The Cloister at Sea Island

My family and I visited The Cloister after a friend's strong recommendation. It seemed like a great vacation destination due to its numerous 5 star ratings. However, our actual experience has been anything but. My family and I stay at numerous 5 star resorts across the country and the Cloister deserves nothing close to a 5 star rating. It was tremendously poor service from the moment we stepped through the door. I do not recommended this "resort" to anyone looking for a relaxing beach vacation.

Where do I start... well the staff to say the least are nice hard working people who should without a doubt be paid more. They shine and represent the mission of the island well. Thier dedication and commitment shows with amazing genuine smiles you recieve daliy. The Island is NOT vegan friendly. Some of the restaurant use can products....my problem with that ... because the food is so overpriced there should never be a can opener on site. People come their with lots money...corners should never be cut. For the most part the kids had a super great time and without the amazing staff the place would completely simply sink.

A sister hotel of the Boardmoor, we stayed at both and loved this better. It may be because of the beach and weather. The hotel felt nicer, cleaner, and just much more comfortable. The pools are good too, and the water slide was very fun. We tried to go out to eat, and most of the restaurants were within a 2 miles radius. They were good, but food around the Boardmoor in CS were better imo. :) Service was excellent and people were super nice! We did get tricked by the room services. The charged us based on a "changed" menu, different than the one we looked at in our room. An order of kid's chicken strips cost $28 when the menu said $12. I did not notice it until after paying and tipping and then thought, how did it cost $28? Called and found out the price was wrong and they added service charge and delivery charges! Wife was very upset about that. Other than this incident, everything was very good! It is mostly what you expect when paying over $700 a night.

We stayed at the Lodge at the Cloisters for a birthday/family reunion. It was a beautiful property, full of flowers with an old southern feel. I booked it with AMEX and therefore had some wonderful perks. I stayed in the Sea Island Suite which was gorgeous. The staff was attentive and very pleasant. The food was good, especially at one of the property's steak houses, Colt and Alison. Zelda was an outstanding server who made our meal memorable. Be prepared to spend $$$ but the amenities & charm outweighed the pricing.

If money is no object, go for it. An absolutely lovely property, quality fitness facilities, pools galore, a plethora of available activities to choose from (bikes, horses, fishing excursions, sailing, skeet, tennis, golf, paddle boarding, kids camp, the list goes on and on). You will find generally warm, competent service and, even the food, which tends to be average at resorts, is well above here. We lucked out with a recently renovated room, (main building, the Lodge is off site and inconvenient) so it was all it should have been: clean, well appointed, spacious bathroom, bonus large balcony. OK, now for the bad news: mini bar is empty, you need to call & request -- this is, to my mind, totally unacceptable at a " fine" property. Next: prices are astronomical for anything & everything, from food (ex: basic lunch entrees $20.00 plus, wines by the glass: $25.00) to gift shop clothing: wow, to activity fees, ex: Kayak excursion $95.00 per person. The little things that matter: at the spa: no robes or shower shoes available, seriously? In the rooms: no bottled water... Nice touches: coffee/pastries in AM, iced tea/lemonade cookies in afternoon (take advantage, they're the only freebies you'll get)....Bottom line: if you enter into it knowing this is a high dollar place, just make sure you ask for a renovated room and you'll have a great experience, the property itself is quite impressive as is the spectacular setting.