The Cloister at Sea Island

We just checked in after planning our visit for a full year in advance. This is to celebrate a special occasion and within an hour of arriving, I have massive regrets. If I didn’t have other people joining me, I would leave ASAP. Our Beach Club 1BR suite smells of mold. Plain and simple. I asked to be moved and was told nothing similar is available due to the holiday weekend. As we are expecting guests to join us, having a suite (as opposed to a single room) is crucial to provide a common gathering space. Again, this trip has been planned for one year in advance. There are THREE air filters in the room (none of which were turned on when we arrived). There’s humidity on the bathroom mirror. Even the metal plaque on the knife holder is rusty (see photo). The air conditioning is struggling to reach its goal temp in both rooms, and one of the thermostats has a low battery. This is not up to Sea Island standards. Especially for thousands of dollars each night. Has anyone even stayed in this unit in the last year to notice any of this?!? Further, our suite is very worn. Not only are there stains on tables and pilling of the carpet, but the owners kitchen pantry is left open and full. Nice to know their yorkie, Charlotte, needs butt powder 2-3 times a day. I don’t need to feel like I’m camping in someone’s musty basement full of their leftovers at a supposedly 5 star resort. Adding insult to injury, we booked a second room (again, ONE YEAR AGO) and that room is in a totally separate building. Is it because I’m not a regular guest? (Sorry that normal people have to save up for these special vacations and can’t come every year.) Did I not get some magic password to request the non-mildew rooms? I stayed here several years ago and this was NOT was I expected. Management is going to respond with claims about deep south humidity. I get it. I grew up with massive southern humidity. But I would never ever let a guest enter my house if it was in this condition. I’m going to cry for a bit and then have no choice but to stay because we live 16+ hours away. Lesson learned. Hope this helps someone.

A first class resort with tennis, pickleball, golf, beach, restaurants, activities (kayak, bike), plenty of pools, etc. It is like staying at a very well-appointed country club. The restaurant selection is diverse, and the food is very good. It is a verified luxury resort with tons to do and friendly, attentive staff. My only complaint is that they sometimes “nickel and dime” guests who are already paying a full price. Our bill included ten (10!) additional charges per night — several taxes, several indiscernible acronyms, the ever-present $85 “Resort Fee” and a housing “donation”! (A donation for what?! Can’t Sea Island donate the $2 itself instead of adding it to my bill???). Give me a break! Fees added $400 per night to our lodging bill! They also try to up-sell you endlessly: rent a $600 cabana at the pool; buy a $200/day beach “drinks and snacks service” (NOT worth the cost!); pay for daily grocery delivery service; etc. When I stay at a first class resort, I expect to pay up, but I cringe at these never-ending cheesey add-ons and hidden costs. A hot dog and chips cost $13, so it’s a bit insulting to add extra costs. It’s like going to a Mercedes dealership and being told that the floor mats cost extra. We had a great stay, but I expected a bit more vis-a-vis candor and disclosure. It just feels childish and cheesey. Nonetheless, it’s a great place (now that you’ve been educated!)

This was our 6th visit to Sea Island in 8 years and our first time back in two years and we were so sad to see the property decline! Our beach club room had many problems and there was a pervasive smell of sewage all around the area. We had almost no hot water one day and no water pressure. The rooms are in badly need of a refresh. Memorial Day weekend was so crowded I almost had a panic attack at the pool. SO MANY PEOPLE. Beach service took over an hour and blended drinks arrived melted. Management did make it right when I brought all of this to their attention but I hope the owners are planning a renovation soon!

After many years of loyally visiting for Memorial Day this may be our last. While the grounds remain absolutely beautiful the service at this historic property continues to decline. Our reservations made several months in advanced and confirmed twice over the phone, were not honored as requested, luggage was handled so poorly that they damaged the contents braking a large and thick wine bottle and staining our clothes in the process. Management gave us a half hearted apology and didn’t charge for laundry service. Finding a chair by the pool at the Beach Club is nearly impossible, beach chairs are also extremely hard to get and service takes over an hour. Finding a table for lunch took close to an hour every day and forget about dinner on site without a reservation, River Bar took 2 and half hours to seat us. For a hotel of this caliber and tradition, this price point is no longer justifiable for nostalgia of better days, very sad.

The amenities at this resort are amazing! Loved the Georgia Room dining experience! The spa & staff members treat you like royalty!