Thanks to a thorough makeover a little more than two years ago, this former Hyatt continues to perch at the top of the ranks here. As it sits next to the less engaging Hilton, few would guess that it is the island's oldest hotel, which explains why it is also the tallest at 10 floors; this height was grandfathered in before the new regulations. It inhabits a 3-mile stretch of quiet beach, and a bridge crosses a lagoon to the two sand-colored 10-story buildings and pair of newer wings.
Energetic bellhops dressed in golf togs and outdoor tropical music add to arrivals' positive first impression of the hotel. The lobby sports a resorty air, done up with comfortable but elegant appointments that lend a contemporary plantation ambience. Views are of the pool terrace and ocean beyond.
Conroy's restaurant and piano bar (named after well-known author Pat Conroy, who lives on the island) continues to serve steak and seafood from a contemporary southern menu at lunch and dinner. The indoor-outdoor beachfront venue, Quinns, has closed. Trendy and casual Ocean Blue has risen in its place. The year-round cafe serves only breakfast in season and buffet and a la carte options during high season. A new coffee bar in the lobby offers pastries and hot beverages prepared on the spot.
A large, well-furnished sundeck separates the hotel from the sandy beach, with a large lap pool, wading pool and whirlpool. Inside, a lovely atrium houses a recently expanded spa with a fitness room, second pool, whirlpool, men's and women's saunas, and an aerobics room. During peak occupancies, the chain's signature Adventure Club keeps the little ones engaged. Additional recreational facilities await 
at Palmetto Dunes, among them five world-class golf courses and a well-staffed tennis center with 25 hard, clay and lighted courts.
Meeting space is the largest on the island, with a vast sky-lit ballroom able to accommodate up to 2,000. Business services are offered in a small office off the lobby, parking is ample, and shuttles make hourly trips to a nearby mall. Wireless Internet access is available in the lobby, pool area and even on the beach for a fee. A concierge is on hand, and so are shops, including a grocery store on the ground floor.
The large, well-kept guest rooms show medium woods and Marriott's signature palette of cream, red and green. All have a wide entry with butler tables, armoires concealing TVs, desks with task lighting, king or paired queen beds, and louvered 
closets with irons and ironing boards. High-speed Internet access is available in guest rooms for a fee. Baths feature marble vanities and mirrors the length of the room, along with coffeemakers and hair dryers. Massaging showerheads are a nice touch, but water pressure seems unpredictable, making them rather pointless. With the original building facing the beachfront full on and the newer wing perpendicular, many of the rooms boast ocean views. All have balconies, and those in the newer wing are angled for the best views. The hotel is completely smoke-free. Room service stops at midnight.
This property is a much better choice than the nearby Hilton, yet it lacks the pizzazz of the pricier Westin. However, the quieter Crowne Plaza proves less expensive and less frenetic.
