Nestled mid-island in Palmetto Dunes, this hotel boasts a range of amenities to rival Port Royal Plantation's Westin. The quiet, palmetto-lined parking lot conceals the low-key facade. Inside, arriving guests find a reception area of spacious stone floors, exposed wooden beams and a courteous staff.
Off the main entrance is an on-site deli, but the Hilton is also home to Mostly Seafood, an upscale dining establishment that draws both locals and guests. Looking stylish and fresh after its makeover, Palmetto Cafe offers casual fare and friendly service. The Regatta nightspot provides drinks and some entertainment during summer. Outdoors, guests can enjoy poolside food from the Buoy Bar.
Hilton's south tower houses the Ocean Tides Spa & Fitness Center. Treatments here include massages, wraps, facials and manicures. The spa's specialty is hot-stone therapy. Guests can choose to be pampered in one of the treatment rooms or in their own
suites. Special hotel packages include golf and spa treatments. Couples massages are popular.
Outside, a labyrinthine deck weaves its way around fountains, hot tubs, deck chairs, volleyball and basketball courts, and two pools (one for adults only) before reaching the beach. Guests who want a massage along the oceanfront can use one of the private bungalows. The friendly staff can arrange bike rentals and children's activities from an outdoor station. South of the deck is The Shorehouse, a venue used for weddings and parties.
The renovated meeting space includes 14,000 sq ft of flexible space. The largest venue can accommodate about 350 people, and most have a screened-in porch for session breaks. A business center near the reception area offers fax, shipping and copy services, and its computer terminals can be accessed via credit card. It's open daily 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Hilton maintains a courtyard-style layout, so hallways are filled with natural light and indigenous plants. Still looking good from their recent renovations, the rooms sport attractive island decor. The 20 oceanfront suites have wrap-around decks, spacious living areas and an additional half-bath. All rooms have ceiling fans, two queen beds or a king, and a kitchenette stocked with flatware and dishes, a microwave oven, a coffeemaker and a refrigerator. The living area has extra lighting, 27-inch flat-screen TVs, high-speed Internet access, large desks and docking stations for MP3 players. The large baths have a shower-tub combination and a line of bath products. The extended line can be found in the spa. Most of the rooms have beach views, and one-half are now smoke-free. Pets are not allowed. Room service is available until midnight.
This is one of the best picks for families, vying for top position with the Marriott.
