Newbie to MB - summer accomodations

Hi everyone:

I am thinking of a trip to MB end of June.

I am looking for reasonable/nice hotel for 2 adults

any suggestions would be appreciated

I would like to keep it in the $100-150 range

per night.

Thanks again.

Newbie to MB - summer accomodations

You might not find anything that low but I found a few that are close:

-Dayton House: www.daytonhouse.com

-Roxanne Towers: www.roxannetowers.com

-Grande Shores: www.grandeshores.com

-Compass Cove: www.compasscove.com (they are completely booked the closer you get to the 4th holiday. So check around 24-27th. It%26#39;s not exactly a couples place as MB doesn%26#39;t have many of those and if so, they are quite expensive i.e. Marriott Grande Dunes. But once in the room, it doesn%26#39;t matter really.

-Coral Beach Resort: www.thecoralbeach.com

Newbie to MB - summer accomodations

thank you I will look into these properties

A few of the hotels where I believe you can get an oceanfront room within your price range are:

Tropical Seas

Bar Harbor

Bermuda Sands

Holiday Sands South

Ocean Plaza

The MB Chamber of Commerce website lists a bunch of motels and links to their websites with information about their rooms and pricing.

www.mbchamber.com

You can get a Oceanview 1 Bedroom condo in the new tower at Holiday Sands south for 150-180 for that time.

There are several that are oceanfront and around 100 dollars a night for an oceanfront efficiency during June, if modest accomodations are ok with you. Some travelers such as myself do not prefer the fancy high rise resorts, and save money on lodging to spend on food and entertainment! All of these are small motels, most family owned, basic ammenities.

Gazebo Inn www.gazeboinn.com

Southern Breeze www.southernbreezemotel.com

Twilight Surf www.twilightsurfmotel.com

Sea Horn Motel No website, phone is (843) 448-7010

Carnival Motor Inn www.carnivalmotorinn.com

Atrium or Sealoft Villas?

Hello everyone,

We have finally narrowed our August vacation to Seabrook Island (we have never been) and are now trying to decide on a 2 bedroom villa. We have (I think), narrowed the choices to either the Atrium Villas or the Sealoft Villas. Could anyone help with either the pluses / minuses of the two?? It seems as if: Atrium is closest to the beach and activities while Sealoft has access to the quieter(?) North beach. We have 2 boys 11 and 7 and for them pool size is a factor. Both villas seem fine, but we are hoping for maybe some help or advice that would help our decision. Any and all advice plus something that we don%26#39;t know about or have thought about would be great. We will be taking their bikes and renting ours. Thank you all in advance for your help.

Anthony and Deanna

Atrium or Sealoft Villas?

Plusses and minuses:

ATriums-condo building; two bedrooms are two bedrooms

Sealoft-stand alone units: two ';lock-off'; bedrooms plus an upstairs loft bedroom. A couple of Sealofts have three full baths (one is in the loft area)

Atriums are technically closer to the beach but at high tide there is not much beach around the club area.

While the walk to the beach from Sealofts is maybe five minutes more (down a couple of steps through a marshy area), you are hugely rewarded once you hit the beach!

If you want to ride bikes on the beach, you%26#39;ll want to use one of the boardwalks closer to NOrth Beach.

Atriums--some do have an ocean view. Sealofts have either a golf course view or marsh/lagoon view.

Something to note about Atriums--they do back up to the golf courses (early morning golf maintenance noise might be a problem-ask). There is also construction going on near the pro shop/Island House (I%26#39;m not sure how much is actually happening now with the downturn in the economy)

Pools and amenities: Make sure you ask each unit owner about access to the club%26#39;s amenities. The club is now charging $150/wk for access. Some memberships include the charge, some do not.

Sealoft--has its own neighborhood pool that does not require the amenity card. While this pool is not near as big as the two pools at the club, there are many times where no one is there.

In the Summer the club%26#39;s pools can get really crowded. I find alot of just ';standing'; around happening and no actually swimming. There is also some point during the day (maybe even every hour), where all kids have to get out to allow for adults only swim.

Which units are you looking to rent? *Disclaimer, I own a Sealoft and have a preference for them;-) My neighbors are awesome! Sealoft is the best neighborhood on the island...if I can brag;-)

I can send you lots of pics of North Beach, Sealoft%26#39;s pool, beach boardwalk etc.

