We just got back from a wonderful trip to the Barony Beach! We stayed at the Mariott Monarch last time and there was no comparison. The Barony is much nicer. The location in the Port Royal Plantation is even more convenient than Sea Pines. It is right on the beach, even the far buildings aren't that far. The biggest problem was the construction at the Westin if you were in those garden buildings. It was pretty chilly all week, so we didn't use the pools, but they were perfect family pools. Zero depth, fountains.. The heated pool was closed the first couple of days, but then reopened. There were 3 hot tubs close to us and our teen kids used them all. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. The marketplace had snacks, drinks and Pizza Hut. Prices were reasonable We had lunch at the outdoor Y'all Grill a couple of times. Very good and not too expensive. They had a lot of activities to choose from for all ages. Of course renting bikes was the best one of all. Our young adults enjoyed the tour of the island that Miss Nettie put on. The only slight negative, was the smell in our room. We tried to air it out as often as we could. Must be the dampness from the ocean. Overall, a perfect trip.

This timeshare resort lives up to Marriott's overall standards. Check in was smooth and staff was friendly and helpful. Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs were clean and well placed though indoor pool was viewable from the lobby so not so private. Rooms were well kept and well provisioned. The resort charges for towel changes and there was no midweek cleaning. No ice machines for extra ice. Landscapes were nice. Beach was sandy and pleasant with easy access and great for strolling or jogs. Beach bar had good food and prices did not seem unreasonable with specials all through the week. Lots of activities were available and well run. We especially liked the chili cookoff. Good location near shopping and golf. Grocery stores nearby. Several grills are available and easy to use.

So why do you close the heated pool for maintenance? In March if you run Barony Beach! With ocean water so warm in July and August, you need to be sure you have the heated pool ready to offer as an alternative then. Two mornings of our three night stay, the eager housekeeping person cheerily rang to wake us up before 8:30...but than as they say at the beach, "Have a margarita, it's 5:30 somewhere!"

The garden villa's are separated from the main hotel, and all site amenities by construction at the Westin Hotel next door and a maze of jolly chilled kiddy-land water areas, that are so well secured that I had to have a grounds staffer show me how to open the gate. Maybe they will have their act together by high Season, but avoid the property until then

The Barony is very special to our family. We have a week in the Spring through Marriott Vacation Club, but last year we traded it for a week in August. I was disappointed when we first arrived as I did not realize we would not be at an ocean view property just because we have one during our normal week. Still, our condo was gorgeous (Marriott is under contract to renovate every 2-3 years for the tenants). There are too many activities to name during the summer: limbo contests, hula hooping by the pool, cooking contests, movie nights, teen nights at mini golf, spa discount mornings...we did it all. My children are old enough to hop on the little tram that goes from building to building and go down to the beach or pool. They loved this and it made them feel very independent. This property has a ton of places to grill if you would like to stay in and cook. There are a number of great grocery stores nearby and even some fresh seafood markets to get local shrimp and fish. Hilton Head is perfect any time of year for golf foursomes, families with kids or even couples. We love the Low Country!