The best Airbnbs in Hilton Head
Paul Oswell
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- 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.
Looking for more Airbnb beach homes?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:
- Airbnb listings are for the entire home/apartment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Here are the best Airbnbs in Hilton Head, sorted by price from low to high.Renovated condo on the beach, $77
Staying in a gated community right on the beach can be more affordable than you may think. Consider this newly-renovated condo, where you'll be gently rocked to sleep to the sound of the ocean, with some of the best sands on the island within a minute or two.
The condo itself features striking yet tasteful, nautical-themed design touches such as seashell chandeliers and starfish accessories. Wicker and wooden furniture make it comfortably rustic and the complex also has a shared pool, bar, cafe, and general store. Guests can stroll to the beach via a private boardwalk, which feels pretty exclusive.
Rating: 4.64
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific new policies are stated, but the property is rated 4.7 out of 5 for cleanliness.
One-bedroom condo close to Coligny Square, $80
This renovated first-floor condo is an affordable option for a couple. It combines a stellar location just a few minutes' walk from the south end of the beach with excellent amenities like an on-site pool and hot tub.
The interior is a recent refurbishment and is perfectly contemporary with granite surfaces and neutral tones, plus plenty of space for two people. Tiled floors and large double sinks in the bathroom are equally welcome features.
The unit comes with bikes for guests to use to explore the neighborhood and ride down to the beach and the beautiful spot of Coligny Beach Park is an easy stroll.
Rating: 4.91
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The owner employs a professional cleaning service that sanitizes the condo according to CDC-recommended procedures.
Cozy upgraded villa, $83
Polished, wood-effect floors and pine furniture give this two-bedroom villa a clean, cabin-like look that's well-suited to its location. Guests will love being immersed in the natural beauty of palmetto trees while having beach access just a short 10-minute walk away.
Amenities include a shared swimming pool and a shady, peaceful deck ideal for winding down at the end of the day. A barbecue grill also means you can easily cook up the catch of the day. Kids will enjoy the bunk beds in the second bedroom and there's plenty of space for families to stretch out.
Rating: 4.97
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The owners use disinfectants to sanitize all surfaces and bleach products to clean the bathrooms, with extra sanitization of high-touch surfaces.
Cute coastal townhouse, $102
Most properties in the area are villas and condos, so this townhouse stands out as a rare find in Hilton Head. Sleeping up to eight guests, the interiors are immaculate from the design-forward furnishings, evident in the tables and lamps made of reclaimed wood and wrought iron, to the luxurious leather sofas and chairs. As an added bonus, the bedrooms have private decks for taking in views.
It's just a few minutes' walk to the beach, but this property is equally perfect for golfers thanks to its location on the 18th hole of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Not to mention there's also a tennis complex and shared pool for guests to use.
Rating: 4.88
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The property is part of Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program.
Bright apartment two blocks from the beach, $119
The owners live here sporadically, so you can be sure of homey comforts in this bright, spacious, and tastefully decorated apartment that's just two blocks from the beach. Up to six guests can luxuriate in the urbane design, where on-trend pastel shades emanate a sense of elevated seaside chic.
There's plenty of lounging space around the shared pool, but the charms of Coligny Plaza are right on your doorstep, making this place hard to beat for people that want easy beach access and to close proximity to nightlife and dining options. There are also bike rentals right outside for those that want to explore farther afield.
Rating: Not yet officially rated but good reviews so far and the owner is an Airbnb Superhost with additional properties.
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific policies are listed, but the property is rated 4.3 out of 5 for cleanliness and the host is an Airbnb Superhost.
Peaceful Harbor Town treehouse, $122
If you're looking for a truly memorable property, you'll find it in this tranquil treehouse with modern amenities surrounded by the bucolic bliss of open woodlands. This listing is just outside Harbor Town and welcomes up to four guests.
Large windows grace every side of this architecturally curious house, while the interiors show off a magazine-worthy contemporary flare. The swooping ceiling beams and organic feeling wooden floors create a striking indoor space. Guests can bask in the sunlight, take in the beautiful marsh views from the deck, or bathe in Japanese-style soaking tubs. Plus, the charms of Harbor Town are just a couple of minutes away by car.
Rating: 4.97
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The property is fully sanitized with bleach and disinfectant between guests and a 12-hour buffer is available, as is contactless check-in.
Condo with private beach access, $137
This exceptionally well-appointed condo (cheekily named Sea La Vie) can house six guests in its luxe surroundings. Located on the quieter, north-eastern coastline, this dynamite property is just a couple of minutes from the airport and is located along an evocative coastal path that offers direct access to a private beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
If it sounds out of the way, it's just a short drive to the more populous beaches. The property is an Airbnb Plus listing with luxe amenities such as a Nespresso coffee machine and high thread count sheets. The stylish contemporary fittings are exquisite, with coordinated furnishings that have an elegant rather than kitschy nautical theme. Guests will especially enjoy the screened porch furnished with a table and chairs and a cozy nook overlooking the nearby tennis courts.
Guests rave about the included extras such as beach accessories, chairs, umbrellas, and the like. The perfect score is well deserved.
Rating: 5.0
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The property notes it is cleaned and sanitized to exceed CDC standards, and the cleaners wear PPE. An ozone air purifier is run for at least two hours before any guests' arrival.
Coastal charm condo, $147
Larger family groups and those traveling with pets will love the unusual design and huge open spaces of this villa-style condo for up to seven guests. A chic, open-plan design shows off the polished wooden floors and exposed beams, creating a space that feels airy and expansive. The interior design choices are classy with muted grey and blue furnishings, and the entire look comes together effortlessly to make this one of sleekest seaside villas in town.
Treat everyone to a gourmet cookout on the back deck while the dogs run around and take a dip in the shared pool. It's just a short walk to the beach, but to get there in style, take the resort dune buggy shuttle.
Rating: 4.9
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This property is part of Airbnb's new Enhanced Clean program.
Coastal Town gallery house, $199
This may be at the upper end of our budget, but given that up to 10 people can stay here quite comfortably, it's a good value addition to the list for larger groups. Families and groups will love the leisure-time options here, as the property comes with its own game room (complete with full-sized pool table) and a private pool.
The pool deck also comes with a hot tub, hammocks, and Adirondack chairs for sitting around the firepit. The bedrooms are all spacious and come with their own TVs. Although the property is in the middle of the island, the beaches are still just a few minutes by car.
Rating: 4.84
COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The property's regular housekeeper sanitizes the house thoroughly with bleach, taking extra care.
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