The 7 best hotels in Isle of Palms, United States

July 27, 2022 Malia Yoakum

Bordered by pristine beaches and a network of marsh creeks, the barrier island of Isle of Palms has been a vacation spot since the late 19th century when it was only accessible by ferry. In 1929, a bridge was built, which opened up the island to more than just local residents. Today, it’s the island’s great fishing, beaches and golf that provide a few of the magnets for visitors. With a laid-back, easy going, resort lifestyle, the most popular fashion statement is flip-flops and a t-shirt. Isle of Palms is a great place to gear down from a hectic lifestyle. The magnificent stretch of beach on Isle of Palms is both photogenic and fun. Once you’ve done your obligatory sunbathing and beachcombing at the Isle of Palms County Park Beach, head to nearby Charleston, a 30-minute drive away, which has historic sites, landmarks, shopping districts, golf courses and family attractions like The South Carolina Aquarium and Fountain Walk, a new dining, entertainment and shopping complex nearby. For golfers, the Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms features two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio and there are several more excellent layouts on the mainland, including Patriots Point and Charleston National Country Club.
Things to do in Isle of Palms

1. Seaside Inn

1004 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451-2223
Excellent
44%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
11%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 507 reviews

Seaside Inn

Cue the beach tunes and kick back. This is the getaway beach-lovers dream about, the one with a casual come-as-you-are vibe, with ocean access, and a sundeck with a dipping pool. Serene-and surprisingly affordable-Seaside Inn's guest rooms in coastal hues set the stage for a laid-back Isle of Palms' getaway.

Perfect location - next to bars and restaurants and right on the beach

Reviewed By Candi M

I will start off by sharing that Diane and Brandy provided phenomenal customer service. They were caring and Brandy was funny and full of energy. Diane was kind and attentive. These two ladies need a bonus as customer service can make or break a hotel, and I would not want to loss these two as they are gold to this business. I have managed numerous businesses and I wish I could find employees like these two. My husband and I were quite impressed with our stay. The location was perfect, and the staff Diane and Brandy made our stay extremely pleasant. These two ladies made our vacation at the hotel wonderful. They were both very accommodating. I even left my phone in the lobby and Diane walked to my room and brought me my phone. Superb customer service. We could walk to Windjammers next door (literally). This is the must go to place if you visit Isle of the Palms. They have great live music, but it is a dive bar with drinks that are quick to make, so you will not find a Pina colada. LOL. Best part is that you can watch the band play right from the balconies of this hotel. We were in a prime location where you could walk to all of the restaurants, shops, and bars. Mind you Isle of the Palms is a very small beach town. You must try Acme restaurant while in town. The food is mind-blowing, sooooo good. You are right on the beach which is the best part. The hotel bedroom was updated but the tiles in our room were coming up and undone and the TV needed upgrading as the quality was very poor and there was a scratch on the TV which effected the picture. The bedrooms were adorably decorated, and the use of space was done well. The stairs in the building need some cleaning and updating. This is a three star hotel so do not expect to be wowed, but it is impressing for a 3 star hotel! Moreover, the pillows need an upgrade. They were awful and flat. Our room was next to the ice machine, so it was very load when we were sleeping in the morning and we were constantly being woken up. I loved that the toiletries were kept on a shelf in the lobby so that you could pick up whatever you needed when you needed it without constantly bothering the receptionists. The breakfast was good for a small 3 star hotel. There was complimentary bottled in the lobby at all times for their guests which is a nice bonus and treat. I would definitely stay here again. Thank you Brandy and Diane for being so lovely!

2. Wild Dunes Resort

5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Excellent
49%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
8%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 6324 reviews

Wild Dunes Resort

Rooms were so dirty. There were dust balls hanging from the ceiling. My air conditioning unit leaked the whole time.

Reviewed By annaleigh033096

This was a horrible experience. My first room was a complete mess and so loud that my baby couldn’t sleep. I was then moved to another room without any assistance. This room had dust bunnies hanging from the ceiling, shower drain that didn’t drain, loose balcony railing, leaking air conditioning unit, nasty bed skirt, sand all in the floor, dirty furniture. I am so unhappy with my stay.

3. Seaside Inn

1004 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451-2223
Excellent
44%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
11%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 507 reviews

Seaside Inn

Cue the beach tunes and kick back. This is the getaway beach-lovers dream about, the one with a casual come-as-you-are vibe, with ocean access, and a sundeck with a dipping pool. Serene-and surprisingly affordable-Seaside Inn's guest rooms in coastal hues set the stage for a laid-back Isle of Palms' getaway.

