Hilton Head Island is weirdly specific about its vibes. You’ve got the Sea Pines crowd, the Shipyard regulars, and then you’ve got Port Royal Plantation, which feels like the quiet kid in class who’s secretly a millionaire. This is where you’ll find The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. Honestly, if you’re looking for a place that doesn't feel like a dated 1980s condo complex, this is usually the first name that pops up. But "best" is a heavy word.
I’ve spent enough time trekking across the Lowcountry to know that a name like Westin carries baggage. People expect the "Heavenly Bed" and a certain level of polished service. Most of the time, they get it here. Sometimes, the humidity and the sheer volume of wedding parties can make things feel a bit frantic. It’s a massive AAA Four Diamond oceanfront property that underwent a multi-million dollar renovation not too long ago, and you can tell. They swapped out the old-school heavy carpets for something much breezier.
It's oceanfront. That's the big sell. In Hilton Head, "oceanfront" can sometimes mean "you can see a sliver of blue if you lean off your balcony at a 45-degree angle." At the Westin, the layout is more of a sprawling "V" shape, which means a huge chunk of the 416 rooms actually face the Atlantic. You wake up, you hear the waves, you smell the salt. It’s legit.
The Port Royal Location: Pros and Cons
Port Royal is on the "elbow" of the island. It’s quieter than Coligny Plaza. If you want to be within walking distance of fifty different t-shirt shops and ice cream parlors, you’re going to be disappointed. You’re kind of in a gated bubble here. For some, that’s the whole point. You get a private beach feel without the public crowds drifting over from the beach parks.
The resort sits right on a wide stretch of sand that’s perfect for those iconic Hilton Head bike rides. If you haven't biked on the beach at low tide, you haven't lived. The sand gets hard-packed like concrete. You can cruise for miles. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa capitalizes on this by having a bike rental shop right on-site. It’s pricey, sure, but convenient.
One thing people forget: the sun rises over the ocean here. If you’re a morning person, the balcony view is worth the price of admission. If you’re not, the blackout curtains are high quality. You’ll need them because the Carolina sun is relentless by 7:00 AM.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let’s talk about the rooms. They aren't massive. If you’re bringing a family of five and trying to cram into a standard double, you’re going to be breathing down each other's necks. The design is "coastal chic"—lots of teals, whites, and light woods. It feels clean.
The Heavenly Bed is still the gold standard for hotel sleep. I don't know what kind of witchcraft they use in those linens, but it works. Most rooms have balconies. If you get a "Resort View," you’re looking at the entrance or the parking lot. It’s fine, but it’s not the dream. Always push for the "Ocean View" or "Oceanfront." There is a difference. Oceanfront means you’re staring directly at the water. Ocean view might mean you’re looking over the pool with the ocean in the distance.
The Pool Situation is a Whole Mood
The Westin has three pools. It sounds like a lot, but on a Saturday in July, it feels like a drop in the bucket.
- The Main Pool: This is where the kids are. It’s loud. There’s splashing. There’s a bar nearby.
- The Round Pool: A bit more chill, usually.
- The Covered Pool: This is the secret weapon. When the inevitable afternoon thunderstorm rolls through (and it will), this is the only place to be. It’s also heated, which is a lifesaver if you’re visiting in November or March.
The staff does a decent job with towel service, but the "chair save" game is real here. People drop their flip-flops on a lounge chair at 8:00 AM and then disappear for breakfast. It’s annoying. I wish resorts would crack down on it more, but it’s the standard reality of a high-end beach resort.
Dining: Beyond the Standard Burger
You’ve got a few options. The View 32 is the outdoor restaurant and bar. It’s great for a sunset drink. The food is... resort food. It’s good, but you’re paying $25 for a salad. Carolina Coffee & Crumbs in the lobby is actually pretty solid for a quick caffeine fix before you hit the golf course.
If you want a real meal, The Ocean Blue is their upscale spot. They do local seafood—think shrimp and grits or blackened grouper. It’s tasty. Is it better than the local spots off-property like Hudson’s or Skull Creek Boathouse? Probably not. But you don't have to drive and find parking, which is a huge plus in peak season.
