Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Hilton Head

Take a look at the best kid-friendly hotels in Hilton Head.

1

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

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.

2

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

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.

3

Island Links Resort

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

With two pools, water features, and lots of kids' activities, this mid-range timeshare property is heavily geared toward families. Golf lovers are also drawn to the Island Links Resort, given its close proximity to local courses. The spacious two- and three-bedroom villas are a highlight, though the decor is a bit plain and some rooms only offer tube TVs. The one major drawback is the property's distance from the beach, which is over a mile away and is best reached by car or bicycle. The resort does offer shuttle service to the beach during warmer months.

4

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

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. 

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Beach House, A Holiday Inn Resort

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

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.

6

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

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.

7

Hampton Inn Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

The lower-middle-range Hampton Inn Hilton Head is a solid choice for travelers seeking alternatives to the island’s pricier beachfront resorts. It’s in a shady and peaceful setting off busy William Hilton Parkway, a six-minute drive to the beach, and within walking distance to several restaurants. Highlights include a free hot breakfast buffet, free parking and Wi-Fi, a heated outdoor pool, and a small fitness center. Rooms, while spacious, are a bit bland and somewhat dated, but come with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Rates are competitive, but the two-pearl Days Inn Hilton Head has lower rates and comparable amenities. 

8

Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

The 104-room Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head is a mid-range chain property located off a busy road on the Intracoastal Waterway, a 30-minute drive to downtown Hilton Head. The lobby is bright, colorful, and attractive and has a spacious area where breakfast is served (for a fee), but rooms are dark and basic and could use some updating. The outdoor pool, partly shaded by pines and lined with lounge chairs, is a peaceful place to relax. And there's a small, comprehensive fitness center and a business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout and meeting space is available for 250 people. Another option to consider could be the HarbourSide III at Shelter Cove Harbour, which has units with full kitchens.

9

HarbourSide III at Shelter Cove Harbour

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

The gated HarbourSide III has an apartment-like feel with one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos, all equipped with full kitchens. Most condos have harbor views, but the decor leaves a bit to be desired, especially in the bedrooms where shiny bedspreads look shabby. Perks such as free parking and free Wi-Fi are nice, and families enjoy the pool, but the beach is a drive or bike ride away (the hotel provides a free shuttle). Still, many travelers appreciate its proximity to numerous restaurants.

10

Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

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.

11

Simple Rewards Inn

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

The Ramada Hilton Head is a two-pearl chain hotel off Highway 278, less than a 10-minute drive from the airport and beach. Its 127 rooms are basic with mini-fridges and microwaves, and views of the parking areas or a pitch-and-putt green. As of winter 2016, the hotel was undertaking much-needed renovations focused on replacing dated furniture in its guest rooms. A highlight of the hotel is its seasonal outdoor pool with blue loungers. A free, Southern-style breakfast is served each day and the adjacent Italian restaurant gets good reviews. The Days Inn Hilton Head costs about the same, though its features are not as appealing as the Ramada's. Travelers willing to pay moderately higher prices could also consider the Hampton Inn Hilton Head, which has more features and fresher rooms. 

12

Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

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. 

13

Park Lane Hotel and Suites

Hilton Head, Coastal South Carolina, South Carolina, United States

The 156-room, mid-range Park Lane Hotel and Suites is situated right off busy William Hilton Parkway, the main drag in Hilton Head. Though the property doesn’t have direct beach access, plenty of beaches, golf courses, shops, and restaurants are within a 10-minute drive. Rooms are spacious -- all are suites -- but dated, showing signs of wear-and-tear. Still they're clean, and have full kitchens, as well as flat-screen TVs with HBO, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies. The property also has a serene outdoor pool and whirlpool, lit tennis courts, a small fitness center, and a business center. A free continental breakfast is served daily, and free Starbucks coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Travelers seeking a hotel by the beach can try The Beach House Resort, which also has a more updated look and an on-site bar and restaurant, but rates tend to be higher.