Hampton Inn Hilton Head Island

Situated along a tree-lined roadway, this Hampton Inn is ringed by lots of large trees, including palms, offering a shady, peaceful setting despite a location off a main thoroughfare. Unlike some newer Hamptons that have airy, atrium-style lobbies, this property has a relatively small lobby with low ceilings. Contemporary furniture and cleverly arranged nooks give it a cozy vibe. Lots of marble tabletops and laminate wood floors add a touch of refinement. The breakfast room adjacent to the lobby can get quite crowded in the mornings, as it’s a bit small for the size of the hotel. While it’s not unusual to see business travelers here, this is primarily a tourist hotel that caters to families and couples. 

The Hampton Inn Hilton Head is located on the northeastern side of the island off the busy William Hilton Parkway that runs through the heart of the island. It’s a quiet, tree-lined setting that seems more isolated than it actually is. Several restaurants are within a five-minute walk, including a McDonald’s and Subway. Two shopping centers -- Pineland Mall and Port Royal Plaza -- are about a two-minute drive away. Several golf courses are also nearby, including the Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club that’s adjacent to the hotel (a three-minute drive to the entrance). Hilton Head Island Beach is less than two miles away (a six-minute drive), and the island’s airport is a four-minute drive. It takes approximately 50 minutes to drive to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

Last renovated in 2012, guest rooms are generally well maintained but look a bit dated and bland. Awash in light earth tones, from white walls and duvets to striped tan carpeting, rooms have a cookie-cutter feel. Matching blond-wood furniture, which includes headboards and desks, is perfectly pleasant but far from memorable. The only pops of color come from floral print drapes and generic, island-themed artwork. However, rooms do offer plenty of space, with Standard Kings providing desks and matching armchairs and ottomans, and Standard Double Queens featuring small dining tables and two upholstered chairs. The larger King and Double Queen Study Rooms include sleeper sofas. The small bathrooms are the most disappointing aspect, with tan acrylic shower/tub inserts. Wood vanities with white acrylic tops sit just outside the bathrooms. Amenities are possibly the most attractive aspect of the rooms, and microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi come standard. While relatively quiet, some rooms pick up ambient noise from other units.

A big selling point of the Hampton Inn is its robust list of amenities for a value chain, and this outpost is no exception. While there's no bar or full restaurant, the hotel does provide a free hot breakfast buffet that includes egg and meat dishes, and guests dashing out the door can grab a to-go bag. Free coffee, tea, and ice water are also available in the lobby all day. The handy 24/7 Suite Shop sells sundries and various food and drinks, including frozen entrees that can be microwaved. Another appealing feature is the outdoor pool. Surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and tables, it is on the small side -- but it's heated. The fitness center also runs small, with just a treadmill, elliptical, and exercise bicycle. And the 24/7 business center is a narrow space with two computers and a printer. Still, meeting space is surprisingly ample fitting up to 70 people in two separate rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Other perks include self-serve laundry facilities, valet laundry, concierge services, free weekday newspapers, use of the hotel's safe deposit box, and free parking in the hotel's lot.