Royal Dunes Resort

We love Hilton Head, and over the past 5 years, we have traded in to Marriott's Grand Ocean once, Monarch once, and Surf Watch twice. Last November, we decided to buy a week in Hilton Head, but didn't want to pay the costs associated with a Marriott. The reviews on every site I read were always extremely positive about Royal Dunes, so last November we decided to buy a week listed on Red Week sight unseen.

We just got back from our first time staying there on September 5th, and were thrilled with the resort. My biggest concern before going was how long the walk would be to the beach. It's not long. I timed it walking with a beach chair and small cooler, and it was almost exactly 5 minutes from the condo building till my toes hit the sand. Our walk from our building by the main pool at Surf Watch last year took at least that long. The beach is wide, and not crowded, since the beach access parking is only for locals that purchase permits. They have also just purchased a golf cart for shuttle service from the resort to the beach. The walk is so short though, we never used it.

The condo itself is outstanding, very clean and roomy with 3 bedrooms (2 master bedrooms and 1 with twin beds) and 3 bathrooms, and 4 TVs. My 2 adult children were thrilled that they didn't have to share a room! Also a very roomy porch. It is situated in an area of Port Royal that is extremely private and quiet. Another big plus was the underground parking we had for both our cars. It was really nice to not get into a hot car when we went out. The only possible negative might be if you are looking for lots of activities. This is a smaller resort, and the activities are minimal. (There may be more activities during the summer busy season, I dont know.) The people are very nice though.

I would say Royal Dunes compares favorably with the Marriotts we have stayed at, and recommend it highly.

I loved this place. Impeccible interiors (on par with a Marriott) with excellently maintianed grounds and a very friendly and accomodating staff. Two pools, BBQ grills and covered picnic area, and daily activities provided. Surrounded by golf courses and Island Beach Park (just accross the street) with a playground, beach access boardwalk, and restroom/changing facilities. For a small charge you can add Westin guest previlidges which gives you access to the next door Westin Hotel and it's health club/fitness center, 3 pools and activiites. Combining all this provided the equivelent of a 3 bedroom villa at a beachfront 5 star resort in the tranquility of the more subdued Port Royal Plantation. Not quite wonderland, but certainly a top timeshare location on Hilton Head. I will be back!

we recently visited the resort on sept. 17-20 2004. the unit is spacious, clean, and nicely furnished. we like the fact that the beach is in walking distance. we also liked the fact that the resort has more of a residential feel as opposed to a hotel feel. we are not looking for organized activities or children's programs - so royal dunes suits our needs quite nicely. we purchased resale for gold floating week for $7,000.

I recently rented my unit in April 2003. My tenants gave the unit high praise, very clean and spacious. They were impressed with the pools on the grounds and felt the resort was conveniently located. It is just two blocks from the beach. They would rent again.

IT IS QUITE A LONG WALK TO THE BEACH. POOL IS SMALL AND HAS NO DEEP END.