Seabrook Island is a magical place. Once you go, any other beach will not be the same.

Eliza

Atrium or Sealoft Villas?

Hello Eliza,

Thanks alot for the information, it pretty much confirms what we thought. We are now looking to rent one of the Sealoft Villas and are starting to contact agencies. Some will re-imburse for the access/activity cards and some don%26#39;t, so we need to figure out the cost difference. Needing an access card for the pool and to access the kids activity camps I understand, but was told that we needed it to use the restaurants makes no sense to us. Paying to spend money at a restaurant seems well, odd.

Thanks again,

Anthony and Deanna

I just sent you a pm with additional information.

kingston plantation splash park fees

We%26#39;re renting at the Royale Palms this summer from a private owner. Does anyone know the Splash Park daily and weekly fees? I can%26#39;t find it posted on any of their websites.

kingston plantation splash park fees

$10 per day per child. There are no weekly fees listed. I have copies of the park signs.

You should be saving considerably by renting directly through the owner and therefore the additional cost of the water park should be reasonable.

Hope you enjoy Royale Palms and Kingston as much as we do!

kingston plantation splash park fees

Does anyone know the at what age you have to start paying for kids in the Splash Park? I would not be surprised if I had to pay for my 2 year old, but I%26#39;m assuming my 10 month old will be free?

I just returned from Kingston yesterday and purposely walked by the water park. The entrance fee sign is not there now. The water park was open on the weekend but I did not get there soon enough to ask the attendants about fees.

We suspect that many homeowners have complained about the fees because we all pay into a group fund. There should not be any fees for anyone living, staying or renting at Kingston.

If I find out more information I will post it on this forum.

This is the reason our family decided against Kingston Plantation. Why would a resort charge you extra to use a kids%26#39; waterpark? In my opinion, that is crazy and greedy on the part of the resort.

This just back from the onsite rental company at Kingston:

Owners who have a membership at the sport and health club but who are not on the Kingston rental program pay $5 for their own children (per child)

If the owner does not belong to sport and health club or if owner rents independent of Kingston rental the cost is $10 per child per day.

Things to remember. If you are renting privately you should be paying FAR LESS than renting through Kingston. You should be saving enough to pay a daily rate for kids water park. You only pay on the days you want to use the water park.

However, take note that owners in Kingston are definitely not happy about having to pay extra when they already pay plenty of fees. But until the policy changes it%26#39;s the way it is.

Just back from Seabrook

We just got home from a great week at Seabrook. It was our first visit but definitely not our last.

We rented a home on Old Forest Drive backing onto a lagoon. It was incredibly private and peaceful. There were deer at the window in the morning, lots of birds, turtles, fish and other wildlife.

All the homes are beautifully kept and the streets are so clean and manicured.

We noticed the nights were incredibly dark and quiet. There are very few streetlights which makes it a bit hard to walk the dog at night, but it also means you%26#39;ll have some very sound sleeps!

The beach was gorgeous and so wide at low tide! There were very few people there so there was lots of room for the dog to run.

We had bikes which were great to get around. Also, Freshfields just outside the gate has everything you would ever need so no need to drive to town when you need anything.

We ate at Rosebank Farms, Cindy%26#39;s Seafood and JB Smokeshack as well as at some Charleston restaurants. I have to say the Cindy%26#39;s was quite overpriced, Rosebank was awesome, and JB has a very good down home buffet for only 7.95, which is very hard to beat.

We can%26#39;t wait to go back next year!

Just back from Seabrook

Shhhh, now we wouldn%26#39;t word getting out, would we??;-)

Sounds like the only thing you missed were the dolphin, which love to frolick/feed at low tide.

Did you try biking to Fresh Fields on the new bike path? New interior island bike paths that will connect to the new F.F. bike path are scheduled to be built over the next year or two.

Y%26#39;all come back real soon!

Just back from Seabrook

We were at Seabrook last fall although the place is quite beautiful I was%26#39;nt impressed with the beach( at high tide it was almost gone) and the lack of bike trails (almost was hit twice)and no places to dine without having to drive. The two closest resturants were closed. Rosebank Farms and Cindy%26#39;s were good but a little far to bike or walk to. If you want a nice peaceful vacation this is the place, beautiful and quiet. Freshfields has loads of premade dinners you can enjoy back at your villa.

EvilleBuffet,

What part of the island were you staying? Sounds like you must have been near Pelican Beach. North Beach has much more ';beach acreage';, especially at lowtide.

Next time you should try the Sealoft neighborhood. We%26#39;re lots of fun and are even thinking about hosting weekly get-togethers for owners and guests at our neighborhood pool;-)

Oooh, a couple of things to note about Seabrook Island. Plans are underway for ';inter-island'; bike paths. These will connect with the new bike path going from Seabrook Island to Fresh Fields. Already you can ride your bike from SI to Fresh Fields something you can not do staying on Kiawah.

Another difference between the two island--Seabrook is a residential community where KI is a resort community. Kiawah really caters to resort guests with all its amenities.

We were on North Beach and it was suprisingly wide and uncrowded.

The restaurants are really very close and I liked the feel of leaving the island to go for dinner.

As for biking, with so few cars and a speed limit of 25MPH, we had absolutely no issues at all.

We%26#39;re coming to Seabrook soon (end of April)and love the idea of riding the bike to Freshfields! Where can we hire bikes from please - and should I sort this before I come? Will they deliver to the villa?

And I%26#39;m sure we will want to go into Charleston - how is this for parking, and any good suggestions for restaurants please

Always grateful for any info!

SusieG,

You%26#39;ll have to rent bikes from one of the off-island companies (unless the homeowner you%26#39;re renting from supplies bikes.

The bike shop I use is Island Bike %26amp; Surf: http://www.kiawahislandbikerental.com/

Another bike shop is SeaSide Cycles, http://seasidecycles.com/.

Remember to take a map and a cell phone and have fun exploring the island on bikes (my mom did neither;-}). Ride your bike single file with the traffic and bike riding is not allowed on the boardwalks.

There are numerous restaurants in and around Seabrook Island.

Red Sky,843-768-0183, is located right outside the gate(on the left if you are heading out). It has been closed for expansion. Hopefully it is open by now.

Over in Fresh Fields, all my neighbors are excited about the opening of King St. Grill. There is one is downtown Chs. too

I like Vincent%26#39;s Drug Store and Soda Fountain for a quick bite--hamburgers, wraps, milk shakes.

Then there%26#39;s Rosebank Farms Cafe at Bohicket Marina; Up da Creek at Bohicket

On Betsy Kerrison Rd, which is the main road in and out, you have Cindy%26#39;s Shrimp Shack and Chez Fish.

I keep a listing of restaurants if you%26#39;d like me to email it to you.

So much to try so little time;-)

Driving and parking in Charleston is surprisingly easy. Although on-street parking is limited, with many parts of the historic district requiring residential stickers, there are plenty of safe, centrally-located public garages.

You can access a locator map for the parking garages at -

charlestoncity.info/shared/鈥arking.html

laser cartridges

Which Walking tour???

We will be visiting Charleston in May and would like to book a walking tour, but we%26#39;re not sure which one is the best one. Could anyone give us some input as to their experiences with the walking tours. How long do they usually last? Also how far in advance should you book? Thanks to all.

Patty

Which Walking tour???

I have taken quite a few different walking tours and have loved each one. They usually take about 2+ hours (if the group is really interested, the guides don%26#39;t mind spending a little more time). They leave from various locations around the city - I%26#39;ve been with a couple of different guides that leave from the Mills House and one that leaves from the park off Broad Street.

All of the guides are well trained and have to be certified (by passing a test after doing coursework) and as each is an individual, you will get something a little different from each guide. I mentioned that since I don%26#39;t think there is one ';best'; tour - they%26#39;ve all been enjoyable and interesting.

You should plan to wear comfortable flat shoes, take sun lotion and a water bottle and use the rest room before the tour as there aren%26#39;t any bathroom breaks. Look under ';Things to Do'; on the left of this page for links to some of the tours. ENJOY!

Which Walking tour???

We took one at night called ';Wicked Walk'; that explained Charleston%26#39;s bawdy past. It was a lot of fun. Also took a Ghost Walk and that was fun too. One left from Market St. and the other I%26#39;m not sure about. It might have been Meeting St. There are lots of brochures around in hotels describing these walks. We booked one the same day and the other the day before. This was last week but as the season progresses things will get busier.

Events in Charleston 3/1 through 3/5?

This is a two part question, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Is there a special even in Charleston which is soaking up all the hotel rooms? It seems to be difficult to find a hotel room.

Also, once I do get this booked, are there any can%26#39;t-miss events during that time period? My girlfriend (both fairly youngish but not kids anymore-- call us late 20%26#39;s early 30%26#39;s) and I will be there during the dates specified, and are interested in tours, special events/concerts, and anything with a true local flavor. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

Events in Charleston 3/1 through 3/5?

I think I just answered my own question: bridge run. Darn, I was looking forward to staying in Charleston, but not if the rooms are as scarce as they are being represented by the B%26amp;B%26#39;s I%26#39;m calling.

Events in Charleston 3/1 through 3/5?

I%26#39;m assuming you meant 4/1 through 4/5... and we are also in full swing with our Historic Society Tours of Homes and Gardens. Draws thousands of visitors and lasts for a month! Because of the variety of offerings during this festival, you are sure to find something that interests you. For example, there might be chamber music in a garden somewhere one day, a walking tour (they give you a map and the homes are ';attended'; by docents) of 8 to 10 homes another day, and a garden tour of 8 to 10 gardens another day followed by a wine reception and/or preceded by a presentation by an author/landscape architect, - you name it, we have it. And since you%26#39;re from Savannah you know how absolutely perfect our weather is at this time of year - that%26#39;ll bring %26#39;em out of the woodwork!

I guess you took a look at our ';Things To Do'; tab (upper left on this page) and clicked on ';Events';?

If you%26#39;re looking for an off time to visit the city, there won%26#39;t be one now til about December - oops - January. Our summers bring people who flock to the local beaches (which are close by, will be extra warm, and convenient for visitors to the Historic downtown). But you know that since you%26#39;re less than 2 hours away!

tram3 - our plantations are definitely worth a visit. Since you%26#39;re somewhat local, you might consider staying nearer to them (most on Hwy 61 and one in Mt. Pleasant) and driving into the ';big city'; (LOL!) It sounds like you%26#39;re relatively new to CHS so I%26#39;ll mention that it%26#39;s way too easy to get to downtown. Unlike any other city I%26#39;ve known, actually. Admittedly I have always said there is little traffic here - I was proven wrong yesterday when the ';leaving the beach'; traffic made it look like July 4th weekend! What%26#39;s up with that?

Oh, do get to the beach. On the way you can visit Shem Creek. Outdoor dining, outdoor creek front bars, great time for all. If you have a dog, bring him/her! Very pet friendly.

Only minutes past Shem Creek is Sullivan%26#39;s Island - I%26#39;d rec you go to Poe%26#39;s Tavern. (Edgar Allan Poe lived on Sullivan%26#39;s). Drive on 2 min farther to Isle of Palms for a nice walk on the beach or beach volleyball.

In the city: carriage tour is a MUST; go for a walk on your own through the residential district (the area South of Broad Street - see ';Map'; tab on left side of this page). If you can, take a tour with the Historic Society.

That enough for ya? ENJOY and welcome!

Yep. My brain is apparently fried from work. I did in fact mean 4/1 and 4/5.

There are no even halfway-reasonable hotel rooms in your city, unfortunately. I%26#39;m looking to travel elsewhere, but I%26#39;ll be visiting again on a weekend no so jam-packed with bridge runners.

Thanks for your thoughtful reply-- I%26#39;ll put it to good use on my next trip there.

Seeing the sights of SC

I have an 8 day vacation coming up. I am going to pick up my best friend at the Charleston Airport and going to do some sight seeing that I haven%26#39;t had the chance to do in the 2 years I have been stationed here. I don%26#39;t have alot of money and was wondering if i could get some advice on inexpensive places to go. We are going near the end of April. I plan on packing camping gear (tent, sleeping bags) and am willing to try new things. This might be my last vacation i take in this state and want to get the most out of it. Please fill me in!

Thank You,

Looking for an adventure

Seeing the sights of SC

Adventuregirl,

There is more free stuff to do in May (check out www.visit.sc for a local calendar of events). Strolling historic downtown (the Market, Aquarium, Battery are not to be missed) and hanging out at the beaches (Folly Beach %26amp; Isle of Palms) are probably the cheapest you%26#39;ll find. Not really a big campground area, the closest one will be on Hwy 17 in Mt. Pleasant, just outside of Charleston. Have fun!

Seeing the sights of SC

Lots of great camping in the Francis Marion National Forest to the north of Charleston

www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/about/fmmap.shtml