The best Airbnbs in Hilton Head

Business Insider

When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

• Just under an hour's drive from Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head is a lively resort town with scenic beaches, great golf courses, and enticing dining.
• Hilton Head can be expensive, but we found stand-out private home rentals including villas, condos, and even a treehouse, all affordably priced between $77 and $199 per night to start.
• Booking a private Airbnb over a hotel may be a better option right now if you're planning to visit during the pandemic because you can minimize contact with others. However, be aware that South Carolina is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases.
• Read more: Are Airbnbs safe? We spoke to experts, a company representative, and an Airbnb host to share everything you should know before booking someone's home.

A note from your Insider Reviews travel editor: Coronavirus has interrupted travel on a global scale forcing travelers to cancel and reassess plans in the coming weeks and months. We understand that right now is a challenging time to plan travel. But when this time passes and things return to normal, we know you'll be eager to explore the world again.

Whenever that happens for you, and we know it will, we hope our travel content helps you make informed, useful, and inspiring choices on the best places and hotels to book. So whether you use our reviews now, bookmark them for the future, or simply need an escape from the news, we'll continue to share the world with you. In the meantime, we encourage all travelers to stay safe, follow guidelines from the CDC website, and take precautions.

With many states entering phased reopenings and as restrictions around COVID-19 cautiously lift, popular vacation destinations are once again seeing an uptick in demand. With its pristine beaches, well-kept golf courses, and vibrant dining scene, the resort town of Hilton Head in South Carolina is a standout, in particular, for summer vacationers.

However, the situation is constantly evolving and travel right now does come with risks. South Carolina is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, so you may want to pause that trip for next weekend and instead plan ahead for the future when it becomes safer. Without a vaccine, there's no guarantee of safety and it's important to monitor guidelines from individual states and cities when planning any travel and observe personal safety and hygiene protocols issued by the CDC and WHO. This includes wearing masks in public, washing hands, and social distancing. Vacation destinations are potentially infection hotspots, and for phased reopenings to continue, travelers must behave with consideration and diligence wherever they are.

Yet private home rentals are still operational in Hilton Head, and travel experts say this is a safer option than hotels at this time since booking an entire home allows for less contact with others than communal spaces in hotels.

• The best Airbnbs on the Jersey Shore
• The best Airbnbs in the Hamptons
• The best Airbnbs in Cape Cod

When and if you decide to book an Airbnb, you can rest a little easier knowing the company has announced rigorous new procedures for hosts and guests. This includes the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which issues guidelines on personal protective equipment for hosts or cleaners, as well as only using disinfectants approved by regulatory authorities. Some listings are also enforcing a Booking Buffer and maintaining a 24-hour waiting period after a guest checks out before entering to clean, followed by another 48-hour waiting period before guests check-in.

Of course, not all hosts are taking part in the updated protocols so it's very important to check what your potential hosts' specific cleaning policies are. Here's how to find out if the listing you're considering is taking part in the new policies.

Also, keep in mind that Airbnb's COVID-19 cancellation policy doesn't cover new bookings, so if you're unsure about future travel plans, be sure to read the fine print of each listing closely and opt for one with its own flexible cancellation policy.

With all that said, Hilton Head has a wide array of Airbnb options for solo travelers, couples, and families. Most people come for the beaches and the golf, as well as the cuisine. But exploring the region, such as the historic city of nearby Charleston, is also a popular option.

We combed through listings and gathered our top picks for Hilton Head Airbnbs based on the following criteria:

1. Airbnb listings are for the entire home/apartment.
2. The homes offer strong value. Every listing starts at under $200 per night (though those can go up during peak seasons), and is highly-rated, with a review score of 4.6 or higher.
3. Every listing has air conditioning, and most have direct access to a beach or a pool, often with extra amenities like beach chairs or grills.
4. Properties are well-appointed, stand out either for design or location (or both), and are close to area attractions.

While we made an effort to find places with prices under $200 per night, it's important to note that additional costs can vary based on the host (e.g. cleaning, facility or resort fees). You may also want to check other home rental sites before you book to make sure you're getting the best deal. Finally, as the global pandemic continues, be aware that shared amenities such as pools or gyms may be closed. Be sure to check with the host before booking if accessing such facilities is important to your stay.