Hi, I'm planning a 10th anniversary trip to Harbour Island in August. I read somewhere that you never pay "rack rates" for hotels. We are strongly considering Runaway Hill (many of you out there seem to love it.) I know it's very small, and was just wondering whether the rates are as quoted on the website (http://www.runawayhill.com/rates.htm), or do they offer specials? I called the stateside office and was told that there weren't sales or specials on room rates. I never called a travel agent. On expedia, I found package rates for coral sands and pink sands (maybe romora too), but like the sound of Runaway Hill best. What has your experience been?

My wife and I spent 5 nights at Pink Sands for our 10th 5 years ago. We had the cottage "Glass Windows" that sat directly above the drop dead beautiful beach. We REALLY enjoyed staying at Pink Sands. I was worried about the mandatory dinner, but I must say the food was great! We'd go back to Pink Sands in a heart beat. Having said that, you probably would enjoy Runaway Hill or Coral Sands as well. It's a terrific little island. Have fun!

Thanks for your response. Pink Sands does sound amazing. However, the rates seem to be in the range of $600 per night (even packages), which I find a little steep. I'm not even sure that includes meals. I, too, fear having meals included. Since we have little kids at home, going out to restaurants is a rarity. We're looking forward to a vacation trying lots of different restaurants. I figure if we stay someplace cheaper than Pink Sands, we can still use the saved $ to eat at its restaraunt.

Hi,

Runaway is a wonderful small resort on the island and I have been staying there for many years. There is never a "sale" on the room rates, other than the off season rates. The hotel is just too small only 10 rooms and filled most of the time by regulars.

In August the rates will be lower than the high season rates.

Coral Sands and Romora are both bigger than Runaway. Coral Sands has about 60 rooms now and Romora is probably 20-30 rooms so again it's bigger and Romora is on on the ocean, but has a nice view of the bay side of the island.

I have recommended Runaway to several people who have also loved the place.

Have you tried the www.runawayhill.com site for pictues and rates. That might help.

We hope to get there in August as well, hope to see you there.

Let me know if you have any other questions on the island.

I have checked out the website, and Runaway looks incredible. We opted for a villa, since they said they couldn't otherwise guarantee a water view. They said there was a fridge and deck, which sounded great.Have you stayed in a villa? Are they nice?

Also, we love to snorkel. Are there good places to snorkel along the pink beach (or elsewhere)?

We're going for only 5 nights, so if there are any restaurants not to miss (or to definitely avoid), please let me know.

I am laughing as I write this but honestly there is nothing to avoid on the whole island. Everything is done to make your trip comfortable and fun.

As you walk out the door to the porch and the deck, there is a big box on your right and it's filled with snorkle gear for your use. You of course can bring your own.

The villas are very nice and right next to the "house". If any of the rooms are available in the house, ask for the room beside the office, it is nicely appointed, has a private deck area and a king size bed. Also has a nice view of the ocean.

Please tell Dellareese and Carol when you call again I said HI.

There are 2 dive shops on island Valentine's and Fox Dive that arrange snorkle and dive trips. Also you can take a resort course and do a shallow dive if you want to try it.

Carol can also arrange an off island trip, for a picnic just the two of you on a deserted island for the day.

The island is very small only 3 miles long by half a mile wide so you can walk everywhere. Since you are going in August, you might want to rent a golf cart for a day or two to explore the island.

Again, let me know if you have any other questions.

Gail

Thanks Gail. Would you recommend the room next to the office over the villa? I had seen that room mentioned somewhere before as a great room. Do you usually call the hotel directly? The woman in the Florida office said she couldn't guarantee even an ocean view, much less a specific room. Maybe if I called directly, I'd have more luck. (I assume that's where your pals Delareese and Carol are.) I can't wait to check it all out. Thanks for your words of wisdom!
Louise

I always call Runaway directly to find out what rooms and dates are available. Carol has a huge room "map" over the desk so they can keep track of when people are coming and going and what rooms are open for what weeks. That way you can get the most updated info and make a reservation for a specific room.

My 2 favorite rooms are the room next to the office and the last room heading down to the driveway. I think the room beside the office is #3 and the last room is #8.

#8 does not have an ocean view, but it does have a cozy fireplace and a good size bathroom and a king bed. Also a little lani (spelling) at the front door. Each room also has AC and a ceiling fan.

Oh and Runaway also comes "with dog", and her name is Ebony, a beautiful black lab, and my buddy. Whenever we are there, Eb is with us and Carol has to come looking for her, lol.

You can get the phone number from the www.briland.com site or I can post it here.

Have a great time and I already know you will be dreaming of going back, everyone does.