Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Hotel · Hilton Head Island

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Hotel · Hilton Head Island

3

130 Shipyard Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

Photos

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Courtesy Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Courtesy Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island/Photo by Rob Kaufman
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Courtesy Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island/Photo by Rob Kaufman
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Courtesy Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island/Photo by Rob Kaufman
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Courtesy Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island/Photo by Rob Kaufman
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Courtesy Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island/Photo by Rob Kaufman
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Courtesy Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island/Photo by Rob Kaufman
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by Courtesy Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island by null

Highlights

Polished coastal hotel in sprawling gardens, with sleek rooms, refined dining & an outdoor pool. Surrounded by subtropical gardens, this upscale hotel with direct access to a white sand beach is 0.9 miles from Shipyard Golf Club. Contemporary rooms feature free Wi-Fi, iPod docks and flat-screen smart TVs, plus Keurig coffeemakers and minifridges. All have balconies or patios, while some offer ocean views. Suites add wet bars and living areas; 1 features a whirlpool tub. Dining options include a refined Lowcountry restaurant, an outdoor bistro and 2 bars. There's a hot tub, an outdoor pool and a sundeck with cabanas, plus a 24/7 fitness center and a day spa. Bike rentals and access to nearby tennis facilities are available (fee).  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
Placeholder

130 Shipyard Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Get directions

hiltonheadresort.sonesta.com
@sonestahotels

$$

Information

Static Map

130 Shipyard Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Get directions

+1 843 842 2400
hiltonheadresort.sonesta.com
@sonestahotels

$$

Features

payment credit card

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@travelleisure

"Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island is situated in the gated Shipyard community and offers programs for toddlers and families, including swimming pools, water fountains, pool toys, and an extensive Kids Club with daily events. Summer camps offer outdoor sports, arts, and crafts. The resort features a lagoon with local wildlife and evening activities like movies and firepit gatherings. Concierge services include arranging private nanny services." - Travel + Leisure Editors

5 Best Hotels on Hilton Head Island for Families
View Postcard for Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
@cntraveler

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?The 11 acres of tropical gardens set the scene for this idyllic resort, located on a stretch of the region’s most alluring coastline. The extensive grounds mean that the resort retains an air of exclusivity despite being surrounded by similar properties. The towering, light-flooded lobby has huge mirrors and artistic flourishes that elevate the place above its peers. What's the backstory?The resort opened in 1984 under Marriott and Sonesta took over in 2012 with immediate plans to renovate. A $30 million refurbishment promptly took place in 2013, resulting in this 340-room resort with extensive new facilities and landscaped grounds. The striking lobby was built in place of a nightclub, and the entire resort, with improved pool facilities and lounges, was elegantly upgraded. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?My Ocean View Guest Room had fairly good views of the sea and swaths of the lush gardens. The decor reflects the Sonesta aesthetic foreshadowed in the lobby, with whites and creams used as a background canvas and splashes of colors (in my case bright oranges, though some rooms have dark browns) that really pop, giving the rooms a very modern look. A private balcony was accessible through sliding doors, and there were panoramic levels of comfort, including a large bed with cushioned headboard surrounded by a stylish, slate-gray frame. The bathroom was equally modern, with a shower/tub combo, an iHome docking station, and a Keurig coffee maker to round out the amenities. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?There was free, high-speed internet that held its speed throughout the resort. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?The resort houses six food and beverage outlets, the most formal of which is their flagship eatery, Heyward’s Restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner. The dinner menu especially celebrates Lowcountry classic such as Crab Bakes and Fried Green Tomatoes, with locally-sourced seafood also a favorite, particularly the creamy shrimp and grits. There are four more casual options, all with outdoor seating options and family-friendly menus. There’s also a dedicated ice cream parlor, Sonesta Scoops. And the service?Resort levels of relaxation are apparent from the get-go, with an impressive staff-guest ratio and the feeling that all your needs are catered for as soon as you arrive. Staff quickly and charismatically orient new arrivals, and settling into the resort is effortless. Staff are discreetly available throughout the gardens and lounging areas, and the resort hits the right levels of service—not overwhelming but easily accessible. What type of travelers will you find here?The resort is fairly upscale, and well-to-do families mingle with young and older couples. The ambience is less of a party crowd and more refined, with most people reading or sunbathing. The resort is popular around school breaks, so the highest levels of tranquility will be outside of those times. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?The resort enjoys a plum location, centered on one of the best beaches in the region and surrounded by other resorts, the Shipyard Golf Club, and some tennis courts. The Coligny Plaza shopping center is also just next door, and the best of Hilton Head is really on the doorstep. Is there anything you'd change?The ocean views aren’t completely uninterrupted, but given that it’s mostly the tropical gardens that are in the line of sight, it’s not too much of a problem. Any other hotel features worth noting?The pool areas and the spa were the most welcome renovations as the resort reopened, both pools are heated and have ample loungers and cabanas and enjoy shade from the tropical foliage. The luxe Arum Spa has a full complement of massages and beauty treatments and there’s a 24-hour fitness center, bike rentals, and an onsite market for incidentals. With the beach just a couple of minutes away in foot, guests can easily spend their whole vacation without leaving the premises. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?The resort is stylish without being stuffy, and the amenities and levels of service are well worth the rates, even considering the resort charges. It’s a peaceful, scenic, and great value resort." - Paul Oswell

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
View Postcard for Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
@cntraveler

"The 11 acres of tropical gardens set the scene for this idyllic resort , located on a stretch of the region’s most alluring coastline . The extensive grounds mean that the resort retains an air of exclusivity. The towering, light-flooded lobby has huge mirrors and artistic flourishes that elevate the place above its peers. The pool areas and the spa were the most welcome renovations as the resort reopened; both pools are heated, have ample loungers and cabanas, and enjoy shade from the tropical foliage. The luxe Arum Spa has a full complement of massages and beauty treatments and there’s a 24-hour fitness center, bike rentals, and an onsite market for incidentals. With the beach just a couple of minutes away by foot, guests can easily spend their whole vacation without leaving the premises." - Paul Oswell

3 Best Day Trips from Charleston, South Carolina | Condé Nast Traveler
View Postcard for Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Susan Saysongkham

Google
The resort is nice. You can walk to the beach very convenient and the pool is very nice for little kids and adults. The service at the hotel is friendly and the service at the pool is awesome also. The reason why I’m giving this place a 1 star is because when I got to the room it nice til i realized the room was not the one i reserved for. I ask for new renovated rooms. By the time I realized it and didn’t want to go downstairs to complained is because my family already unpacked and it was time for bed. When we lift up the blanket to use the inside of the blanket was ripped and the room was not a brand new room. Not only that after checking out we got charged 2 times for things that shouldn’t be charged for especially I paid everything up front when I booked the place. They said you will get refunded once you checked out but it was more like you get charged more when you leave. For the amount that I paid for and is called a resort the room could have been better especially I picked the brand new room and didn’t get what I paid for. Will never come back to stay at this place.

raypU391EF

Google
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head exceeded expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a beautiful, welcoming atmosphere. The resort is stunning — beautifully landscaped, spotless, and full of charm.||Our room was spacious, clean, and comfortable, with a view of the pool and the ocean. Biking to Coligny was a favorite past time and we loved having easy access to the beach just steps away. The beach itself was clean, relaxing, and never felt overcrowded.||We also appreciated the on-site dining options, which offered a great mix of kid-friendly meals and more upscale dishes for the adults. The staff went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect, always friendly and ready to help with anything we needed.||This was truly one of the best family vacations we’ve ever had, and we’re already talking about when we can return.

