Best Beach Hotels in Hilton Head

An extensive renovation completed in 2013 has added a swank, modern feel to this Sonesta Resort. The upscale property has plenty to offer, including several restaurants and an on-site spa, as well as children’s activities. The lovely heated pools are a highlight, as are the gorgeous grounds. But those guests looking forward to a beach vacation should note that this hotel is not right on the water, and beach chairs and umbrellas have to be rented for an extra fee.

The 123-room Disney Hilton Head Resort is a quiet, relaxed resort on a tiny island within the central region of larger Hilton Head Island. Perhaps because of its Disney brand, the hotel has a bit of a kitschy vibe -- rooms are outfitted in lodge-like decor, and daily activities include singing around the campfire. But overall it's less "Disney-y" than other Disney resorts, while still including a long list of kid-friendly amenities: two pools (one with a waterslide), a basketball court, a game room, and a playground. Although the hotel overlooks Broad Creek, and there's a fishing pier for those looking to cast a line, it is more than a mile from the hotel's Beach House with beach access. The resort provides a free shuttle, but some other beaches are actually closer to the resort, so having a car is a plus.

This upscale resort has plenty of amenities, including several pools and a pretty private beach. After a renovation completed in 2015, rooms are contemporary and stylish; all have kitchenettes, and some have separate living rooms with sofa beds. All have balconies with views of the resort or ocean. Property highlights include the large pool complex and the beautiful private beach. All in all, this is one of Hilton Head's best upscale options, though it may be worth comparing rates with the Sonesta Resort. 

Though it is part of the Holiday Inn chain, the Beach House Resort feels more like a boutique hotel. In early 2014, the hotel completed renovations to the lobby, opened a restaurant, and redid some of the common areas. This upper-middle-range property is a good value compared to other nearby resorts, and additional renovations throughout 2016 brought modern decor elements to most of the rooms. Guests who want a good look at the sea should note that rooms facing the ocean only offer a partial view obscured by trees and the pool area.

After extensive renovations completed in 2013, the Westin Hilton Head offers an ultra-luxurious, spa-like feel. This upscale resort features beautiful grounds with lots of places to lounge throughout, as well as airy interiors with chic furnishings. However, the long hallways at this 416-room property make for a bit of a hike to some rooms. Guests who prefer a shorter walk should request rooms by the elevators. The nearby Sonesta and Omni usually have cheaper rates, but the ocean view rooms are a bit nicer and the setting is a bit more posh at the Westin.

This upper-middle-range hotel has a great location on a wonderful white-sand beach, close to golf courses and shopping malls. It has all the standard amenities of a property of this category: a nice spa, a fitness center, and several dining options, including a convenience-store-style market. The rooms are a bit bland though, and could use an update (think: smallish old tube TVs and generic decor). However, the huge outdoor pool with beach views and the comprehensive kids' program make this an excellent pick for families.

The Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort includes 850 condo units, 160 of them managed by the resort and the remainder privately owned. This upper-middle-range property offers good value for a waterfront resort on the island, with numerous features including two pools, 10 tennis courts, and a fitness center. Decor varies from unit to unit, but overall the resort's casual (and occasionally dated) look reflects its vibe as a flip-flops and T-shirt kind of place. Its restaurants and bars, some with bubble-letter signage, plastic furniture, and poor lighting, are a little tacky. For budget conscious families with children, there's swimming, racquets, bicycles for rent, and sand castles to build, without having to go out to dinner every night as the units have full kitchens.