We currently own six Marriott properties on Hilton Head Island and one Marriott in Palm Beach. In planning our weeks we can sometimes schedule with weeks owned, and sometimes are required to trade through the Marriott Desk at Interval International. The Marriott Desk at Interval International refer to us as “beachy” people because we own at Marriott’s Barony Beach and at Marriott’s SurfWatch, which are Atlantic Ocean front properties.
We found the first week of February to be a delight opportunity for a two hours and twenty minute flight from Centerville, OH to Savannah GA.
Marriott has eight resort properties on Hilton Head Island, and our observation is that all Marriott properties are very nice to excellent. We have always elected the Atlantic Ocean properties, and because we are “Marriott Beach owners,” it is quite easily to secure a Day Pass (including parking) at a Beach property should we select a non-beach property.
Marriott’s Harbor Pointe is an older resort, and varies in design from “newer properties.”
Marriott’s Harbor Pointe offers large, free, blacktop parking as opposed to the “under unit” parking at the newer properties. The parking is not necessarily a negative; although, a large blacktop lot has no aesthetic appeal.
Marriott’s Harbor Pointe reservation and check-in office is very prominent and inviting. A truly wonderful receptionist greets us, and we offer that our brain is “foggy” from the air travel and the trip. The receptionist responds that she has been awake for 58 hours, and we query her reason. She proudly responds: “my son just graduated from the Marine Boot Camp.”
We like Marriott’s Harbor Pointe, and the villa provide a great holiday for families or couples of all ages. In general we find that our numerous Marriott resorts provide for a great family or couple’s holiday. There is really nothing like the present of the “wee folks” and teenagers to bring “life” to an otherwise geriatric demographic.
Marriott’s Harbor Pointe is located directly on Broad Creek. The resort faces west, and the views of the marshes, Broad Creek, and the sunset are delightful. The balcony is secluded with a close lagoon with fountain, and a view of the all weather swimming pool. The setting includes live green oaks and the ever-present palm trees.
We love the in unit fireplaces, and on a few rainy days the fireplaces are quite cozy.
Without question Marriott’s Harbor Pointe is clean and well maintained. The interior lighting is adequate. The exterior is pleasant cream stucco with faded red tile roofs. Overall Marriott’s Harbor Pointe is inviting and provides an upscale holiday.
Given that, our 25 years in Hilton Head Island assists in our conclusion that Hilton Head Island is a perfect location for a Northern Yankee with a degree of affluence. Actually, the Hilton Head Island Demographics site indicates that the white population of Hilton Head Island is nearly 98.9%. Goggle Hilton Head Island Demographics for more demographic data. It is interesting to study the growth and development of Hilton Head Island from the 1950’s to the present.
The Outer Banks was our destination of choice in our 20's, 30's & 40's because we valued the dramatic surf, and the strong winds, and the general natural and perceived “closeness to God's setting.”
Hilton Head Island is highly civilized with modern medical care and a developing arts community with the arts in Charleston and Savannah. Hilton Head Island is a culinary delight. Hurricane season is June through November, with the highest probability starting mid August and ending late September. Hilton Head was last hit by a hurricane in the year 1896, though there have been several scares that caused evacuations (http://www.hhisleinfo.com/faqs.htm#hurricanes.)
As we approach retirement, Hilton Head Island is on our radar. We are currently visiting the first week in February and enjoy coffee on the deck, and the daily sun. Yes, there is some spotty rain, but primarily there is sun and warm weather. Yankees are dressed in tee shirts and shorts; the native are dressed in slacks and jackets.