V199AAjenniferp

Google
Pros: |-Resort rooms have been recently renovated |-Beautiful beach access |-A few fire pits |-Friendly front desk staff ||Cons: |-Loud and unsightly construction blocking off roughly two-thirds of pool/resort area |-One pools that nears maximum capacity in the evening, seems unsafe|-Housekeeping is hit or miss |-Hard to reach front desk staff |-Pool bar also under construction and makeshift bar area smells ||I wanted to love this hotel because of the updated rooms/restaurants and overall potential. They even have cute things like poolside bingo. However, upon checking in the negatives began to outweigh the positives. ||The biggest issue is the ongoing construction in the middle of the resort that covers about 2/3 of the outdoor space. It’s hard to avoid because it faces the main pool, the hotel restaurant patio, and faces most of the balconies. It’s very loud— imagine trying to swim with kids with loud table saws running. Also, because there is only one pool open, the pool seems to near or go over the 50 person posted capacity in the afternoon making it uncomfortable to swim with children. ||I booked my trip in late June because I was assured construction would be completed and there was at least one other family that did the same and were upset with the condition of the resort upon arrival. The pool bar is also under construction so they have pitched a small tent near the patio/pool to serve drinks that makes the outdoor space even smaller and cramped—the area also smelled. Overall it’s nowhere near the resort experience we paid for. My family ultimately felt misled because viewing the state of construction I felt there was no way the estimate they initially provided was accurate and I would be astonished if construction was completed before the end of the summer. ||On top of that housekeeping is hit or miss. Our first night the pullout sofa with filled food and sand and needed to be cleaned and it’s almost impossible to reach front desk staff who never answer the phone. The beach is beautiful, but the resort construction really sucks the life out of the experience and I wished I canceled or booked somewhere else.

Angie Fed

Google
We recently held our annual conference at this resort, and it was absolutely fantastic! The location is beautiful, the facilities are top-notch, and the staff is truly 5-star. A huge thank you to Todd Moss, who handled all of our AV needs. He went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. Todd’s professionalism and support exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend this resort for any event or conference!

887trentc

Google
Great spot on the beach. The pool was fun with a lot of palm trees for some shade. Activities around the pool and resort made it fun for the kids. My son who is a runner uses the treadmills and said they were good but also ran on the paved trails in the surrounding neighborhoods which was fun. Dog friendly. Overall a great place, clean, nice staff, would definitely return.

Bob2179

Google
My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the Sonesta Resort two weeks ago. The stay could not have been better! Wow! What a great time, from the beginning to the end of our trip! The Staff and Management were nothing less than amazing! Just a couple of shout outs to Heather, Charles, Jerome and Kevin. No need to worry about the renovations taking place either - it will not interfere with the stay at all - and they are expected to be completed very shortly. The overall grounds are truly spectacular! The landscaping is just beautiful! Tons of events to do as well - even the short walk to the ocean is so beautiful and so relaxing. Our room and the terrific view of the pool was also perfect - very , very, clean and so comfortable - plenty of towels as well! She and I just had such a relaxing time hanging out in the lobby - tons of areas to sit and relax - or just have a drink - or even a snack at the restaurant - the food is also amazing! In addition, the location of the Sonesta Resort is perfect - just minutes away from tons of restaurants and popular sites of Hilton Head. We would not even consider staying anywhere else when we return to Hilton Head - cannot wait till next year to return to the Sonesta!

896JanK896

Google
Stayed for one night. Sonesta is a typical USA holiday resort, excellent location. Valet parking was a no show, improvements needed. Check in was very good, room was comfortable, overlooking the pool. Shop on site sells sandwiches, drinks, merchandise. Pool is quite small for the number of guests, very noisy. They were doing up the pool area, we were not informed about this, lots of banging going on. You can walk to the beach which is separate from the hotel, need to rent chairs and umbrella. Dinner and breakfast were very good.

Michael Huddleston

Google
Construction was going on while we were here. We had no idea since we booked through a third party app. It’s still the responsibility of the business to give sufficient notice (almost nobody checks email… a welcome letter via email is not sufficient - I saw that it was used as a defense in the reviews so I figured I’d comment on that // a banner on the website is also insufficient, it should be impossible to book a stay and be unaware of the conditions regardless of what site you use). Rooms were modern, well-cleaned, and comfortable. The beach was AMAZING. Hilton head in general is an awesome stay. The staff is accommodating and kind (even gave us complimentary champagne!). It’s a shame that such a great experience had to be accompanied by construction over half the property (we paid for a premium view and got a view of a dug out pool with construction workers and cranes… it speaks for itself - we received no refund for the fee). We still had a blast here, and we’re sure that it’ll be gorgeous when the renovations are done. I’d advise postponing any trips until then (at least this June). We may come back after then, and if so, this review will be updated.

Caitlin G.

Yelp
I don't know how to put into words how grateful my family and I are for the entire staff at Sonesta Hilton Head. Our family of five, plus our dogs, my mom and her dogs were displaced by hurricane Helene. We checked in on Friday, September 27th and were finally able to check out on October 7th and head home! From the moment we checked in on Friday, Vanessa, Michael, and the rest of the staff have been phenomenal and have gone above and beyond to make Sonesta feel like home. It is such a stress not knowing when you will be able to return home, especially with small children & pets who depend on you. We have at least found peace here at Sonesta without additional worry/stress. Everyone at the front desk was extremely patient with me & all my questions and each time I need to extend out stay. The housekeeping team is top notch, especially Reece - who took extra care of us and made sure we always had what we needed! If you see this Sonesta Hilton Head team, please know you have seriously touched our hearts with your generosity and kindness. We are forever grateful for you!

Kathy M.

Yelp
This is a nice hotel, with the beach just a short walk over the dune. The grounds are beautiful and the turtle pond is very charming. Guest rooms were very standard for a hotel chain, with no real characteristics of the location. With one exception, the bed was exceptionally comfortable. Check-in was traditional with no real wow moment. They do not provide you with any information about their services/dining at check in and there is no information online or in the room so you will need to hunt down times and offerings on your own. The Sweet Cane Bar and Grille, the poolside bar & restaurant was convenient. I ordered chicken tacos with no guacamole. and sweet iced tea. I was served soft taco shells with only chicken (no cheese or lettuce) and an unsweetened iced tea with 1 sugar packet (not sure why they didn't just add simple syrup, no one wants granulated sugar on your cold beverage). I tried to get the tacos corrected but my server was too busy watching the golf tournament on TV to provide good service, so I just ate them as is after waiting for some time to get his attention. However, the service at the Seacrest Restaurant on property was a different experience all together. The staff were amazing, very attentive and the food was superb for a hotel dining experience. I ate both breakfast & 2 dinners here and was not disappointed at any of these experience. Bar staff in the lobby were also excellent. Overall it is a decent hotel, but you are definitely paying for the location and not any luxury in the resort itself. But if you are looking for a beachfront resort, this is a good pick.

Janis R.

Yelp
Everything facts period!!! Unsanitary.Need up grades.Out dated furniture.No I do not recommend.

McCaulley P.

Yelp
We booked two nights here! The property, room and grounds were so pretty. We ate at the pool bar twice. It was average! I have to give the front desk such credit. We have a 9 month old and he did not adjust well to sleeping outside of his crib on night 1. We were absolutely miserable as was he because we were all going on little sleep so we stopped at the front desk to ask if we could go ahead and check out 1 day early to make the drive home. They went above & beyond allowing this for us! (Thank you, Kelsey???) We were so appreciative!!! We will be back for sure.

Sabrina W.

