I am a bit puzzled.

Rude to whom?

The developers of HHI?

Certainly not other posters, I wasn't questioning their choice. They would probably find sailing around Scotland in February diabolical. One poster stated recently that they were cancelling a trip to Norway because they thought the weather may not be great in November.

Each to their own, I respect people's opinions, certainly not being rude.

I never even felt I was on an island at all, even though I was beachfront at that Marriott! For reference, I have been to Aruba, Paradise Island (Bahamas) & Maui, as far as islands go. HHI is like starrs said--monotonous.

dlangrock, if you haven't already, you can look at http://www.forkandfun.com/hilton-head-restaurants for most HH restaurants and their menus (scroll down to the virtual copy of their magazine - you can find hard copies of just about everywhere on the island). There's a useful map on page 66.

We don't get out to the area of the Omni much, but the Santa Fe Cafe is quite good and as I mentioned before, lots of people enjoy spots in Shelter Cove, just across the parkway. Sea Grass Grille is also good and Hugos and Ruan Thai have been on our list for a while - just haven't gotten to them.

There are lots of options to rent bikes. We've used Pedals and Bicycle Billy's and been happy. Bikes are key to enjoying the best HH has to offer.

Although HHI is not my favorite place, I remember two restaurants and would return happily. The Greek restaurant on the island "It's Greek to Me" was very good. Simple, casual and good. And there's a little dive in a strip center, "Kenny B's French Quarter Café" that has GREAT beignets and Cajun food. We'd take customers out to fancier places like the Bonefish Grill but I still remember those two restaurants fondly. And I did like going to HHI in winter. The beach was lovely - and virtually empty then - for morning walks.

Thanks everyone. Made a little change in plans , going to stay at Sonesta Resort, any thoughts on this place please tell.

Sorry I am all over the place we once again changed our plans and we are staying in a villa in Sea Pines, no more changes, any good places to eat and things to do here. We made the change because we needed more space with 3 ten age boys.

dlangrock, I have been to HHI many times with my family. We are residents of SC and I first went on a work/golf trip. We later began going with a Germany family to share a beach house. We always stay in Sea Pines near South Beach Marina and have rented several different houses as our combined families have grown and kids get older! We now go with them every other year as they have moved back to Germany, but come back to enjoy their beach week as they really love HHI (though we did try to talk them into Kiawah this time - but they want their "comfort spot"). Ironically, we will be there the same week as you.

I think you'll enjoy Sea Pines, and the beach there is much less crowded than those "outside the gate." You can rent bikes through South Beach Marina or another couple of spots inside of Sea Pines. It's fun to go to the South Beach Marina / Salty Dog for a drink and enjoy some casual live music (the food there is only so-so), or go to a Gregg Russell concert at Harbour Town (he plays almost nightly and is a lot of fun).

A few good, fun places to eat have been mentioned - Sea Shack (go for lunch or early for dinner to avoid lines), Kenny B's, It's All Greek To Me, Mellow Mushroom (good pizza) - these are all solid and good, and kid-friendly (believe me, I know as I have three boys also!).

As a SC resident, I have been to many of the developed and not-so-developed beaches and islands. I avoid anything to do with Myrtle Beach - just not a fun time in my opinion, but Pawley's is much more laid back and a good time. We really enjoyed Kiawah as still a resort area, but with much less people than HHI. We are scouting real estate on Edisto to invest in a truly low-key beach property for us. Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and others are all excellent and have various degrees of things to do, depending on your desires. I think you'll have a great week.