Perfect location - next to bars and restaurants and right on the beach

Reviewed By Candi M

I will start off by sharing that Diane and Brandy provided phenomenal customer service. They were caring and Brandy was funny and full of energy. Diane was kind and attentive. These two ladies need a bonus as customer service can make or break a hotel, and I would not want to loss these two as they are gold to this business. I have managed numerous businesses and I wish I could find employees like these two. My husband and I were quite impressed with our stay. The location was perfect, and the staff Diane and Brandy made our stay extremely pleasant. These two ladies made our vacation at the hotel wonderful. They were both very accommodating. I even left my phone in the lobby and Diane walked to my room and brought me my phone. Superb customer service. We could walk to Windjammers next door (literally). This is the must go to place if you visit Isle of the Palms. They have great live music, but it is a dive bar with drinks that are quick to make, so you will not find a Pina colada. LOL. Best part is that you can watch the band play right from the balconies of this hotel. We were in a prime location where you could walk to all of the restaurants, shops, and bars. Mind you Isle of the Palms is a very small beach town. You must try Acme restaurant while in town. The food is mind-blowing, sooooo good. You are right on the beach which is the best part. The hotel bedroom was updated but the tiles in our room were coming up and undone and the TV needed upgrading as the quality was very poor and there was a scratch on the TV which effected the picture. The bedrooms were adorably decorated, and the use of space was done well. The stairs in the building need some cleaning and updating. This is a three star hotel so do not expect to be wowed, but it is impressing for a 3 star hotel! Moreover, the pillows need an upgrade. They were awful and flat. Our room was next to the ice machine, so it was very load when we were sleeping in the morning and we were constantly being woken up. I loved that the toiletries were kept on a shelf in the lobby so that you could pick up whatever you needed when you needed it without constantly bothering the receptionists. The breakfast was good for a small 3 star hotel. There was complimentary bottled in the lobby at all times for their guests which is a nice bonus and treat. I would definitely stay here again. Thank you Brandy and Diane for being so lovely!

4. The Palms Oceanfront Hotel

1126 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Excellent
55%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
7%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 242 reviews

The Palms Oceanfront Hotel

Palms Oceanfront Hotel charts a fresh new course on Isle of Palms in Charleston

Great spot for a short term beach getaway

Reviewed By Katie J

We really enjoyed our one night stay at The Palms. I think it must have been updated since some of the reviews that I read prior to booking…our room was clean, the bathroom was updated, and everything was perfectly pleasant. Plenty of towels, nice bedding, etc. I do wish I had been able to tell from the listing that our room had no natural light. Our window looked out into a concrete indoor/outdoor hallway so we just kept the shutters closed. Fortunately we spent most of our time on the beach or eating/shopping, so we were really only in our room for sleeping or cleaning up. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and allowed us to check in much earlier than scheduled, which was a huge bonus. The location can’t be beat. It’s right in the heart of IOP and within walking distance to dining, shopping, and the beach. I would definitely stay again, this time in a room with a view! :)

5. 914 Carolina Blvd.

914 Carolina Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451-2211
Excellent
67%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
33%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 3 reviews

914 Carolina Blvd.

New owner...pay no attention to bad reviews here!

Reviewed By Anne C

Several other women and myself stayed here mid-October 2019 and it was by far the best place I've ever stayed. The home was immaculate! All important amenities were provided (linens, dishware/glassware, coffee makers (regular and Keurig), beach chairs, etc...). I think every bedroom had a TV, there were books and games to keep us entertained in case we had a "bad weather" day, it was tastefully decorated and furniture was very comfortable. It is only one street over from the beach and there are several restaurants/eating establishments close by. The owner, Nicole, answered any questions we had and provided detailed instructions on what we, as renters, needed to do. A list of nearby restaurants and attractions was provided. There is also an elevator, which made bringing in luggage and groceries a breeze! There is not one complaint about this property and we thoroughly enjoyed staying there! You can't go wrong booking this home!

6. Mariners Walk Villas

7000 Palmetto Drive, Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Excellent
23%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
31%
Poor
12%
Terrible
19%
Overall Ratings

3 based on 26 reviews

Mariners Walk Villas

Mariners walk 12C

Reviewed By 89kristia

Rented through Vacasa. Vacasa canceled the original place I booked due to construction in the building, and gave me choices to pick from as an alternative. Chose the mariners walk 12c for its oceanfront view. That is the only good thing about this condo, the view. A full size bed and the a 2nd bedroom with 2 twins. Beds were uncomfy with stained mattresses. Just the two of us,Husband and I ended up taking turns sleeping in one of the twin beds because a full size is too small for a couple. Our backs hurt so bad each morning. Living room furniture was newer but not made for comfort what so ever. Kitchen was fine cuz we ate out most of the time. The bathrooms are horrendous!! See my pictures! Felt like we were going to fall through the floor as it was so rotted, in both bathrooms. We didn't even use the worse bathroom. Mold everywhere, tile cracked and flaking and falling off walls around tub, toilet leans because floor is so soft. Felt gross taking a shower. Water stains on ceiling in bedroom, hole in wall in bathroom like someone punched it, no lock on screen in porch. Complained first day we got there to vacasa. They took information, no call back. Then after 3 nights we had enough discomfort and left for home back to Ohio. Before we left the island I stopped in the vacasa office to tell them we r leaving 2 days early and explained that I never received a call back. Told them the bathrooms were disgusting and a lawsuit waiting to happen because one step the floor could fall through. They gave me a number to call. Next day I got an email from them telling me we were reimbursed for the 2 unused nights and that they would make sure the owner of the condo knows about the issues. So dont rent this place. The website pictures are deceiving.

7. Vacation Rentals at Wild Dunes Resort

5757 Palm Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451-2734
Excellent
46%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
17%
Terrible
17%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 24 reviews

Overall very nice resort.

Reviewed By katoler91

Good room size, great accommodations. Besides groceries, everything you need is on the resort. Adult only pool was great to have access too. Fitness center was clean and had everything you’d need for a vacation workout.

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