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Last month, over Labor Day weekend, our family visited Jekyll Island, Georgia, for the first time. This barrier island in the southeast corner of Georgia had been on my radar for a long time and was the perfect destination for a 3-day weekend visit! While planning our visit, I didn’t do much research when it came to Jekyll Island hotels or figuring out the best place to stay on Jekyll Island. Today, I want to share everything I did and what I would do differently next time!
We are pretty loyal to IHG hotels, and I knew that the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island is located right on the beach. So, I booked that and didn’t look back. But was that really the best place to stay on Jekyll Island?
For us, it wasn’t. I had major FOMO once I got there because the Jekyll Island Club Resort was much more in our wheelhouse. Beyond that, the Westin Jekyll Island proved to possibly be in a better location. So, today, I want to share my thought process behind where to stay and my specific recommendations based on what you are looking for out of your visit.
So, keep reading and make sure to PIN this post for later to that you can book the best place to stay on Jekyll Island for your trip!
Jekyll Island, Georgia
First, I’d like to share a little bit more about Jekyll Island because it is actually quite unique, and that does play a role in planning your stay.
How is it unique? Well, it’s actually owned and managed by the state of Georgia. I see this as a huge plus because it has played a major role in keeping the island from being over-developed. Most of the homes and properties on the island are land leased, and there are pretty significant restrictions in place. For this reason, you won’t really see the big monster homes lining the coast one after another as you may see in other popular vacation destinations such as 30A.
On Jekyll Island, you actually can not tear down an older home and put up something different just because you want to. Most of the land lease agreements typically require a new build to be in the same footprint as the original structure.
A majority of the coastline on Jekyll Island remains unspoiled, including the popular Driftwood Beach, and you can often walk along the sand for quite some time without encountering another person. There are only a handful of hotels on the island (which I will talk about in just a minute) and a moderate number of vacation rentals.
A large campground at the northern end provides a peaceful and affordable option for travelers as well.
Overall, Jekyll Island really is a place to relax and just enjoy time with your friends and loved ones. There is a reason that people choose to come here year after year for respite and memory-making! You can view my entire trip by watching my Jekyll Island Story Highlight on Instagram.
Where is Jekyll Island?
Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s Golden Isles – a collection of barrier islands nestled in the southeastern corner of the state. The most popular way to get there is by car, and it’s a short 3-5 hour drive from many cities, including Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Charleston, and our home in Dothan, Alabama.
Booking.comPrefer to fly? Brunswick Golden Isles Airport is approximately 30 minutes away and provides daily connections to Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, both Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, have International airports that are under 90 minutes away and offer more flight options if you prefer to fly to Jekyll Island.
To enter Jekyll Island, all visitors must stop at the entrance gates, pay a vehicle entry fee and obtain a parking pass. This is required upon arrival on the island regardless of where you stay and is separate from any additional hotel parking fees that you may incur. Single and multi-day passes currently cost $8 per day, and annual passes are available for $55 per year. Additional charges do apply for oversized vehicles, starting at $12 per day and $100 per year. Bicycles and pedestrians can enter at no charge.
Where Is The Best Place To Stay On Jekyll Island?
So, once you get on to Jekyll Island, where is the best place to stay? Since most visitors stay for 2-4 days, hotels are usually the best option for families like mine. However, there are also a number of vacation rentals for larger groups and/or longer stays, and there is even a large campground on Jekyll Island that I’ve heard wonderful things about!
As you can see by looking at the map in the section above, the island is much longer than it is wide. You can easily cross the island from west to east in a matter of minutes, but the drive from the north end, where Driftwood Beach is located, to St Andrew’s Beach on the southern tip will take you close to 20 minutes.
With only a couple of exceptions, most of the activities and fun things to do on Jekyll Island are going to be located at the center of Jekyll Island. This includes the popular Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Waterpark, the popular Beach Village Shopping and Dining District (including the convention center), mini golf, the Jekyll Harbor Marina, and most of the restaurants.
For these reasons alone, staying toward the center of the island is typically your best bet. However, it is easy to drive around the island, and golf cart (LSV) rentals are quite popular with visitors, too. A pedestrian and bike path also runs throughout the island, making it easy to get around without a vehicle!
Hotels on Jekyll Island
There are only a handful of hotels on Jekyll Island, with the most iconic being the Jekyll Island Club Resort. The other two most popular options include the Holiday Inn Resort and the Westin. There are a few other limited-service and possibly more budget-friendly hotels that have recently opened their doors, including Home2Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn, and Days Inn.
Additionally, there are some smaller independent hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast style options as well. But for today, I plan to focus on the larger, more resort-style accommodations on Jekyll Island, sharing more about where I stayed and where I wish I would have stayed.
The Jekyll Island Club Resort
I will preface this by saying that we did not stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort during our visit to Jekyll Island. So, my commentary is 100% based on the property itself and doesn’t take into consideration the actual rooms. You can rely on their online reviews for feedback, but book confidently, knowing it is a AAA 4-diamond hotel and was even rated the #4 best resort in Georgia by U.S. News & World Report last year.
