The Dunlin, Kiawah River

Bottom line: By the time we left The Dunlin (a day early), I was convinced it's a money laundering operation. How else to explain the weirdness we encountered? First the pros: 1. Beautifully decorated. 2. Food was excellent, other than my husband's burger at lunch, which upset his stomach. 3. Staff, with a couple exceptions (see Cons) were excellent: friendly, helpful, professional. Some of the best service I've had in awhile. Now the cons: 1. This place swims in a sea of concrete. It's at the back of a tightly packed development, with houses everywhere you look (except the river/marsh). Not at all conducive to a relaxing, quiet getaway. 2. Hotter than Hades. We live in the South Carolina Lowcountry and know heat. You beat it with shade and trees. This place had none. 3. World's smallest pool. Could barely swim. 4. Nothing to do. This was especially galling, as we got charged a $52 resort fee for ... nothing. My husband went through a hassle to get into the "gym," which was on par with a Hampton Inn, at best. We didn't see the spa, as we decided to leave early. 5. Weird layout. Check-in "lobby" is smaller than my living room. The only place to sit is on the tiny porch, which in Carolina heat or thunderstorms would be uncomfortable and unsafe. The "fine dining" restaurant (more below), Linette's, is up a steep flight of stairs. The suites had a large living area, but tiny a bedroom. 6. Suite bathroom lacked enough towel bars or hooks for towels, had only one bathmat for sink and shower, needed a makeup mirror, and the sink vanity area was so small that everything got wet when I washed my face. Now the biggest con: We were there for our anniversary and the Dunlin kindly put a split of champagne and a small cake in our room. So nice. Then we had lunch at Linette's -- and realized that was it for "fine dining." The place looks like an ice cream parlor, has a noisy and smelly open kitchen, has a bar taking up lots of space, and it was too hot to eat on their balcony. However, the downstairs bar/lounge is beautiful and very quiet. Surely they'd let us eat there.... We check in for our dinner, greeted by a nearly deaf hostess who was so unresponsive I feared she had a medical issue. No smile, no greeting. The manager was there and did greet us. We declined a noisy two top next to the bar, in the center of the room, where EVERYONE had to walk past us -- not romantic. Too hot to eat outside. So we asked if we could eat downstairs in the Willet Room (lobby bar). Yes, we could. Yay! Super waiter (Darren? Daryl?) was very professional, friendly and welcoming, then broke the bad news: We only could order bar bites there: dips, shrimp cocktail, etc. NOT an anniversary dinner. We asked if an exception could be made, but the waiter said he couldn't. I could see how uncomfortable he was being the bearer of bad news, and it wasn't his fault. So I went upstairs, collared the manager, and explained the situation. After a moment, he got it, and we had a delectable meal served to us, along with two glasses of Champagne. But c'mon, people: You're in the service business. I formerly was a convention planner, working with some of the finest properties in the US. I've stayed at legendary properties in the North America, Europe and Central America. NO ONE should have to pull rank to be served a meal in the bar. It's not just bad policy, it's indicative of the main problem at The Dunlin: It's masquerading as a fine resort, but needs a real service-oriented heart and soul behind the mask.

Wonderful and professional staff! Each person excelled in their work and was attentive to our stay. They made us feel welcomed and appreciated. The property is beautifully decorated and thoughtfully curated. We have already highly recommended The Dunlin to several friends. We made wonderful and unexpected memories during our trip and stay there. Our youngest daughter loved Camp Dunby and the staff. What a clever and perfect mascot (the cutest rattan puppy)! Meals were thoughtfully prepared and carefully presented. We loved the nightly 'smores option, turn down services, food, drinks, views, daily activities, and bike rides. The farms were also unique and a lot of fun and learning. The staff on the farms are experts and take great pride in their work. The playground was so well done! Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed the zip line and playground equipment. It's all in the details and the Dunlin has details down. We also appreciate the complimentary car service on the one night we went to dinner. There is little need to leave the property but it was a great option if you like!

This is our 4th Auburge property we've visited (with two more in the pipeline) and the brand is always a winner. We had a wonderful stay at The Dunlin for our babymoon—an unforgettable escape that beautifully blended luxury and Lowcountry charm. The property is exquisitely decorated, from the serene guest rooms to the inviting shared spaces. Everything feels thoughtfully curated and quietly luxurious, creating the perfect setting to relax before welcoming a baby. One of our favorite parts of the trip was the coastal safari, which was both peaceful and full of flora sightings. We also had a fantastic morning with kayaking guide Morgan, whose knowledge of the marshes and warm energy made the whole experience feel intimate and special. And we loved the “going for grits” breakfast experience—cozy, delicious, and quintessentially Southern. A special thank-you to Emily from Guest Experiences, who made us feel genuinely cared for. Every detail was handled with grace and warmth, making our babymoon feel even more special. If I had one wish, it would be for more dining options on property. What’s available is beautifully executed, but given how remote the location is, having a bit more variety would elevate the stay even further. Still, this is a place we’d return to in a heartbeat. A quiet gem on Johns Island, perfect for couples, nature lovers, and anyone looking to truly unplug.

Stayed at the Dunlin for my granddaughter’s wedding. The staff throughout the venue were unfailingly gracious and helpful except for one location. The food for the wedding reception and Easter Brunch was truly excellent and I’m a very picky patron. Everything was delicious and served beautifully. Another review or two mention that the Dunlin - a fairly new resort— is still working out a few details and I agree. Arriving at a busy, crowded time can be chaotic due to the small size of the check in space. You may find yourself waiting outside until earlier arrivals have checked in while harried valets are parking your car. I also had housekeeping staff come to my room to tidy up AFTER I checked in. To be fair, the hotel was very busy due to the Easter holiday and Spring break but several guests of the wedding had to wait past check in time to have access to their rooms. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to be specific that you prefer NOT to stay in the 6002 bldg particularly units 1 and 4. I was in unit 4 which has a lovely interior but overlooks the back of the main bldg, trash containers and back doors where early trash collectors, grounds staff and deliveries arrive. It’s noisy!!Hotel management needs to train staff and vendors to be considerate of guests in 6002 or adjust the cost of the units.

If you’re looking for the most gorgeous boutique hotel in the Charleston area, this is IT! Situated right on the river and oriented to enjoy the gorgeous natural landscape, this hotel is just beyond lovely. The decor is both cozy and elegant and with such an incredible attention to detail, it feels like you’re staying at the home of your most sophisticated southern friend’s vacation home. The staff is OUTSTANDING- anticipating your needs, offering bottles of water, hustling to get your car, and stopping to suggest a great restaurant and have a chat. The restaurant on property, Linettes, is also superb - the food is inventive and delicious and the wait staff is top notch. The Willett Room has the best lattes and scones and wonderful, creative cocktails- ask for Darrel, who will take fine care of you and suggest the perfect signature cocktail to suit your fancy. We never wanted to leave and will certainly be back as soon as possible!