The Cloister at Sea Island

We planned this trip for months to celebrate our 10-year anniversary—babysitters arranged, 7-hour drive, reservations set, everything lined up for what was supposed to be a memorable, romantic stay at The lodge at the Cloister at Sea Island. Six hours into the drive, we get a call: “Good news—you’ve been upgraded to a cottage due to a glitch.” Interesting choice of words, considering what waited for us. Check-in was pushed back (4:30… then 5:30), cutting it close to our 6:30 dinner reservation. Strike one. Strike two? The anniversary wine gift my husband planned as a surprise was casually handed to us at the front desk instead of being set up in the room like it was supposed to be. Nothing says “romance” like a front desk transaction. Then we get to the “upgrade.” Not a luxury cottage. Not a romantic escape. Just an old redone house with zero ambiance—something we could’ve booked ourselves down the street for a fraction of the price. Like an Airbnb not worth 1600 a night ambiance. After going back and forth with management and being told there were absolutely no rooms available at the Cloister or lodge, we realized this “once-in-a-decade celebration” had turned into a complete disaster. So we did what any rational couple would do—we left. A huse is not what we signed up for. We wanted the intimate experience that the lodge had to offer. At 8 PM. And drove 7 hours back home. 10-year anniversary: canceled by poor planning, breach of contract, and a definition of “upgrade” that needs serious reconsideration. Do better. I’ve cried myself to sleep. I’ve cried in the car all the way home now. I am devastated !!. A mom with two kids and a demanding job was looking forward to a romantic break with her husband. I’m Crushed. Heartbroken. How did this happen? We had a confirmation for the lodge. I’m still in disbelief that my 10 year anniversary was Absolutly ruined.

Property and grounds or excellent. Staff while very good we're not five star trained. I was promised a fee waiver of a restaurant reservation that was so convoluted I cannot even explain it. When I checked out of course the $300 fee plus tax was still on the bill. This left a very sour taste in our mouth. Frankly I think Howard Coffin would be rolling in over his in his grave if he knew what this place had sunk to. You'll need to Google the name to know what I'm talking about. Think Hudson motor cars. I was happy to get back to my home on St Simons

Great stay. Grounds and activity options are amazing. You can be very active, or chill. You can have fine dining or casual bites. Staff is more attentive than anyplace I’ve been State-side. Three areas the hotel needs to catch up on. Two are modern conveniences available almost everywhere so they should be standard at a place of this caliber. 1. Car Charging. There is a single Tesla charger on the whole property, and no “universal” chargers. Given the number of electric and Hybrid guest cars, yet alone the certain move of facility vehicles to hybrid, this was an unanticipated short coming. 2.TV. I felt I was in 1990s. The “smart” TV had no active guide, no ability to use streaming services. I didn’t come to watch TV but it’s an expectation these days that I can stream my local sports team, have kids watch a show, etc. 3. Fitness Center. Top notch facilities! They were missing several kettlebell weights (went from 35 to 60 lbs). and could use a few more rowers. Biggest improvement would be a cold plunge option These are minor tweaks but worth addressing We will be back. 3.

There is a reason people come back year after year and families make this a generational gathering place. Our stay in early March was absolutely fabulous. We stayed in the Garden Wing, which I highly recommend. The rooms are light, airy and have beautiful patio areas. Our room was well appointed and turn down service, with chocolates, was included each evening. We enjoyed the morning coffee & pastries and afternoon hot cider & cookies. We had gorgeous weather when we visited in March and spent time riding bikes on the beach during low tide, laying by the beach and enjoying the adult-only pool. The service was impeccable-polite front desk and concierge staff and generally helpful staff all around. The grounds were beautiful and well kept. I read some previous reviews that service has gone down recently and we didn't experience this at all. Everything was 10/10. We hope to return someday!!

Beautiful Resort for conventions Not great for individual guests! Too many private events make it difficult to get a reservation for dinner