Favorite Hilton Head Marriott?
 

Thinking about cashing in some points this summer on a week at one of the HH Marriotts, and was surprised to see that there are a fair number of them, including several time-share resorts.

Anyone have any recent experiences at any of these properties? We have two small boys, so close proximity to a nice beach, as well as a pretty good pool are high on our list. I'd also be interested to understand the pros/cons of staying at one of the timeshare properties compared to the Beach resort (which I think used to be a Hyatt property).

There is only one Marriott hotel, the former Hyatt, now the Marriott Beach and Golf Resort. The property has been extensively remodeled since Marriott acquired it a few years ago and it is on the beach. A good place to stay.

There are some lesser brand Marriotts, such as a Residence Inn. None of them are on the beach.

There are three very nice Vacation Club (timeshare) properties directly on the beach - Grande Ocean, Barony Beach and Monarch.

Barony is the newest, it's next door to the Westin Hotel and it's an excellent place to stay. Only negative is that the building where you would likely be staying does not have an ocean view and is a fair hike to the beach.

Grande Ocean started construction about 12 years ago, so it's still relatively new. The three oldest (of ten) buildings are being completely refurbished this winter. On the beach, with no unit more than about 100 yards from beach access. Most units on the highest floor have at least a partial ocean view. Grande Ocean is most conveniently located of the three beach timeshares for restaurants and shopping. A great place to stay.

Monarch is the oldest of the three and is behind the gates of prestigious Sea Pines Plantation. Although a little farther to many restaurants, there are some good restaurants inside the gates and a great network of biking trails.

There are a number of other Marriott timeshares on the island, but those are the three on the beach.

My only warning - Don't set your sights too high on using an award for a mid summer week at one of the three beach timeshare resorts. It's tough to get in!

With two small boys, I would definitely vote for staying at one of the three timeshare resorts.

Two bedrooms in each unit - perfect for your family. A full kitchen so that you can have some meals "at home" versus having to eat every meal in restaurants.

The only drawback of the timeshare resorts is that they are not full-service hotels. Workout facility, multiple swimming pools, bicycles generally on site and a "Marketplace" deli, snack bar and mini-grocery store. But no restaurants on site. Thus, you'll go elsewhere when you want to dine out, but the choices on the island are virtually unlimited.

We stayed at the Marriott resort last Labor Day. Our two sons, 5 and 10 at the time, enjoyed it. They have an X-box room downstairs for rent by the hour. Dad snoozed in the bean bag chair while the boys had a blast. Lots of pool activities and games. Our room, while not as spacious as the vacation clubs, did have a king and a sofa bed which worked great for us. Dining is a little pricey pool side but the breakfast buffet wasn't too bad for what they were serving. It's location inside of the Palmetto Dunes resort is good. This resort was voted best family resort in the US recently.

You'll also find that the Marriott is much cheaper. Check out the thread about discount codes and try the appropriate ones online. You'll find some good rates.