We are hoping to go on vacation in the next few weeks. We have small children, though well behaved. Mostly pool people, we do not golf, tennis and beyond the pool are not overly active (I know we are boring!).

I am looking specifically for a hotel, we rented a house last year (up north) and for me it was too much cleaning, cooking etc. Also I do not want a drive or long walk to the pool or beach. We tend to like very luxurious hotels, which would you recommend, the Westin, Hilton or Marriott? I had also heard that Wild Dunes near Charleston was nice although that seems more Condo like. I was not impressed with what I have read about Kiawah.

The Hilton has small kitchens which would be nice for snacks, does this take away from the luxury hotel feel? Or is it simply a nice convenience. I have heard mixed htings about the Westin, that some rooms are in need of refurbishment

We have never been to Hilton Head or Charleston before

Thanks

Liora

Liora,

I am partial to the Hilton in Palmetto Dunes--my wife and I spent our honeymoon there (a few years ago), and have been back several times over the years. Obviously the hotel has a little age on it. But the location is great--in my opinion Palmetto Dunes is the best *plantation* on the island. If you don't already know, the various resorts are called *plantations*. Also, I am sure the Hilton has been refurbished (probably several times).

If Kiawah doesn't appeal to you, I doubt whether Wild Dunes will wow you either. Hilton Head is more developed and generally a more lively place with more to offer (restaurants, Harbor Town, Shelter Cove, shopping bike riding, canoe/kayak, etc.), at least as far as an oceanfront experience. Charleston is a wonderful place, but the city is not on the beach (it is protected by a harbor).

Hilton Head, Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Hotel--sounds like a plan.

Have a great time!

I was in HH in April. I saw the Mariott, which I thought was gorgeous.

I'm coming back in September and staying in a condo, but the Mariott had a great pool as I recall. It was also on the beach.

You will love Hilton Head! It's great whether you are active or pool people (I have my pool days, too). You can sit at the pool and read or rent a bike and ride on the beach.

Just got back from Hilton Head where we stayed at a new hotel on Harbour Island called "The Inn At Harbour Town"
It was beautiful - low key and they couldn't do enough to help us. They have their own pool, you can walk to Harbour Town and also rent bikes nearby. It is decorated in a Plantation Style and is stunning all around. I think they have a web site where you can look at the rooms.

Thanks for your suggestions, one question, its sounding like the Hilton and the Westin both need some refurbishment. Is the Marriott newer or newly redone. Thanks again

The Marriott is the old Hyatt and is in the process of refurbishment.
The Westin is a lovely property, I cant speak to the rooms being in need of refurbishment.
Investigate thru Marriott the oceanfront time share rentals, the barony beach club is brand new and next door to the Westin.

Liora,

I didn't mean to give the wrong impression about the Hilton. It is an older hotel--it was new (and called the Mariner's Inn) back in 1985. I know it was nicely refurbished as of the early 90's (when we visited again). However, it may very well have been refurbished recently too, I just don't know. Maybe someone who has been recently could settle this issue.

The Hilton and The Westin are both nice but in different ways. If you want plush...go to the Westin, beautiful pool area, marble lobby,etc. The Hilton is a little more tropical with fish ponds, large lush trees. The Hyatt, now the Marriott is under construction, beware. All of the oceanfront hotels here are older but in good condition.