Last Updated on March 23, 2025 by Katrina

Photo credit: Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort

With 12 miles of sugar-sand beaches and an abundance of golf courses and shopping, Hilton Head Island offers a gorgeously well-heeled form of relaxation off the coast of South Carolina. This 42-square-mile barrier island was once dominated by upscale vacation homes. But more resorts have arrived in recent years to help anyone feel like a Hilton Head local. Here are the best hotels on Hilton Head Island.  

The Inn & Club at Harbour Town (7 Lighthouse Ln.; 843-363-8100) Hilton Head Island

“Palm tree-lined gardens give way to a modern-looking country club-hotel hybrid,” writes Condé Nast Traveler of this 60-room resort with three golf courses and “an understated, quiet grandiosity.” A Tripadvisor user writes that “we came to play tennis at the Sea Pines tennis center which was all of 25 yards from the hotel entrance. The pool and hot tub were quiet, and the simple continental breakfast and coffee were nice for a quick bite before morning tennis. We also loved the free bikes and two hours of court time daily!” >> Book this hotel for less

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort (22 Harbourside Ln.; 407- 939-5277) Hilton Head Island

This 102-room resort affiliated with Disney isn’t attached to a theme park. But families will love it because it feels like “a high-end summer camp,” according to Condé Nast Traveler. “Its hunting and fishing lodge aesthetic, while not reflecting any specific Disney movies, is in line with the slightly kitsch design of many of the company’s resorts.” Choose from standard rooms or villas with full kitchens; the resort also has a pool, water slide and a nearby Beach House with access to the sand. One Google reviewer likes that “there are hammocks and games like horseshoe sprinkled throughout the resort and a list of daily activities. There was also a Pluto character photo op, which was cute.” >> Book this hotel for less

Marriott’s Grande Ocean (51 S Forest Beach Dr.; 843-686-7343) Hilton Head Island

This 290-room beachfront resort has that never-need-to-leave appeal. “Spend the day catching some rays at the beach, relaxing by one of the four outdoor swimming pools, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa,” writes US News & World Report. Since the resort is timeshare-oriented, lodgings are condo-style villas with full kitchens. “The villa we stayed in was ideally situated close to the pool area, which was a huge plus,” writes a Tripadvisor user. “The splash pad and zero-entry pool were fantastic for our little one. A minor downside is that the property functions more like a condo than a traditional hotel or resort. There were no on-site restaurants besides the pool bar.” >> Book this hotel for less

Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort (23 Ocean Ln.; 843-842-8000) Hilton Head Island

“Sugar-sand beaches, sparkling pools, delicious dining, and three championship golf courses,” writes Condé Nast Traveler of this 295-room hotel with about 30 oceanfront suites. “The poolside Buoy Bar brings tiki vibes, and the famed Arthur Hills Golf Course is less than two miles away.” A Tripadvisor reviewer calls it “a beautiful resort. We loved the amenities and how we could just walk on the beach from our hotel. The adult pool was very relaxing. The room was stunning and the view was even better.” >> Book this hotel for less

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island (130 Shipyard Dr.; 843-842-2400) Hilton Head Island

This 340-room Sonesta offers a lagoon-style pool, an onsite spa and three dining options, and is located near a golf course, tennis courts and a shopping center. “The 11 acres of tropical gardens set the scene for this idyllic resort,” writes Condé Nast Traveler. The extensive grounds mean that the resort retains an air of exclusivity despite being surrounded by similar properties.” A Google reviewer likes that “this is a big resort right near the ocean. Free parking, the large pool is great, and the resort is very kid- and dog-friendly.” >> Book this hotel for less

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