Heyward's Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island

Upon arrival, we experienced difficulty entering our room but were helped by Steve from maintenance. The room had a mildew smell, so we had to get air freshener. The toilet was dirty and there was a lot of soap scum in the shower. Unfortunately, there was no room service available due to apparent short staffing issues. The restaurant staff, however, was very pleasant. The location near the beach was excellent and the property itself was beautiful. Overall, our stay was decent, but the quality of service did not justify the price.

This restaurant is a suitable choice for dog owners and families with young children, but may not be appealing to others. Despite being labeled as a resort, it falls short of meeting those expectations. Guests are required to pay resort fees, but the amenities do not justify the title of a resort. The beach is accessible to the public and the resort fees do not include chairs or beach access. The facility is in need of maintenance, with broken and outdated items. The front desk staff provide conflicting information about services such as shuttle transportation and chair rentals. Despite these shortcomings, the location is the highlight of the establishment, boasting a great beach.

The rooms were typical, with ice and drink vending machines available on the floor. Not all rooms with balconies had a view, and there were 3 elevators on site. A small store in the lobby was convenient, and the hotel was kid and pet-friendly. There were some issues with towel availability at the pool and in our room after cleaning. Nearby activities included a beach just off the resort, but another beach near Coligny Plaza was overcrowded. There was a mini golf spot nearby and other restaurants within a 10-minute drive. A small shopping plaza with souvenirs, restaurants, and a supermarket was about 1.5 miles away. The hotel was located within a larger housing complex, making it a bit of a walk to exit the community. Coligny Plaza was walkable but a 1.5-mile walk. Bicycles could be rented, and a small shuttle was offered to and from the plaza. The drinks at the pool were overpriced and watered down, and only paper straws were available. The food quality was abysmal, with a disappointing chicken quesadilla and unsanitary buffet experience. We both became ill after eating at the buffet, and the hotel staff did not seem to care about our concerns. Some noteworthy details included the hotel and beach being dog-friendly, live music at the bar at night, and activities for kids throughout the day. The pool had a 0' entry and a pool lift, but there was no lifeguard on duty. Beach chairs could be rented at the hotel store, and chairs and umbrellas could be rented on the beach.

I’d give this resort a 3.5 rating. For a four-star hotel with four star prices, I felt not enough was included. Most 4-star beachside resorts will have beach umbrellas or chairs included, this did not. Rooms could also use a bit of an upgrade and the adult only pool could also use some love. Wasn’t the luxury experience I thought it was going to be.

Where do I start… from the jump…parking was horrible, front desk workers were not welcoming, only one set of elevators, so if you have medical issues that prevents you from doing long walks or standing too long, you would hate it, our room were so far away from elevators, we did a lot of walking and climbing 4 flight of stairs to get to room. First room the toilet were dirty and the room smelled old and moldy, got another room it smelled old. For the price of the hotel, the room were like that of a 2 star motel, no microwave. If you’re looking for quiet relaxing time, this is not the place, noisy kids, barking dogs, dog peeing on lawn by pool, the jacuzzi area supposed to be kid free, there were kids jumping in pool, noisy. The pool bar drinks are expensive and absolutely no liquor in drinks, watered down. We opted to eat outside of hotel and didn’t bother utilizing any hotel amenities. We were very disappointed and the hotel does not care about its guests concerns. They have an oh well attitude when you voice your complaints to them. Paying for a 4 star hotel only to get 1 star quality, is a total ripoff. Would never visit or recommend this hotel.Rooms: Outdated, and smelly.Food drinks: Alcoholic drinks had very little alcohol in themNoteworthy details: Not a place for couples, maybe a family with kids and pets!