The Westin Jekyll Island

The white building with columns and wrap-around porch flanked by palms has a stately, Plantation-style look. Inside, the hotel sports an airy, two-story lobby that features lattice-wood wall panels and contemporary furniture in cyan blue and other vibrant colors. Banks of windows overlooking the rear of the hotel usher in warm light and offer soothing ocean views. Enticing places to sit are located throughout the hotel, including outside. This hotel stays busy throughout the year, attracting families, couples, and business travelers alike. The spacious property handles the crowds well, and maintains a friendly, relaxed, and peaceful ambiance.

The Westin is located on a quiet beach in the heart of Jekyll Island. It’s also close to restaurants, shops, and the convention center, thanks to its Beach Village complex location. The lovely Great Dunes Park also is a few minutes away on foot, and the Ocean View Trail that winds for several miles along the beach is between the hotel and the ocean. Summer Waves Waterpark and Georgia Sea Turtle Center are about four minutes by car. Approximate drive times to Brunswick, Jacksonville International Airport, and Savannah are 17, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively.

These modern and comfortable guest rooms have understated, tasteful decor, but they lack the stylish touches to make them feel upscale. Muted earth tones are the featured colors, with white duvets and walls, brownish-gray carpet, and light copper drapes. Matching, espresso wood furniture includes roomy desks with plug-in panels and office chairs, and headboards with black leather padding. The Double Queen with Partial Ocean View we saw had plenty of space to include an armchair and small table. Many other units have full ocean views, with select rooms featuring private balconies overlooking the beach. Amenities are a highlight, with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers with Starbucks, iHome alarm clocks, robes, and safes, but there are no microwaves. White Tea toiletries and free bottled water also are standard, but Wi-Fi is free only to SPG members. Bathrooms also have ample room and vary by bed options -- Kings have walk-in showers, while Double Queens have shower/tub combos. Both have rainfall showerheads, beige tiling, roomy vanities, and magnifying mirrors.

This upscale, beachfront property features multiple dining options, starting with The Reserve, a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast (fee), lunch, and dinner with a focus on local seafood. Salty’s Oceanside Bar & Café features tropical drinks, salads, and other small plates served poolside. Harry’s is a rooftop bar that also has a light fare menu, and there's Uncle Vance’s Coffee Shop, with Starbucks and to-go items for breakfast and lunch. Al fresco seating is available at all of these eateries, as is room service. There's a spacious outdoor pool, but it isn't heated or open seasonally, and there's no whirlpool or kiddie pool. It is, however, surrounded by a pleasant sundeck, with tall palms and lots of tables and loungers. The 24-hour fitness center is large and well-equipped, with six pieces of Life Fitness cardio machines and weight-training equipment. The hotel also has a New Balance gear lending program. No spa is on-site, although in-room massages can be arranged by the concierge, and there's a daily resort fee. Up to 200 people can be accommodated in the hotel’s meeting space, and its business center has both Apple and Microsoft computers. Wi-Fi is free only to SPG members, and dogs are welcome with a surcharge. Self-parking is free, but valet parking costs extra.