Marriott's Grande Ocean

This was our second time to stay at this resort. It is such a great place to stay, partially due to their amazing staff!! We were there Christmas week. The resort was festively decorated with Christmas lights, wreaths, etc. We love being able to walk near the ocean and the fact that the resort activities staff plans so many fun activities! Can’t say enough good things!

This is our third visit to this particular property on the island. It is a lovely property. It is a very large resort that offers 4 different pools. It consists of 8 buildings. Some offer great ocean views and others not so much. All of the 2 BR units are identical. If you have been there before, you know exactly what you are getting inside of your unit. Our biggest complaint this visit was that we did not get the assigned the room/ view that we had asked for. I did not expect OF because we are not owners. However, I had requested Dolphin building top floor with side OV. We got 2nd floor in front of the turtle pond. We hated that we woke up to shade every morning due to all of the huge green courtyard foliage instead of the blue skies with palm trees. Next month we are staying at a Marriott property in VA Beach and every year they assign us the exact same corner unit that we ask for. We love Hilton Head, but we would choose a different property next time. One that will guarantee us an OV or OF even if we need to pay more for it. We were very glad that we had stayed there on M-F because on the Friday, the resort started to get way overcrowded with LOTS of children everywhere included in the adult pool/hot tubs and we no longer wish to see or hear kids everywhere at an exclusive resort. Just be careful when you choose to visit.

Always a great visit. Close to everything and the pool area is always kept up so nice. (I do wish saving chairs at the pools were limited, but I know that is hard to do - MANY MANY chairs saved and never used) The walkway to the beach is a nice touch too. Rooms are always nice and clean. Love how easy the bike rental is as well.

Second time being here. Think we were placed in the worst 2 bed unit in the resort. Over heard in the sales presentation that these units are for the Griswold family. Can’t make that up. Can you imagine getting your feet wet for 30k and being designated as the Griswold family. Sales team. Word of advice use your inside voices

Waited years to get a trade through Interval here, and it was well worth it! The layout of the property is one the best Marriott Villas I have seen; nothing is a far walk from any villa. Even the beach takes only a minute walk from the furthest villa. It’s located in the Coligny Beach area which is very central to lots of activities and close to many fun bars and restaurants. One can walk to many places or rent bikes right on the property. Staff is terrific, villas are large and nicely-decorated inside, and the pools are plentiful with lots of available chairs all day long. Great for couples as well as perfect for families with kids of all ages due to lots of planned activities and amenities geared toward them.

This vacation is the longest we have been able to stay Grande Ocean - three and a half weeks. We have been here for many an anniversary over the last 27 years. When we first arrived, there was an issue with our reservation. Connor was so kind and helpful. He asked me to leave it with him and the team. He said don’t worry about it. Go to your villa and I will work on it. He found a resolution so that we could just relax and enjoy the lovely villa we were already in. Then we went to rent our tandem bicycle that is our only form of transportation on the island. We were told that there are presently no tandems for rent at Grande Ocean, as they have all been retired. We would have to rent from an outside company and would not be allowed to receive or keep the bike on property. But wait! Brenda came to the rescue the very next day. She found out about our problem and took it upon herself to solve. She worked hard to phone around to other Marriott properties and found us a tandem at Barony Beach. She had it brought over and looked after us in such a kind and professional way. We are sooooooo grateful!!!! Abbie T was so helpful on my artistic endeavor to give my husband two hand-painted wine glasses for our special time. I remember her from last year. She was super friendly and helpful then as well when we crafted some home made soap. During several events on property we have run into Brenda, Lauren and Abbie. They remember our names and go out of their way to make us feel welcome and special. I just wonder when they get time off! I think they might be cloned! I would also like to mention Olivia who cleaned our room. She went above in beyond. Not only was everything spotless and smelled so fresh and clean, she also did lots of little touches to make the room look extra cute. Thanks again to the amazing staff at Grande Ocean. And, yes, we will be back!

How strange to open this review to discover THIS "prefilled statement: "the pillows are the fluffiest ...I have ever..." As Marriott Vacation Club Members for years, we stay NO OTHER places than a Marriott. Today, 2/17/2024, was our 1st return visit to Hilton Head, and I was stunned to learn that there are NO feather, or no softer pillows than the 12 that are already in our suite! None are feather, and all 12 are dense and somewhat hard. Our very kind Marriott Staff attempted every possible step to help, yet the 13th & 14th pillows sent almost immediately are dense and hard as well. Guess we'll have to revert to that Family Kids' Traveling Custom, and bring our own pillows now????

Location is excellent as it is within walking distance of Coligny and next to the beach. Unit was clean and comfortable. There were issues with the toaster and microwave as neither worked. Fortunately, each was replaced very promptly without any problem. Front Desk personnel is a hit or a miss. Check in was fast and the clerk was polite and informative. However, several days later there was very loud banging from upstairs. I called Front Desk to enquire why there was this loud noise. Was told that there was no work going on and that Security would come round to check. Duly received a call from Front Desk informing me that Security found no noise and that there was no work going on. Really? I promptly went upstairs and photographed the workmen then showed the photo to the man at Front Desk who had insisted there was no work being done. I should not have had to prove to anyone that there were indeed workmen upstairs. To add insult to the incident one of the workmen yelled at me not to take his photo. If the man at Front Desk had believed me and shown respect to me, a guest, I would not have taken the photo. Due to this issue I am not leaving a five star review. I find it very disappointing that a member of the staff did not believe me when I told him there was loud work going on upstairs.

We have come to Hilton Head many times during Christmas and normally stay at Surf Watch but this year stayed here. We really enjoyed our stay! The rooms are newly renovated and so quiet and comfortable. We had an Ocean View room and indeed had a view of the ocean. The property is beautiful and the courtyard lagoon area was decorated for Christmas. We enjoyed the hot tubs, as it was too cool to swim. The beach is a short walk away. We loved the poolside restaurant and really enjoyed it one evening when they had live entertainment. It’s very close to Sea Pines and you’ll get a pass to be able to access it. We all enjoyed our time here and would highly recommend it.