Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?Perhaps this resort is Disney for people who don’t like Disney, or at least the crowds, expenses, and relentless merchandising present at their theme parks. This lodge-themed retreat isn’t attached to any theme parks—the nearest one is a five-hour drive away—and is a more traditional resort, albeit one with its own water slide and a more family-focused approach than many Hilton Head resorts.
What's the backstory?The property was developed on the 15-acre island of Shelter Cove Harbor, and it opened in 1996. It was intentionally marketed towards families with young children and 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. It has the feeling of a high-end summer camp.
Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?The rooms are true to the hunting lodge style, with bed headboards and lamp stands made out of materials resembling tree stumps and the like, so it maintains a fun, rustic ambience. My deluxe studio was an entry-level accommodation, with the green and blue color palate that all of the rooms employed to reflect the natural themes of the resort. The set up is fairly basic but perfectly presentable and for families, the functionality will be much more welcome than fancy tech, especially the small balcony/patio, dining table and kitchenette in the slightly larger rooms. There’s a shower/tub combo, and the room can sleep a family of four comfortably.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?The wifi is free and seemed to hold up across most of the resort.
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?There are two family-friendly dining options at the resort, both of which operate seasonally, so be sure to check before making your booking. Signals is more of a sit down restaurant/cafe and Tide Me Over is a quick pitstop with a few picnic tables. Both have breakfast and lunch options with all the typical dishes that children might enjoy, including burgers, pizza, pasta, and salads. Grilled fish and sweet potato fries make up the more sophisticated end of the menu. There are ‘seasonal’ dinner services, but outside of this, evening options are limited to self catering or going to one of the dozens of restaurants that are close to the resort.
And the service?Service, as you might expect from a Disney property, is cheery and perky, with the staff well-drilled at handling the specific requirements of families with young children and seemingly endless reserves of patience. Orienting and situating new guests has been honed to a fine art, and the activities and general levels of service are well-supervised and helpful.
What type of travelers will you find here?The guests seemed to consist entirely of families, which is not surprising and is what the resort was designed for. It feels slightly less manic than resorts at Disney theme parks, perhaps as the stresses and tiredness levels associated with visiting these parks has been removed, letting families experience a different energy. Activities are on site or at the beach via a short shuttle, and so it just seemed generally more chilled out.
What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?Although on its own island, the resort is just over a mile from the beach. However, Disney has its own facility that’s essentially an annex to the hotel (called Disney’s Beach House) where you can rent beach gear such as umbrellas and chairs, relax in the lounge, and there are even indoor games if the weather’s bad. The Beach House also has its own pool.
Is there anything you'd change?A year-round option for onsite evening dining would be a good addition, though there are several options within easy striking distance.
Any other hotel features worth noting?There are two pools on site, one for very young children and one for older kids, the latter coming with water-park-like amenities such as a water slide and fountains. The resort also organizes lots of child-friendly activities, such as fishing and crabbing, campfires and movie showings. There’s also the option of bike rentals, guided nature walks, dolphin spotting, golf and tennis and there’s also a fitness center as well as a large hall for games and crafting.
Bottom line: Worth it? Why?There are some fine resorts in Hilton Head but not too many of them focus on families and small children, and so this Disney outpost is a welcome addition to the available options. Parents will find the place secure and their children well looked after, and though dining is slightly limited, the activities and beachside annex will also be appreciated.