But I wish I would have stayed here. I actually knew better because this place is right up our alley, and the reviews were quite positive. The nightly rate wasn’t much higher than we paid at the Holiday Inn Resort, and we probably spent more time over here during our trip than in the area surrounding our actual hotel.
Why do I wish I stayed at the Jekyll Island Club?
Well, simply put, it’s iconic. I am fascinated with the history of the Jekyll Club. Founded in 1886 and considered to be “the richest, the most exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world”, its members represented 1/6th of the world’s wealth!
Many of the cottages built by these titans of industry (for their families) still remain here in the historic district surrounding the Jekyll Island Club. A number of significant events occurred here, including the meetings that led to the creation of the Federal Reserve. JP Morgan loved the Jekyll Club, and it was here that he anchored the most luxurious pleasure craft in the world – his Corsair(s) yachts.
Some of the most prominent men of the 19th and early 20th century walked these hallways, including JP Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, Marshall Field, the Vanderbilts, and many more families whose names and legacies very much still remain a part of local history as well as American history.
And while it has seen a series of necessary renovations, this Queen Anne-style property really does exist much as it did in years past when it was the predominant private club in America — if not the world!
Is the Jekyll Island Club Resort the best place to stay on Jekyll Island?
I am going to say YES. This is my personal opinion, of course, but it is just so unique, and I truly feel like a trip to Jekyll Island would not be complete without a stay at the Jekyll Island Club Resort.
Now, that doesn’t mean I would stay here every single time I visit because I think each property has something unique to offer. However, I think you should stay here at least once, and it would be my first choice for a first-time visitor to Jekyll Island. There are enough amenities and dining options to make it really feel like a vacation and really enjoy quality time with your family.
Here is Abby during our lunch at The Pantry at the Jekyll Island Club!
Is the Jekyll Island Club Resort family-friendly?
Yes, guests of all ages are welcome at the Jekyll Island Club Resort. I will point out that it is a historic property, though so obviously kid-friendly, like, say, the Great Wolf Lodge. It’s an upscale retreat; however, the grounds are large, and there is plenty of room to explore and activities to do nearby. I saw plenty of children at the restaurants and walking around the historic district while we were there, and it essentially was created as a retreat for families.
They frequently have seasonal activities planned for kids, including cookie decorating and breakfast with Santa (or the Grinch) during the holidays.
And while the Jekyll Island Club is actually one of the only hotels NOT located on the beach, guests do have access to the sister property Jekyll Ocean Club’s pool and beach access, which is located in the Beach Village area and a seasonal beach pavilion. There is a complimentary shuttle to take you between the two. So, you really are getting the best of both worlds here!
Also, it was raining on the one day that I brought my camera with me over there, so I apologize for the lack of pretty Jekyll Island Club photos, but I am sure you can find a bunch online!
What is there to do near the Jekyll Island Club?
A lot more than you think! Of course, the hotel is a destination itself.
When we were there, I loved walking around, exploring the different rooms, and finding surprises everywhere. I know that not all travelers appreciate historic significance over modern-day amenities, but I found it impossible not to admire the place!
Guests staying at the Jekyll Island Club Resort have access to a lovely pool with a small restaurant/snack bar. We ate at The Wharf restaurant twice and just loved it. We sat out on the back deck, overlooking the East River, and watched the sunset while enjoying a great meal and live music (Wed-Sun). Just look at the photos of The Wharf and tell me that this does not have my name written all over it!
From the docks, you can head out on a daily dolphin cruise! There are also horse-drawn carriage rides available, complimentary croquet on the front lawn, and more. For more things to do on Jekyll Island, read this blog post!
Adjacent to the resort is the Jekyll Island Historic District, which is home to many of the stunning cottages built by titans on the industry a century ago. You can stroll the narrow streets and admire each one or take the trolley tour through the historic district. Make sure to visit the cute shops and grab a treat at Island Sweets Shoppe. You also will want to plan a few hours to visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and the Mosaic Museum!
This map will show you everything there is in the area surrounding the Jekyll Island Club Resort!
Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island
So, if I love the Jekyll Island Club so much, why didn’t I stay there?
Well, I had also been following the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island on Instagram for quite a while, and it always looked like somewhere we would enjoy. To be honest, for a long time, I have been pretty loyal to IHG hotels, earning Diamond Status utilizing their IHG Premier Credit Card and frequent hotel stays. We love this credit card because when you redeem points, you get the 4th night free as well as an annual free night a year which more than covers the annual fee. What we like about Diamond Status with the new updated IHG Rewards Program is the free breakfast and the possibility for upgrades.
I had the option to book our room for points on this trip, but that room was not a guaranteed ocean view, so we paid out of pocket to ensure an ocean view, and I was excited about the possibility of an upgrade.
So, most of my dissatisfaction comes from not having an ocean view. You could possibly see a sliver of it if you stood on tiptoes and peered out one corner of the window, but our actual view was the back side of the poolside restaurant/bathrooms and the pool’s fence. When I went back and asked if this was, in fact, an ocean-view room, the gal at the front desk said yes and shrugged.
