Marriott's Grande Ocean

We just got back from 10 days at the Grand Ocean in Hilton Head. We had beautiful weather. Overall, the property is beautiful and the rooms were nicely appointed. The staff was also kind and couteous. The only issue we noticed was that the property was in need of some minor maintenance. For example, the railings on the balcony need to be painted as the paint was peeling off and the hot tubs were not fully working. We drove down from NJ. It took us two days, which is no big deal as we are retired. For us, I’m not sure it’s worth the extra distance and points compared to Myrtle Beach, another beautiful property with awesome restaurants near by. The ocean at Hilton Head is a bit nicer as it is a bit calmer than Myrtle Beach. However, coming from NJ and MD beaches, where you get violently slapped when going into the ocean, that does not seem to be the case on either of these two properties. I think there is more for kids to to at Myrtle beach with the entertainment areas, as Hilton Head is more geared to adults with golf and shopping. Overall, I would give the property 8 out of 10. So far, from all the resorts we visited over the last few years, Marco Island and Palm beach are our favorites.

This was our second time to stay at this resort. It is such a great place to stay, partially due to their amazing staff!! We were there Christmas week. The resort was festively decorated with Christmas lights, wreaths, etc. We love being able to walk near the ocean and the fact that the resort activities staff plans so many fun activities! Can’t say enough good things!

We have been going to Grande Ocean for over 30 years as owners and have always been pleased. However, this year we were assigned room 8017 (first floor) in Dolphin building. The first floor in each building is the location of the elevator equipment room. The noise from the elevator going up and down was terrible and we could hear it clearly throughout the villa. I mentioned it to a maintenance guy and he said that there were three buildings with elevators that were very loud and indicated that's just the way it is. (we have previously contacted the front desk and received no help). I recommend you stay on the 2nd through the 5th floor to avoid this problem.

DO NOT sign up for the time share sales meeting, regardless of what is offered. The Marriott staff will take almost any opportunity to claw back any perks or rewards they offer you up front thus increasing the amount you spend at their resorts. I traveled an hour round trip in the rain to attend the meeting and informed the staff that my spouse was ill. They were cold, inconsiderate and downplayed the illness. I was told that all perks would be removed and was not offered a viable solution.

This is our third visit to this particular property on the island. It is a lovely property. It is a very large resort that offers 4 different pools. It consists of 8 buildings. Some offer great ocean views and others not so much. All of the 2 BR units are identical. If you have been there before, you know exactly what you are getting inside of your unit. Our biggest complaint this visit was that we did not get the assigned the room/ view that we had asked for. I did not expect OF because we are not owners. However, I had requested Dolphin building top floor with side OV. We got 2nd floor in front of the turtle pond. We hated that we woke up to shade every morning due to all of the huge green courtyard foliage instead of the blue skies with palm trees. Next month we are staying at a Marriott property in VA Beach and every year they assign us the exact same corner unit that we ask for. We love Hilton Head, but we would choose a different property next time. One that will guarantee us an OV or OF even if we need to pay more for it. We were very glad that we had stayed there on M-F because on the Friday, the resort started to get way overcrowded with LOTS of children everywhere included in the adult pool/hot tubs and we no longer wish to see or hear kids everywhere at an exclusive resort. Just be careful when you choose to visit.

Always a great visit. Close to everything and the pool area is always kept up so nice. (I do wish saving chairs at the pools were limited, but I know that is hard to do - MANY MANY chairs saved and never used) The walkway to the beach is a nice touch too. Rooms are always nice and clean. Love how easy the bike rental is as well.

Second time being here. Think we were placed in the worst 2 bed unit in the resort. Over heard in the sales presentation that these units are for the Griswold family. Can’t make that up. Can you imagine getting your feet wet for 30k and being designated as the Griswold family. Sales team. Word of advice use your inside voices

Waited years to get a trade through Interval here, and it was well worth it! The layout of the property is one the best Marriott Villas I have seen; nothing is a far walk from any villa. Even the beach takes only a minute walk from the furthest villa. It’s located in the Coligny Beach area which is very central to lots of activities and close to many fun bars and restaurants. One can walk to many places or rent bikes right on the property. Staff is terrific, villas are large and nicely-decorated inside, and the pools are plentiful with lots of available chairs all day long. Great for couples as well as perfect for families with kids of all ages due to lots of planned activities and amenities geared toward them.

This vacation is the longest we have been able to stay Grande Ocean - three and a half weeks. We have been here for many an anniversary over the last 27 years. When we first arrived, there was an issue with our reservation. Connor was so kind and helpful. He asked me to leave it with him and the team. He said don’t worry about it. Go to your villa and I will work on it. He found a resolution so that we could just relax and enjoy the lovely villa we were already in. Then we went to rent our tandem bicycle that is our only form of transportation on the island. We were told that there are presently no tandems for rent at Grande Ocean, as they have all been retired. We would have to rent from an outside company and would not be allowed to receive or keep the bike on property. But wait! Brenda came to the rescue the very next day. She found out about our problem and took it upon herself to solve. She worked hard to phone around to other Marriott properties and found us a tandem at Barony Beach. She had it brought over and looked after us in such a kind and professional way. We are sooooooo grateful!!!! Abbie T was so helpful on my artistic endeavor to give my husband two hand-painted wine glasses for our special time. I remember her from last year. She was super friendly and helpful then as well when we crafted some home made soap. During several events on property we have run into Brenda, Lauren and Abbie. They remember our names and go out of their way to make us feel welcome and special. I just wonder when they get time off! I think they might be cloned! I would also like to mention Olivia who cleaned our room. She went above in beyond. Not only was everything spotless and smelled so fresh and clean, she also did lots of little touches to make the room look extra cute. Thanks again to the amazing staff at Grande Ocean. And, yes, we will be back!