Yelp
My family and I came to Sonesta b/c we were affected by Hurricane Helene and our power was out. Upon making the reservations we were able to get a discounted rate by becoming members which helped out a lot. The only hiccup we've experienced was a power outage that affected one side of the hotel rooms (our room was one w/o power but at least the room was cool). The staff at the front desk (manager/guest services/valet) handled the situation very professionally and were sensitive towards us as my husband has a med need requiring electric usage. They were going to move us but we decided to stay and they made sure we were ok. Thankfully power was restored within a couple of hours. Oh yeah, the hotel is nice and clean. Rooms are comfy and clean!

David K.

Yelp
Sand in bed, over priced breakfast that isn't really good, they said our room had a beach view but we only can see the pool and you can barely see it, and the ac doesn't work

Jeff B.

Yelp
5 days of garbled tv come on Sonesta you can do better. We spend morning and evening in the room and have had to deal with this for 5 days w no resolve. Anyone who had to spend all day in the room would lose their mind. We ate here once and the food was decent but there is so much better away from here. One and done for sure. Having the waiter pitch and try to upsell water is low budget too. There is also no room service. How does a "resort" not have room service. Room is nice and well kept and staff is great. Showers needs mats as they are so slippery my wife slipped and fell in the tub, luckily the shower curtain was hung well enough and slowed her fall. Property is nice but there is nothing that stands out here. Very basic. Having to rent chairs to sit on the beach after paying hundreds a night to stay here is silly too. Do better. Access to the beach is a plus. A short walk from the room. Congrats to the photographer and the marketing staff on the website photos.

Teresa R.

Yelp
Okay, this review is going to have it's ups and downs. Upon our arrival on a Thursday afternoon, I was greeted by 2 porters who were eager to get our bags out of the back and then graciously help my son disembark, since he's using a walker. They loaded our bags on a cart and walked inside before I could even catch up! Nice. Check in was easy and the ladies behind the counter were extremely professional and smiled and answered my questions. Then I got the bad news - that even though I had called 3 times over the past 2 weeks to ensure we had one regular room and one handicapped-equipped (HE) room - facing the ocean, I was told that they had no HE rooms facing the ocean, only regular rooms. I had booked the rooms to give my son a birthday treat, they knew this, because when I asked if they could do something special for him, they offered to put chocolate-covered strawberries there for him. They were completely booked so we went on up to our rooms and it was a LONG way from the elevators (who only has one set of elevators in a hotel this size?). My son had to stop and catch his breath on walk to the rooms. We got to our rooms and before we got comfortable my daughter & her family showed up (they live nearby). We all gathered in my room and had a quick dinner since I had told them her brother would be tired. They brought tacos and we had a nice visit. It was at least 9:00pm by then. My son went to his room and shortly after that I got a text from him telling me that he didn't feel safe in that room, because there were no bars to help him in the restroom and that his walker barely fit thru the door! He didn't want to be moved to another room and since I had already been told they were full, I assumed there was no other room to move him to. He mentioned a Hilton he had stayed in before that had a comfortable room for him. He wanted to go there, but would wait until morning. I got on the phone and although they were totally booked that night, they would do their best to get him in there at noon. For some reason, I didn't move myself (?). I called downstairs and was not comforted by them somehow thinking that handicapped people would like a view of the ocean and they'd have the room altered - ha but I was apologized to as they told me there were no other rooms. I told them he was checking out in the morning, wouldn't be staying for the weekend and they gave me no hassle. So the next day I checked him out they charged me the $355 for his room - no type of compensation for the trouble and inconvenience. I stayed and enjoyed the next day with my grandkids, we walked the beach which is only a few feet away and they had fun playing games on the grounds. Very nice. After I took them home, I enjoyed the Friday evening alone on my balcony. There was a wedding taking place that weekend and parties everywhere. I enjoyed listening to the loud music and the laughter, but I wondered how many people weren't informed before booking their rooms. So I was charged $1,300 for my 3-night stay. Did I enjoy my room? Yes, it was clean and had what I needed. Did I enjoy the coffee from the bar area? No - on my 1st morning visit they put my latte in a paper cup, which made me very unhappy. Who wants to drink a latte in a paper cup? The Hilton, who's rooms were $100 cheaper per night had lovely white mugs just for regular coffee! On the 2nd day I opted for regular coffee and walked over to what looked like a help yourself coffee bar. But the barmaid hollered over 'You want coffee, you gotta get in line'. what a nice way to greet someone in the morning. And then they want a tip for pouring black coffee in a cup from a dispenser. Just give me the serve yourself. Very unpleasant bar staff - and morning time is normally my favorite time of the day! The breakfast wasn't bad - the dining room in the restaurant was nice, servers were friendly and the food was served hot and as ordered. The evening bar staff was much more pleasant, in fact they made my nachos to order and my cosmo (hey old school night, lol) was very good. I enjoyed sitting at one of their tables for a while, just being social. They do have lots of sitting areas and people play card & board games, etc. I was disappointed that management didn't care about my son's situation, which put a damper on the whole weekend. I wasn't asking for anything - not for his room to be comp'd or a discount but maybe I should have. I should have left - not given them my money, but it was my vacation too, and I wanted to be on the beach. You can't see much of the ocean, even on the 5th floor, but you can see it. At least at my fave hotels I get points for staying there, which I use a lot and in many countries. They even charged me for my 2 bottles of water here. And no incentive to return. And since I visit HH a few times a year, I will cross this one off my list.

Chimere W.

Yelp
I'm disappointed in the resort!!!! The flies and the gnats in the resort and restaurants are ridiculous, couldn't enjoy your food or beverages without fanning them away. It's a service charge on Everything. The pricing for the resort and food did not match the astethic of the atmosphere, for the most part. The staff was clueless about the activities and dining. The pool was ok, but the bar part of it was hit and miss on the service and drinks served. We LOVE Deliah(sp)!!!!! The beach access was great. The resort should have every available option for you to utilize as part of all the extra fees paid for the stay, but they had a shortage on towels by the pool and also on blankets and sheets. We will look for other options to stay at next time we visit Hilton Head.

Megan N.

Yelp
We were quite disappointed with our experience at the Sonesta. Valet parking was frequently unavailable when requested, and the parking area itself is poorly maintained, leading to significant sap and tree debris accumulation on vehicles. Furthermore, the hotel does not offer room service. Despite paying the full rate and additional charges for incidentals as customary on the first day, we were surprised to find additional charges of $208 and $468 on subsequent days. When questioned, the front desk was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, stating they would consult with their accounting department. While the room itself was adequate, the overall lack of quality customer service was evident throughout our stay.

Mr. R.

Yelp
Amazing stay. Close to everything! The beach was amazing. Great golf. Played on a PGA course. Amenities were awesome. Staff was courteous, clean, prompt, respectful, knowledgeable, and friendly. The bar on Saturday night was LIT! I had such a great time that next time I won't bring my wife. Lol. Just kidding.

Christi F.

Yelp
What a disappointment after 10 hours of driving! This resort is nothing special. They claim the rooms are updated, but they are still pretty outdated. Very low, Popcorn ceilings. A SHOWER CURTAIN in the bathroom that has mildew all over the bottom. I have never stayed somewhere with a curtain - so unsanitary. The bathroom and the closet both had a weird smell that was noticeable the second we walked in. We stayed 4 nights and never did our room get cleaned. I was our housekeeper. The family pool is where we spent most of our time because apparently, there's nothing really to do around here for our young kids ( 2 and 4 yo). They often ran out of pool and beach towels. We were on the 4th floor and it was a lengthy walk to our room from the one set of elevators they have. A lot when dragging little kids and belongings each time. There are 3 restaurants in the resort and you cannot order room service to your room, which was especially annoying when every time my husband ordered us a meal, something was missing or wrong so he would have to go all the way back down to the first floor to get it corrected. Each floor has an ice machine - ours never had ice. We had to go down to the first floor to access a microwave when needed for my daughter's milk. The lobby has a little water stand, which came in handy when I felt like I was about to pass out. Oh, but it was empty and nobody offered to refill it. Nothing seems to be maintained well. We would leave in the morning and see a bunch of candy and food smashed into the carpet of the hallway and it would still be there when we returned in the evening. The parking lot was always jam-packed. We had high hopes and were completely disappointed in every aspect.

Les P.

Yelp
On the beach, beautiful landscape, new remodeled rooms, good food, nice pool, dog friendly, service some good some not so good, beautiful bike and walking paths.

Jennifer C.

Yelp
Sonesta to the rescue! We arrived at our resort on Saturday evening and someone had changed the name on our confirmed prepaid reservation and was checked in with our confirmation number. I didn't have any clue what to do. We were supposed to be in Hilton Head for a whole week. Feeling very confused and dejected, I got my phone out to find a place to stay at least for the night. We had stayed at a Sonesta in the fall in Puerto Rico and loved it. Sure enough, there were rooms for the week. I quickly booked and we checked in. Our room was clean and fairly updated. What stood apart was the service. Everyone from the front desk staff to the coffee shop and bartenders were great. We ended up getting our reservation at our other resort figured out and checked out early to go over there but had we not, this would have been a great choice for families in Hilton Head!

Janet L.

Yelp
We decided to stay here as the reviews on Expedia were good but I feel like there was a lot to be desired here. First, let me state that we stayed in a standard room. In the photos of the standard room, it shows the palm trees NOT THE AIR CONDITIONING OF THE ROOF (photo attached). We were asked if we wanted to upgrade but it was going to be another $200 in addition to the resort fees. Another large issue was that every time we didn't walk in our room for 30 minutes, (or were asleep) the air conditioner reset to 72 degrees. The display says 72 but it was NOT 72. It was so warm we called the main desk to have maintenance look at it . They came and told us it was fixed but 30 minutes later and same 72 degrees and waking up sweating in the middle of the night. It was so warm that we only slept with the sheet for 4 of 5 nights we were here. Another day we realized that housekeeping came but left no towels. No big deal to get worked up about but when we called the front desk for towels- they acted like we were bothering them. Also, the resort guide mentioned live music at the pool but there was never live music. There was music coming from speakers like a radio. Live music sometimes played in the lobby by Baleys but seating is limited. Nothing here is included other than towels- no bikes, no beach chairs or beach umbrellas. All of these are rented extras. The food in the hotel is an arm and a leg. It's not bad tasting but it's not worth the price. Also, the drinks by the pool are insanely expensive. I'd recommend bringing a water bottle and mixing a drink in that. Also, I noticed the furniture in the lobby to be kind of beat up and dirty. I also found our room to not be especially clean- the remote, the crevices of the room had dust. We received one liner for the ice container for our entire stay. So what are the pros? The pool is nice and has umbrellas. The pool was often full and had a lot of kids and families. The beach is also a pretty easy walk. The grounds are pretty. The bartending staff was very kind. The overall location is in the center of HHI. Overall, there were just too many errors and what I felt like was dishonesty with the standard room view and the air conditioning fiasco to stay here again. The price to stay here didn't line up with what was delivered.

Tony H.

Yelp
We had a great post Christmas getaway vacation here. A gem in Hilton Head! All the staff were so friendly. Conveniently located to everything. Rooms were clean, spacious, And comfortable. Don't miss this one

Heather N.

Yelp
As always, top notch service! Never disappointed with the accommodations and staff. Rooms are always clean. Staff is always friendly and attentive. Any questions always answered. Poolside refreshments!! Winning!

Brian A.

Yelp
The hotel has bedbugs Our family stood here for spring break. We woke up from our 1st night here and had some bits, but was not 100% sure what it was from. The following morning we woke again to bits and they had the traditional three bit pattern that bedbugs leave behind. We said something to front desk and they move us to a different room. They did have a pest guy come out, but there is no way he could have found where the bedbugs were as he was only there for 10 mins. Also there are no bedbugs covers on the mattress or boxspring and many great hiding spots like a huge wooden headboard mounted to the wall. Also, there are a lot more recent reviews popping up that talk about people waking up to bits and such.

Ashley V.

Yelp
Sonesta is a beautiful resort. However, I'm not sure if the staff running it is aware of customer service. When we arrived for our hotel room we booked with two queen beds, the manager on duty told us she had been screamed and cussed at by conference attendees there so she gave all of the doubles away. Unfortunate for all of the non-conference attendees that book queen beds right?! They brought us a roll-away bed and gave us free breakfast. However, the excuse the manager gave me wasn't something I believe you should tell a customer. The other issue we had with the first night we stayed was a loud noise coming from an electrical unit outside of our room. I told the staff twice but nothing was done. Overall, it's a beautiful place for families to vacation just need improvement on their customer service.

Sheila R.

Yelp
This review is for HHI! Not Bethlehem, PA! We had a very nice stay here. Check in with Amber was easy and friendly. Our executive king corner room was very nice and spacious. Everything was great, except for the view!!! Rooftop, some parking lot, and just a glimpse of tennis courts. Stayed overnight, but just found the room kinda depressing given that we were on vacation in HHI. Next morning, we opted to change to a poolside room. Loud and crazy during the day, but nice sound of fountain and sunny, pool view. Ty for switching our rooms. No maid service due to COVID, ok with me. Just balcony did have remnants of popcorn and snacks from previous group. Interior of room was definitely clean. Great ocean access! Enjoyed our stay here.

Jason Q.

Yelp
The resort is second tier. The staff seem bothered by ANYTHING, even when your just trying to get a drink or order food. They invest the absolute minimum required. Prepare to have horrible restaurant food and service and pay an arm and a leg (I mean $108 for standard breakfast for 4. We decided against the breakfast buffet because it was $25/each. The bartenders treat the customers like they hate them. This is probably due to the fact that there is a built in 15% tip no matter what level of service they provide. Be sure to Look at your receipt well or you may miss it and tip on top of that. The hotel (not a resort) should know that people see this stuff. Towels are nearly impossible to get. I guess the vacation was ok because our family just makes the best of things but I felt like this place needed an honest review. All the usual stuff, beach, ocean , sunshine, bike rentals are great but the hotel clearly places itself ahead of its customers in almost everything. The furniture is worn out. The whole place seems like a cool place way way past it's prime. It's sad. Too many places are becoming this way. When they sent me texts to see how things were they stopped texting me as soon as I gave the place 3/5. This is further evidence that average at best wins here. No increase staff for Spring Break weeks? No tVs with volume for the final four during March Madness? Even the silent TV was covered in front of the screen with the liquor shelf so it was hard to see the full screen. This place is Mey

Lucas W.

Yelp
It's not the fanciest of resorts, but it worked really well for us. The location is great in that it gives you private beach access despite being a little inland and is a very short drive to Coligny Plaza. The pool is nice and there's a ton of seating around the pool. The beach area is great too. We liked the turtles on site. One thing to be aware of though, they don't have queen beds. They say they do, but they actually just have full/doubles. So a room with two queens is really a room with two full/doubles. One disappointing thing though, there was definitely an odor of mold from the bathroom as water had clearly been sitting around the toilet and had stained the shower curtain. When we mentioned it to the front desk they couldn't have cared less. Not the end of the world but the lack of care was notable.

Candice M.

Yelp
I'm impressed. I keep asking myself where I am. The locals know what I mean. Ok. the beach is clean Chairs are ready and waiting for reservations. Family clean. Again. Where am I? Beach is clean. I said that already but this is a big deal. Hotel is clean. All elevators are fully operational. Family pool and adult pool are separate. Thank you. Cold drinks served by the pool. Plenty food options. Valet options. Locals would love this place for a quick getaway. Travelers have no idea the diamond we have here. I don't care if I eat chips and drink caymans all weekend I am well cared for right here. Hilton head you win!

Patrick P.

Yelp
I was here at this resort for a work conference, and was looking forward to getting to see the island after my last visit way back in 1990 to Hilton Head. There has obviously been some changes, but the look of the island hasn't changed much. This resort was well maintained. Our conference had specific areas set aside for breakfast and lunch, as well as the conference itself. They had things prepared for us and most of our meals were included- which was nice. I spent time at Bayley's Bar and Terrace, as well as having a customer dinner at Seacrest Restaurant. Let's first talk about Bayley's. It is the primary option for drinking for happy hour as well as for evening nightcaps. Set up in the center, they offer food as well as a few signature cocktails. I had the onion and bacon flatbread one evening, it was not huge but it served its purpose and was delicious. Wish it was a little heartier- but that's because I skipped lunch that day. Seacrest had a higher end menu, and our meal was delicious there as well. I have to specifically point out that the hushpuppies are fantastic there, one client had never had them before so it was a good representation and looked like a winner based on his reaction. I would like to commend specifically Tanecia at the front desk, who helped me in securing a ride to the airport since I had no rental car and there was no shuttle. As I had a 7 AM departure, the options are limited and she made sure I was able to feel comfortable getting a ride. (As it turns out, that ride never showed up, but that is not Tanecia's fault). She went above and beyond for service. Two other folks I would like to commend are Lennox and Felicia. Both had a lot on their plates for work, and still found the time to make people happy and do their best to accommodate people's needs especially when super busy. I understand in these times there are going to be some points when service is backed up because of demand- and you can't predict a lot of these times. But they handled it well and I appreciated their service immensely here. All in all, the rooms were nice- they do need a minor update in my opinion, but it is a beautiful location, lots of options, and just the weather didn't cooperate when I was in town. But, if I were to have a vacation, there is no reason I wouldn't be back here. Enjoyed it, and thank the staff for a memorable week!

Jru S.

Yelp
When we arrived at the hotel we were unable to find parking in the first lot. We pulled around front where we got a glaring look from the valet who was rude and unhelpful unless paying him to park our car. The hotel is extremely dated and dirty. There is carpet everywhere that is bunched and dirty with stains. The floorboards are caked in grime and overall it feels like a seedy motel wearing a disguise. Because we had traveled all day we decided to have a meal and drink to see if it changed our outlook, but the restaurant was equally awful. Way over priced and my food came out on a tray and was served in a paper bowl. Might have been forgivable if it tasted good but it was awful. $100 bill for a bad experience to go with our dirty room. We had booked for 5 nights but we're only able to stomach one before we left for a resort that tries. I can't begin to imagine who is giving this five stars. But, while we were at the restaurant the table behind us ordered a burger without the burger because they wanted a grilled cheese sandwich and the waiter said it was impossible... Picture is base of the lamp in the room.

Candy C.

Yelp
Do not expect the high price to match the stay or quality of service, both were poor! Rooms are outdated and smelled really bad, dirty toilet, barking dogs while you're trying to sleep, noisy kids and god forbid you get one the rooms further away from the one set of elevators, you'll be in for a lot of walking just to get to and from your room. Alcoholic drinks at the bar had little to no liquor, the jacuzzi area which was supposed to be free from kids under 18, were full of young children diving in and out of pool. Unfriendly staff and half azz room service. I was better off staying at a 2 star hotel! Highly disappointed... and the lack of concern from the hotel when you voice your complaints was like adding insult to injury.

Karl H.

Yelp
My family and I came here midweek after leaving an awful resort nearby. It was just a few minutes away, yet gave us a radically different experience. This is a proper resort with all of the amenities you should expect from a 4+ star location. Excellent service, staff, food, and quality. We plan on coming here again next year for sure! My only (very minor) complaints: - Wi-Fi did not work in our room. It worked very well in the lobby. - The main pool was slightly heated sometimes, but I would have liked for it to have been warmer. We had a few chilly days and it was too cold to get in.

Naomi L.

Yelp
I left a dress, a watch and my glasses in the room! I know for a fact they were left on the desk in the room because when we walked out to catch the flight we were about to miss, I told the front desk to please hold them for me and I will arrange shipping back to me. When we landed in Chicago, I called the Resort and mysteriously all items are missing! I don't understand why those items were stolen and the value of the items are not high. The matter of fact that there is theft happening at that resort is disgusting. I've called lost and found over 5 times just to make sure it didn't appear somewhere. I am highly upset and regret even coming and staying at that resort. I will never stay at that resort again and will also never recommend anyone ever staying there if you value any of your personal items.

Richard S.

Yelp
Nikki and Merissa at the pool bar are the best! So fun to hangout with. The pool is great for kids and the food and drinks are great. Kathy who does the bingo needs a LOT more energy. I fell asleep at the bar.

Jeff J.

Yelp
Back at The Sonesta in Hilton Head Island this year again for 7days (seven years in a row!) this summer and it was great!. Do we return because of the actual hotel and because the hotel is always touched up and has had a cosmetic overhaul since we first stayed there 7 years ago.........no. We return to this property because several of the staff members this hotel employs have literally become like family members to us and I don't say this flippantly. They have hired some of the nicest, most welcoming, kind hearted and hard working people I have ever come across traveling or otherwise. Don't get me wrong the resort is great (In Shipyard) and directly on the ocean (with a touch of a walk, but not a long one by ANY means) with a beautiful pool area and wonderful grounds and spacious rooms, but it is the staff that makes this resort a pleasure to stay at. Staff like Jason Aikens (works at Sweet Canes serving pool side and literally anywhere he can help), Nikki at Sweet Canes Bar Poolside who has to be the best bartender and cocktail maker on the island and is wonderful. Ben and Sharlene who provide wonderful service at Seacrest for what literally is the best breakfast you can eat on the island in my opinion. Carlton Pryce who we had wonderful service and dinner from Seacrest during dinner hours is phenomenal! Cannot say enough good things about Carlton and his work ethic. Carlton goes above and beyond his job description and should be acknowledged for doing so. Felicia who is absolutely wonderful at Baylee's bar for drinks and dinner and whom our daughters love like family. We look forward to seeing Miss Felicia each year who remembers our daughters birthdays as well as Miss Nikki at poolside bar that always remembers our girls birthdays! The bellman are amazing. Kevin, Marvel, Garfield are all just awesome people and are so welcoming and hardworking. Kevin is unbelievable and honestly makes this resort run on the front end. He is the type of person you bank on and reward when running a business because he is one of the true backbones of this hotel. Just everything you would want as an employee that represents your business. Zero shortcomings whatsoever and Sonesta should feel privileged to have him as an employee of near 20 years! Does the resort need a touch up here and there cosmetically....yes. Will the lack of them doing this keep us from the great staff we love to visit year after year after year. Not in the least. Highly recommended due to the amazing staff.

Mary G.

Yelp
Getting long in the tooth as a facility. Our hotel door didn't automatically close. There is zero security in that someone could enter the resort from the beach and get all the way to your door with no impediments. There is no room service. Just thoroughly unimpressed.

Lorena N.

Yelp
We were very excited to have a weekend trip to Sonesta with my husband and 2 boys for their first vacation trip! Things changed very quickly once we arrived. I hotel was being renovated and i had ZERO notice about this before we arrived. Also, the front desk lady said they weren't renovating at this time but we heard banging the entire time from our room. At check in, i had to ask where the pool, beach, any events were happening. She didn't. give me any information on anything. Also, i booked a beach view and got a view of trees. The front desk lady said that was a beach view but i had no view of anything. After someone reached out to me they said the room wasn't named right and offered to move me to a beach view for our last night. As everyone knows moving all our stuff with 2 kids is not an option so i declined. She did offer me a SMALL discount of breakfast but after all of these issues we decided just to go home. I let her know and all she said was have a great day. DO NOT GO TO THIS HOTEL. Pay the extra to stay at a Marriott where you pay the same price for breakfast included, events included, and you actually get an ocean view.

Laura T.

Yelp
We saw a great military deal online for the Sonesta at $115/night and decided to take a road trip for one night from Charleston. We booked the hotel while enroute and received the typical confirmation screen. Upon arrival they could not locate the reservation. They offered the same room at over $310/night. We showed them that it was even $280 on Expedia and we were rudely told to go sit and book it ourselves then. It felt extremely scam-ish. I even began to myself so I checked it the next day and the same deal was offered! Beware military!!

Densie C.

Yelp
I just stayed there for a week. I will give it an 8. Staff is excellent, the hotel is clean. I would stay again. I was happy with the maid service, everyday, which is not usual for today's world. Valet is excellent, food is good, location is excellent. I would recommend it to anyone. I gave it an 8 only because it needs a do over, a little dated, but I'll take clean over atmosphere anytime.

Anthony S.

Yelp
My wife surprised me with a 1 night get away for my birthday at this resort. Upon arriving at the resort and checking in, we were given 4 vouchers (2 for drinks and 2 for dessert) to use at the resort. The hotel lobby appeared to be clean and the staff was friendly and professional. The resort also backs up to the ocean. Upon arriving to the room, I could see that the room was a little dated but was a good size. The bathroom however, was a little small. The room also had a spacious balcony that had a view of the ocean and the pool area of the resort. The room appeared to be clean. The bed was extremely soft and comfortable. While exploring the resort we had a few drinks that we ordered from the bar by the pool and then went and sat outside and relaxed for a bit. We decided to walk down to the beach (there is beach access from the resort). While walking to the beach we observed 2 different fire pit areas that had chairs surrounding them for the guests to sit around and relax. There was a pond with areas to sit and look out at the pond and/or a spa type bed if you wanted spa treatment outside. We had drinks from 2 of the different bars (we did not drink at the restaurant bar due to a wedding). The drinks at the bar were not the best and the bartenders could use a little bit more training on mixing drinks. We ate breakfast at the resorts restaurant. The breakfast was ok and was typical breakfast type food. Overall the resort was a good resort that is slightly dated. We did not get to experience all of the amenities due to the short nature of the trip and because of Covid-19 safety restrictions. I would recommend a stay here. If you like to sleep in Checkout is at noon on the day you depart. I chose 3 stars because it was a little dated, small bathrooms and the quality of the drinks from the bar. This resort could easily be 4 or 5 stars with a few updates and improvements. We would and will stay here again.

J M.

Yelp
Like a discounted Disney Cruise with horrendous customer service. If you have children this place is great for you. Everyone else; avoid at all costs. We selected this place, not only because of its prime beachfront location, but also for the fact that they 1) allow pets and 2) have a dedicated adults only pool and hot tub area. We figured Sonesta was a good chain with nice amenities and good service. Boy were we wrong! First of all we paid a $200 fee to bring our 15 pound dog. According to the web site that fee includes cute care package for your pooch consisting of food and water bowls, a place mat, dog bed, treats, and a unique door tag to let housekeeping aware of the fact that you have a pet in the room. We are going on day 3 and despite numerous requests to the front desk, we have yet to receive any of these items. We've asked 4 different front desk clerks, and housekeeping staff, each giving us the same answer that "we will have those items delivered to your room right away". Still nothing! To make matters worse, the fourth time I asked for my pet care package that I've PAID for, the front desk clerk gave me the worst attitude and told me "well that sounds like a housekeeping problem to me" and when I told her that I would wait at the front desk until someone gave me at minimum a do not disturb tag, she told me with the worst possible attitude "well I don't keep those things at the front desk so if you want to wait you can just go sit over there in the lobby and wait because you're gonna be here a while". The AUDACITY. I have never experienced such terrible customer service in my entire life. I couldn't believe it. I should have asked for a manager but I figured if this is the level of service being doled out here then management is probably not much better. The fish rots from the head. Second reason I'm giving a terrible review of this place is because of the adults only area. It's a joke. To begin with, the area has no sun (it's almost like an indoor pool), has no bar or dedicated staff walking around it to serve you (unlike the main pool) and third, most egregiously, is completely inundated with children. Despite the giant sign to get in that says 'no one under 18 permitted' l, children were always in there jumping in the pool and hot tub and no one from staff enforced the no child policy. I saw unattended pre-teens getting into the hot tub at 1 am every night even though it supposed to be closed to everyone at 10 pm. I informed the front desk of the children in the area and they told me that "security is making rounds and kicking them out". I sat by the pool for 3 hours and never saw anyone tell the kids to get out or their parents to take their children elsewhere. Excuse the parents didn't respect the policy either. Honestly this place is a joke and a total ripoff. Oh and the rooms are old and dirty. Our room smelled like a child peed in it before we got there. Probably did. Do not spend your money here unless you have a lot of children, no pets, and want a Disney water park experience with Spirit airlines level of service. If that's your expectation coming in, you should be fine. Otherwise, stay at the nearby Omni. It's so much better!

Danika L.

Yelp
This place is average at best. When I think of a resort I'm expecting something much nicer than your average hotel, and that they should be all-inclusive (especially for the insane cost). However, nothing here was any nicer than a regular hotel and everything cost extra. And when I say everything I mean literally anything else here aside from some pool towels. Want to bike? Gotta rent them. Want food and drinks? Expect to over-pay for any. Want to go to the beach and sit on some beach chairs? Yep gotta rent those too. Most hotels I've stayed in at the very least include breakfast at no extra cost, but not here. Even the breakfast buffet was about $54 for 2 people and it wasn't better than anything you could make at home. Additionally, I think it should be much more clear that this is a pet-friendly and family-friendly resort. Meaning there were tons of families with children and pets here, which for a couple just looking to getaway and relax it was not the best vibe. Even just sitting at the bar inside there were parents with their children there as well. Oh and only about half the staff seem to care at all about their job. The other half will seem bothered to do literally anything for you even if its just making a drink. Which is a major bummer considering they already INCLUDE a tip on all orders. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place over a regular hotel. Its much more expensive and not really worth it.

Emily F.

Yelp
We really enjoyed our stay. The pool was great, very kid friendly, they had a bar with adult and kid options. The beach was right there with access. Pet friendly. Clean facility. just all around fun trip. We are taking about making it an annual visit spot with pur whole family.

Courtney J.

Yelp
Came for a quick day trip and stayed at his hotel. It appears to be a older hotel that has been remodeled recently. The rooms are pretty nice, and the hotel lobby is nice. The bed slept well, the mattresses are firm but not too firm. They had beautiful Christmas decorations up. There is a nice area that has two pools and a lounge area, bars, and there is also beach access at this hotel. This is super convenient for families, because all of the fun is where you are. There are grocery stores, restaurants, and other stores nearby. I noticed that there are also large houses and condos at the resort for booking, but I'm not sure what they look like on the inside. The spa at the hotel is nice. We got the Swedish massage and pedicures. The massage was ok (the rooms are soooo cold), and the pedis were amazing. They also have delicious champagne available while you wait. We ate at the seafood buffet which was a complete waste of money. 33$ for average food and not many options. To get the crab legs it was an additional 18$! I would not recommend it. Overall after taxes and fees the room was about 130$/night in the off season. Kind of pricey for about a 3.5/5 star hotel, but the stay is probably worth it in warmer months.

Steven R.

Yelp
Rooms were very clean. Beach access was great. Buuuut that's pretty much it. The price for the room was way too much for supposedly being a resort. No night time entertainment. Food and beverage prices were ridiculous. And then also learned there was a built in 15% gratuity. I always tip 20%. So the staff got 35%. We'll good for them because they're probably not getting much cut from Sonestas overhead anyhow. Anyway we won't be back ever. Of course they'll be enough people to fall for this scam for awhile. But in the end it catches up to all who wrong people.

Angela B.

Yelp
Sonesta resort in Hilton head was not the luxury experience that we were expecting. For the price we paid we were expecting something less worry free. Now we realize after visiting Hilton head that the price is solely indicative of the location- the island is incredibly expensive overall. If you are looking for a resort that has amenities to justify the price, I would look elsewhere. Sonesta works as a "budget friendly" hotel, but it comes with some caveats that a cheaper hotel in a less popular area would make up for. Here is a breakdown of the trip: The negatives: -sonesta has several opportunities to make more money off of you. The pearls market offers many ordinary items at a jacked up price. You are better off buying at Walmart. There is no complimentary breakfast, you have to pay, even for the breakfast bar. The water bottles in the room are $5. To rent a beach chair for the day is $10. Bike rentals are expensive as well. I would suggest bringing your own sunscreen, towels, beach chairs, bottled water, etc. -This resort is kid and dog friendly. It can get loud in the hallways. -there is basically always a wedding going on. In our 3 night stay, there was a wedding party every night. We had no idea until the day of that that was the case. We would have preferred a warning when we first booked. The weddings made it very challenging to walk around the resort- the bar was full of people in the evenings, it was very difficult to get help because the hotel was occupied for these weddings, and on our third night both pathways to the beach were blocked, because a wedding was happening in between them. We were instructed to walk through the bushes and into the parking lot to walk around and get beach access. This seemed really dismissive of guests, especially given we had no warning. Had there been a sign directing us to an alternate pathway that would have been one thing, but to go through the bushes seemed so strange. -Our wifi was dropped the first night in our room. In the morning when my husband told the front desk, the attendant blamed our devices, even though the wifi worked for us everywhere else in the hotel. My husband had to go back to the front desk multiple times until the attendant would acknowledge that it was a problem with the room. We were moved to a different room for the third day which had wifi, and they waved the fees for the resort which was great! It was only very frustrating for the attendant to ignore our complaints from the beginning, and blame them on us. -The food was not great. -in terms of things to do, we ended up visiting a lot of locations outside of the hotel. I agree with other reviews that this is less of a resort and more of a hotel. Their only stand out amenities are the pools, spa, and restaurants, and many normal hotels have those amenities anyway. -the adult only pool and jacuzzi are not monitored, so some families brought their young children in, and a group of teenage girls were able to come in. The positives: -the staff, besides the man who worked with our wifi, was great. They were very helpful and kind. The dining servers did a great job getting everything in a timely manner. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to work there. -the spa was a great experience. It was very quiet and calming. The massage done by Julien was the best part- he was incredible! -the guests were very happy to be here. Our favorite time here was probably the opportunities we had to sit in the jacuzzi tub and talk with the other guests. It was a very welcoming environment. If you are in Hilton head, we recommend eating at Nunzio Restaurant and Bar. Excellent food with an excellent atmosphere. It is not cheap, but you are paying for what you are getting. I think we paid a similar amount for dinner at the hotel which was definitely not comparable. We also liked Dough Boys for a quality pizza. Service was great and it was the cheesiest pizza I've ever had. So yummy. For dessert, check out Nonna Marie's gelato. Really tasty. All of these are a 5-8 minute drive from sonesta. What the hotel can do better: -include a microwave in the room -warn guests well in advance (not just the day of) of any weddings going on for the duration of the stay Overall, we are glad we came to experience Hilton head, but I don't think we will come again. The island is incredibly congested with people, and it is overpriced. They will milk you like a cow. Sonesta Resort is a good place to stay if you are wanting something "cheaper" but I have been to way better places for way less. If I could give myself advice before going, I would have looked for a better resort for more money, or a cheaper hotel with the same amenities as sonesta. I would not tell my past self to go to sonesta.

Mary K.

Yelp
Not great. The hotel is ok it's clean. The rooms are very outdated. The restaurant was mediocre. Food was cold and very expensive. Pricy for what you get. It's the little things. The towels are rough, the shower area is cracked and tile are broken and in need of repair. Would I come back? Probably not. There are other choices. Even the coffee sucked. Powered creamer. That's just motel level at resort prices! I loved Hilton Head!

John F.

Yelp
We recently hosted our daughter's wedding at the Sonesta Resort. This event was in the planning stages for several months during which time we were connected with the wrong Wedding Planner. With less than a few weeks left we went to Sonesta's specialist (Delaney). Delaney did nothing less than saved the wedding! Her efforts and dedication were so evident every step of the way and we were and will always be appreciative. She took charge, taking not only the burden but the stress off of our shoulders. I highly recommend the Sonesta Resort as it was a beautiful venue and location. I even more recommend working with Delaney and her vendor recommendations to create a seamless and wonderful wedding.

Loretta H.

Yelp
I just checked in. The room was not dusted... I am acutely aware of this because I am an asthmatic and the dust is beyond belief. There is no room service. There is no Netflix. I've called the front desk twice it rang and this is no exaggeration 32 times the first time I called and 37 times the second time I called. The room is dated, it has popcorn ceilings, there is a little shampoo a little conditioner no Q-tips no anything except the absolute basics. The balcony was not swept. This is one of those hotels who likes to appear like they're a big deal but in reality it's kind of a rat hole I would not stay here again.

Ainsley G.

Yelp
Arrived from out of town for our vacation stay at this resort and the resorts systems was down. They could not guarantee a check in and recommended looking elsewhere to stay. No help from manager nor general manager in accommodating offsetting charges for a stay elsewhere. Booking a same day vacation elsewhere was not cheap and was not easy to find an available room since we are in high season in Hilton Head. To say the least it was a very inconvenient situation to have to address at the start of a vacation. The staff at Sonesta saw no wrong in what they were presenting us with and offered no resolutions.

Carolyn L.

Yelp
Book this for a Thanksgiving getaway. Haven't been to the beach all summer so I thought why not. Arrived to a beautiful lobby full of Christmas trees decorations. Staffs was helpful on the phone at the front desk. Staffs that help with luggages and valet your car was ok. I had to chase them down. or else theres no one in the front to assist. Hotel look like it been re-model. Bed is nice. At least my son loves his queen size bed. Food: 3/5 Their Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet was expensive. $56 per adult and it was ok. I think I only had one plate full. Their everyday menu is good. I love their breakfast almond French toast. I ended up ordering it 2 days in a row. Room service was under average. They forgot quite a bit on my orders. I was missing the bacons and a glass of milk. So by the time I get that. I finished my French toast already. Hotel: 4/5 overall the hotel is well taken care of. Theres a spa in there but didn't get a chance to try it out. The premise have about 2 outdoor pools that I know off. and the beach is really close. A good spot to be during the spring and summer. And they allow dogs on the premise. Which was nice to see since Im dogs lover. All and all, I like this place. Would like to come back.