Upon check-in, I also had to ask for our Diamond member breakfast coupons, and at this point, I just decided to deal with it. And if you all know me, I am not high maintenance and never one to complain at hotels. I just showed a lot of brand loyalty booking here, and it just felt a little one-sided. I never like being negative, but I think it’s just important that you read all of their Tripadvisor reviews and make this decision for yourself.
I do think that the Holiday Inn Resort is a good option for a budget-conscious traveler without a lot of expectations. The property is located right on a large stretch of beach and has a swimming pool, hot tub, playground, and fire pits. Bikes are available to rent for a fee.
Our room itself was outdated and had a pretty musty smell, not unexpected at a beach property. However, it was spacious, and I enjoyed that you could come and go out the front or back door. There is a poolside restaurant/bar (seasonal) that had live music one day and a full-service restaurant next door. This is where you use any breakfast vouchers that you have. However, it was a small buffet and was just sub-par. We only went one day and decided not to go back or use our coupons the other two days.
What is there to do near the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island?
Since this hotel is located in the north-central part of the island, you aren’t within walking distance of too many things. You can easily bike to mini golf and to other activities, but it is a 20-40 minute walk to most places.
That said, Matt and I walked all of the way to Beach Village and back on our last night. We had set out to walk the 1.2 miles along the path to Tortuga Jacks because we enjoyed the live music and open-air dining so much on our first night; however, when we got there, they were turning people away due to a staffing shortage that evening. So, we ended up walking the 35 minutes (each way) to the Beach Village area. Obviously, in hindsight, we should have just driven, but the walk isn’t un-doable. It would be even better on a bike!
I will say that the beach is great here at the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island. There is no beach service available, but it is pretty expansive, and you can walk far in both directions and not have to dodge chairs and umbrellas. We actually didn’t really spend a lot of time at the beach on this trip. We are spoiled with our beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water down on 30A.
But, if spending time at the pool and beach is a priority for you, this would be a good option. Many guests had their balconies and patios full of beach gear, inflatables, sand toys, and more, and families could easily walk back and forth between the beach and the hotel.
I did love the firepits that they had going at night at the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, and I believe they even sell smores kits in the lobby!
The Westin Jekyll Island
We walked through the Westin during our stay, and Matt and I actually enjoyed an appetizer and drink there on our last evening in town. I was impressed and would probably make this my 2nd overall pick for a Jekyll Island Hotel and my #1 pick for beachfront Jekyll Island hotels primarily because it is large, newer, and conveniently located to everything.
This Marriot Bonvoy property is a full-service hotel with 187 guest rooms, 13 suites, 3 onsite restaurants, direct beach access, and a large swimming pool. It is located in the Beach Village area, so there are several other restaurants and bars within a 1-2 minute walk, along with shopping and the larger-than-I-expected Jekyll Market.
The downside? While everything is super convenient, this area is also home to the island’s Civic Center and, therefore, the most built-up and congested part of the Island. In order to enjoy nature and the island’s rich history, you will need to venture out more.
Also, you may encounter more sports teams and event-type crowds here than in other areas of Jekyll Island.
Other Hotels on Jekyll Island
Adjacent to the Westin is a new Home2Suites that looks like another great option! It is not beachfront but just a very short walk away and has a large pool. This would be my choice for a standard (not full-service) style hotel on Jekyll Island simply due to its newness and location.
Just a bit further south, you’ll find a Days Inn, a new Courtyard by Marriott + Residence Inn with a nice large pool, followed by a Hampton Inn. All of these are beachfront, and while not located adjacent to the shopping and restaurants, you can easily access them via bike or car.
Vacation Rentals on Jekyll Island
There are quite a few options for vacation rentals on Jekyll Island through Airbnb and VRBO! By browsing the Jekyll Island VRBO listings here, you will see that you can choose anything from a hotel-like condo to a full multistory house with a private pool.
You will notice that because of the land-lease restrictions that I mentioned earlier, these will look more like traditional homes than properties developed solely for short-term rentals like on 30A, and many of them are not directly on the beach but do have access to walkovers nearby that provide access to the beach.
And while it’s not beachfront, I actually fell in love with the Jekyll Harbor Marina and was even looking at possible investment opportunities at the condos nearby – like this one! It’s right next to the marina and Zachry’s restaurant.
Camping on Jekyll Island
One last way to find accommodations on Jekyll Island is by camping. The Jekyll Island Campground is located on the north end of the island, very close to Driftwood Beach. Being that it is the farthest from the hustle and bustle that you find mid-island, it is probably the most natural way to experience Jekyll Island! With 179 campsites on 18 wooded acres, this is one of the most popular camping destinations in southeastern Georgia.
Click here for more information on the Jekyll Island Campground.
Summary: What Is The Best Place To Stay On Jekyll Island?
So, that was a lot, right? I definitely have thought this one through and hope that my insight will help you plan your best trip to Jekyll Island. And while there truly is something for everyone there, I think I would recommend that everyone stays at the Jekyll Island Club at least once!
We do hope to plan another visit to Jekyll Island in the future, and my plan would be to stay there. If we make it a third time, I would try to book at the Westin.
Do you have any feedback on these specific hotels or questions that I can answer? Feel free to leave me a comment on this blog post, and I always make sure to reply! And thanks for reading!
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