Heavenly Spa: Is it actually heavenly?
I’ve seen a lot of "resort spas" that are just a converted hotel room with a massage table. This isn't that. The Heavenly Spa by Westin is a full-service facility. They do the whole bit: heated robes, infused water, relaxation lounges.
They use a lot of local ingredients in their treatments. Sea salt scrubs, things like that. It’s expensive. You’re looking at $180+ for a standard massage once you factor in the automatic service charge. But if you’re celebrating an anniversary or just need to forget that your kids have been screaming in the pool for three hours, it’s a solid investment in your sanity.
Golf and Tennis: The Port Royal Connection
You aren't just staying at a hotel; you’re staying next to the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club. This is big. You get access to three championship courses: The Barony, The Robber’s Row, and The Planter’s Row.
Robber’s Row is the one people talk about most because it’s built on historical Civil War grounds. There are markers all over the course. It’s kind of surreal to line up a birdie putt while reading about a Union army encampment. The tennis facilities are also top-tier. They have Har-Tru clay courts which are much easier on the knees than the hard courts you find at most public parks.
What People Get Wrong About This Place
A lot of people think that because it’s a "Westin," it’s going to be a stiff, corporate environment. It’s not. It’s very family-oriented. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic getaway where you won't see a single child, this might not be your spot, especially during spring break or summer.
Another misconception: that you don't need a car. You kind of do. While the resort is great, Hilton Head is spread out. If you want to see the Harbour Town Lighthouse or eat at the better local restaurants, you’ve got a 15-20 minute drive ahead of you. Uber exists, but it can be spotty and expensive during the "dinner rush."
The Sustainability Factor
Interestingly, the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa is pretty active in the island's sea turtle protection program. During nesting season (May through October), they are very strict about outdoor lighting. You’ll see signs everywhere. They dim the lights so the hatchlings don't get confused and crawl toward the hotel instead of the ocean. It’s a small detail, but it shows they actually care about the local ecosystem, which is refreshing.
Real Talk: The Cost
Look, it’s not cheap. Between the room rate, the resort fee (which covers things like Wi-Fi and the shuttle), and the taxes, you’re looking at a significant chunk of change.
Is it worth it?
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If you value being able to walk from your room to the sand in under three minutes: Yes.
If you want world-class golf right outside your door: Yes.
If you’re on a tight budget and don't care about the ocean view: You’re better off renting a condo in Palmetto Dunes or Forest Beach.
Tips for a Better Stay
- Skip the valet. The self-parking lot isn't that far of a walk, and you’ll save yourself $30+ a day and the wait time.
- Hit the beach at low tide. Check the tide charts. The beach expands by about 100 yards and becomes a literal highway for bikes.
- The Westin Family Kids Club. Use it. If you have kids between 4 and 12, they have supervised activities. It gives you a few hours to actually read a book by the pool.
- Avoid the breakfast buffet. It’s fine, but it’s overpriced. Drive five minutes down the road to a local spot like Hilton Head Diner or Java Burrito.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're ready to book the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, don't just click the first price you see.
- Check the Marriott Bonvoy App. Often, the "Member Rate" is $20-$40 cheaper per night than Expedia or Booking.com.
- Call the property directly if you’re booking a special occasion. Sometimes they can flag your room for a better floor or a specific view that isn't guaranteed online.
- Pack a reusable water bottle. The resort has filtration stations everywhere. Buying plastic bottles at the pool bar is a waste of money and bad for the turtles.
- Book your spa and golf tee times at least two weeks out. In the high season, they fill up completely, and "squeezing you in" rarely happens.
- Bring your own bike lock. If you rent bikes elsewhere and bring them to the property, you'll want your own lock to secure them at the resort's racks.
The Lowcountry has a way of slowing you down. The Westin facilitates that pretty well, provided you know what you're getting into. It’s a polished, professional, and very "Hilton Head" experience. Just remember to pack the bug spray—the "no-see-ums" at dusk are the only thing the Westin hasn't figured out how to manage yet.