Shasta C.

Yelp
Where to begin.... Decided to surprise my husband with a trip to Hilton Head for 17th anniversary checking in on August 11, 2022, checking out August 14, 2022- Executive - King - Sofa Bed - Corner (my husband is 6'6 so a king is always a must). Upon arrival the nightmare begin! We were unable to check in because the "system was down" so we waited around as it was getting close to midnight we were apologized to and told we would be put in a room for the night but it wouldn't be the room we reserved because the "system was down" and they couldn't tell what room I had. (even though it's clearly on our reservation that was emailed to me. We were asked to write down our credit card numbers (which I declined to do - it just wasn't safe in my opinion) and told "Come down first thing in the morning and we will get you switched out and we will comp your room tonight for the inconvenience". At this point we just wanted to shower and go to bed after a 3 1/2 hour drive. The room they gave us was 2 queen beds with a view of the white roof littered with vents and exhaust fans so no sitting on the balcony for us. So because a queen bed is not comfortable for the 2 of us we decided to sleep separately on the 1st night of our anniversary trip. Only thing left to do was take a hot shower right? WRONG!!! I start the shower and let it run for about 5 minutes while I'm getting my jammies ready and proceed to step into literal cold pellets of water pounding my back. I hop back out and proceed to continue to let it "warm up" and NOTHING. It's about 2 am and I call down to the front desk but they can offer no assistance because maintenance isn't. available. At this point I breakdown in the bathroom because my husband worked all day and now we can't even shower. I figure, I will head down 1st thing and get put in my correct room- went down and was told the system was still down, I explained the situation with the water and was told "they would notify maintenance. Time now is 8:00 am- barely any sleep, cried myself to sleep and no shower. We can't really go anywhere because we haven't showered so we decide to walk around the resort, get some breakfast and surely maintenance will make fixing the hot water a priority. NOPE 11:30 still no hot water, no shower, system still down and no correct room. My husband decides maybe a drive will do us both some good and lift our spirits somewhat. We leave for about 2 hours but don't feel comfortable as in out world our days start and end with a shower so there's that. Arrive back optimistic that surely the shower issue has been resolved or the correct room is ready- Time check almost 1:00-UNBELIEVABLE- STILL NO MAINTENANCE- NO CORRECT ROOM- SYSTEM STILL DOWN-this is a nightmare for me- I was steaming as my trip is going down in flames- we don''t want to go get sweaty and sandy on the beach because we have no where to shower, our bags are still on the valet cart because we were suppose to be moved that morning, we aren't even being offered a different room!! just being told Sorry! I am so upset at this point I just walk off, we can't sit on the balcony because the view was horrible and the fans out there kept running and there was nothing romantic about that. So we just decide to stay in the room- until we can get hot water or moved. It's after 4'o clock when I head back down seeking the manager again (and yes she was aware of the situation all day) and take her aside to share this most miserable start to my anniversary trip. Friday is almost over, we literally haven't done anything we planned, nobody ever came to the room to address the hot water issue, nobody offered to move us to a different room even if its not one I reserved, and with this resort being ranked as high as it is on TripAdvisor and Yelp, I expected SO much more. We were offered a credit for dinner in the hotel restaurant for that night, 5 or 6 chocolate strawberries, an $8.00 bottle of sparkling wine and then told (by the manager)" the reason no one ever came to address the hot water was because the hotel was already aware of the hot water issue, we were put in a "last minute sell" room and knew there was nothing they could do because maintenance already said the pipes need to be replaced". WOW!!!! just WOW!!! Who does that to somebody for a whole day??!!!! after the shock of it all wore off I was in disbelief! But oddly enough right on time for 4:00 check in the systems up and running and we FINALLY had a room. And yes there was a complimentary upgrade but by this time my husband was over It. Hand sanitizer dispensers were empty at the elevators, there was an extremely loud gathering in the foyer of the hotel which is adjacent to the bar and it went pretty late (almost to midnight). In an effort to try and salvage our last day (Saturday) I decided to get him away from the resort with an unplanned trip to Savannah so when we got back we could just shower, pack, sleep, shower and go in the morning.

Melissa G.

Yelp
DON'T DO IT! This place is so outdated and disgusting. ROOM: The 1st room we got was on the second floor a king corner room - it stunk of mold and mildew, the carpet was filthy, wallpaper peeling from walls and the bathroom fan was super loud. We spent 1 night in the room and woke up stuffy and sneezing. I went down to the front desk and a nice woman who agreed with me that the room was gross, showed me 3 other rooms all were musty and gross. I asked to speak to the manager and was able to get a new room and a $100 credit. The room was better, smaller but less stinky. The fridge was broken and so was the only washing machine on the 5th floor. All of the rooms need to be redone - they are so outdated! STAFF: Now the staff, so I mentioned the nice woman at the front desk that was it for nice people on staff. The guy at the front door was busy chatting with a coworker to welcome us upon arrival, and the front desk seemed to just want to give us our key and move us along. From the amount of texts I received you'd think they'd want to let you know about all the activities, they don't. The 1st night we ate at the lobby bar, we saw people sitting on couches having food so we decided to do the same. Maybe that's not allowed because the staff seemed really upset that we had the audacity to order food and sit there. The next day we headed down for breakfast - $24/ person for the buffet (scrambled eggs, dry sausage, packaged fruit cups). We decided to take a walk on the beach and rent a chair - chairs are rented by the town (2 chairs and an umbrella $44 for the 1st day $30 each additional day) they are also available for rent at hotel for more $. Beach was best part of resort. We stopped at the little bar on the resort before the beach and asked for pineapple juice where we were just told "NO" by another friendly staff member. Another big mistake was asking how to get to Coligny Plaza - we asked the guy at the desk inside the front door - he said to go out the side gate and walk straight, we went the wrong way and asked a security guard and he had no clue. Turns out the way is through construction zone on the resort lol we made it. POOLS: the pool from the pictures is packed and dirty, the chlorine is so high that our eyes were burning but it was welcome due to all the kids. The ADULT pool was why we picked Sonesta, it is completely in the shade no sun hits this pool. It is gated off and usually empty a complete waste of space. If you went during the week you were the only people there on the weekend there were more people. The pool is cold which feels nice but it is DIRTY the depth numbers on the side of the pool are completely covered in black mold it's so nasty. If I could give no stars I would we will NEVER be going back here! The amount of mold and mildew that has accumulated over the years is undoubtedly significant not sure how they will be able to resolve this. This is not an adult vacation spot - this place is for families - I would suggest stopping at Walmart and get supplies for your stay - chairs and umbrellas would be cheaper to buy then rent from resort, grab some granola bars, breakfast stuff, fruit, mixers and booze. For perspective 2 pineapple juices were $10 at the pool bar (no booze) don't waste your $$

Vicky C.

Yelp
This is a beautiful 4-star resort, and the staff is great, but the value for your money is what makes my experience here 3 stars. This is a nickel and dime establishment. This room rate is expensive so It should include complimentary breakfast and free bottled water in your room. Instead, the bottled water in your room is $4 (yikes!), and the breakfast buffet is $21 per person or you can have a la carte breakfast. Also, no bedroom slippers so bring your own. No complimentary toiletries such as toothpaste and shower cap. The tile in the bathtub looked old. The outdoor swimming pool is nice but too small to accommodate all resort guests. I always arrived at the pool when it opened (8a) to grab a lounge chair and have quiet, relaxing swim time. At 10a, it was crowded, and by the afternoon, the aqua chlorine H2O was barely visible, you only saw moving bodies. No free shuttle to/from Savannah International airport. I won't stay here again.