’s Village.

Pros

  • Guests have beach-club privileges
  • Two lodging locations to choose from
  • Some rooms have fantastic marsh views

Cons

  • No beach-club access for guests of Sea Gate Inn
  • Complex often booked with events
  • No free breakfast
515 N Windward Dr., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA
912-638–3351
hotel Details
64 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $$

The Inn at Folkston

$ | 3576 W. Main St., Folkston, GA, 31537, USA

This Craftsman-style inn with a huge front veranda, porch swings, and rocking chairs is filled with antiques, and each room is uniquely decorated. The romantic Lighthouse Room has a king-size bed, a fireplace, and a screened-in porch. The Family Wildlife Room can accommodate up to four guests (it has two queen beds). Get set for a terrific breakfast: the four-cheese soufflé with artichokes and the classic eggs Benedict with hollandaise sauce are particularly good.

Pros

  • Inn is beautifully restored
  • Owners make you feel like welcome relatives
  • Spacious, interesting rooms

Cons

  • The many trains that pass by can be noisy
  • No TVs in rooms
  • No pets
3576 W. Main St., Folkston, GA, 31537, USA
912-496–6256
hotel Details
4 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $

The Inn at Sea Island

$$ | 100 Salt Marsh Dr., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA
Located just outside the gates of the Sea Island Resort, this self-service hotel offers comfortable accommodations with a much more affordable price tag. The family-friendly and pet-friendly rooms are tastefully decorated and feature basic amenities like Wi-Fi and a mini-refrigerator. There's also free bike rental, a pool, and a fitness center on-site. A stay here does not include access to the resort amenities of Sea Island, but you can purchase access for an additional fee. Complimentary shuttle service to Sea Island amenities is available, and you can even hop in a BMW courtesy car and drive yourself over.

Pros

  • More affordable way to experience Sea Island
  • Access to BMW courtesy cars, bikes, and a resort shuttle
  • Free continental breakfast

Cons

  • Resort access isn't always available (blackout dates)
  • Can be confusing what amenities are included in stay
  • Less expensive options in the area
100 Salt Marsh Dr., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA
855-572--4975
hotel Details
85 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

The Lodge

$$$$ | 100 Retreat Ave., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA Fodor's Choice

Although technically on St. Simons Island, this award-winning Sea Island resort has the charm and feel of an English country manor, with exposed ceiling beams, hardwood floors softened by Oriental rugs, and your own private butler, on call 24 hours a day. The dashingly decorated rooms, suites, and cottages have water or golf-course views. The lodge serves as the clubhouse for the Sea Island Golf Club and is nestled between Plantation and Seaside golf courses, the latter of which was inspired by the links courses of Scotland. Many of the courses feature views of the marsh or St. Simons Sound. Guests here also have full access to the facilities of the Sea Island beachfront hotel, The Cloister. There are two 18-hole golf courses that are par 72: the 6,723-yard Retreat course and the 6,671-yard Plantation course. A third 18-hole course, Seaside, is 6,657 yards and par 70. There's also an 18-hole putting course and a state-of-the-art golf performance center.

Pros

  • Fantastic golfing
  • Elegant, cozy interiors
  • Stately, full marble baths

Cons

  • Luxury comes at a high price
  • Meals aren't included
  • Hefty daily resort fee
100 Retreat Ave., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA
855-572--4975
hotel Details
61 rooms and cottages
Rate Includes: No Meals, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

The Village Inn and Pub

$$ | 500 Mallery St., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA

What was once a cinder-block beach house has since won awards for its environmentally friendly design that incorporated the original structure and preserved the surrounding live oaks. The best guest rooms have king-size beds and double half-moon balconies. All are named after Georgia celebrities, like author Eugenia Price, and each room details the history of its namesake. Breakfast may include make-your-own Belgian waffles. The on-site pub has a mahogany bar and live music most weekends. Take note of the beach house's original stone fireplace.

Pros

  • Great location
  • Courtyard pool and lively on-site pub
  • Owners have taken care to preserve the mossy live oaks

Cons

  • Basic rooms
  • The lively crowd at the pub can be noisy on weekends
  • On-site parking can be difficult
500 Mallery St., St. Simons Island, GA, 31522, USA
912-634–6056
hotel Details
28 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast, Credit cards accepted

Quick Facts

  • $$

Westin Jekyll Island

$$$ | 110 Ocean Way, Jekyll Island, GA, 31527, USA

With expansive ocean views, this resort is well situated near Jekyll's beachfront and bike path and the shopping amenities of the beach village. The property boasts a resort-style pool and full-service restaurant and lounge. After a long day of play, have a poolside cocktail in the lobby courtyard or sink into the deluxe Westin signature bedding. There's also a fitness center and plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to spread out and relax.

Pros

  • Ocean views and beach access
  • Eco-friendly and pet friendly
  • Close to convention center and shopping district

Cons

  • Rooms are on the small side
  • Resort fee added
  • Restaurant service inconsistent
110 Ocean Way, Jekyll Island, GA, 31527, USA
912-635–4545
hotel Details
200 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts