THE SANCTUARY AT KIAWAH ISLAND

Poor Service, Dated Hotel The hotel is dated (even though it is not that old) and the food and beverage, particularly at the pool and beach, could not have been worse. It certainly should not keep its 5 star rating. On our first day at the beach, they gave us fruit with mold on it. On the second day, my wife ordered lunch at the pool and the waiter never showed up again after dropping off the food. In fact, after an hour of waiting, my wife finally flagged down another waiter for the check and then he flaked so my wife ended up leaving without getting a check. At checkout, I asked them to bring up the itemizations for that bill and, of course, the waiter gave himself 20% gratuity which I told them to remove out of principle. I received lip service from the front desk, but they did not try to fix the issue. Finally, there was a mildew smell in the hallway next to our room. We get that it is humid at the beach, but they should have a better dehumidifier system, particularly, for a so-called 5-star hotel. I’m not sure if they just have issues finding good staff, but the service in general was very slow and they were not attentive. This was across the board at all meals. We do not plan to go back.

The absolute best! Literally the best money spent this year! The accommodations were divine! Absolutely luxurious! I slept like a baby every night! Every turn and moment was exquisite! The staff aims to please! I was able to rest and relax with family last week! We will most definitely be back!!

Breathtaking Got treated like royalty. The gentleman at the door remembered my name every time he saw me. He offered to carry my bags. Check was smooth. The hotel interior is breathtaking. My room qas 5 star. I had the view of the water. Whoever cleaned my room even folded my toothpaste! Had the Ice cream at the hotel icecream shop...THE BEST. definitely felt safe the entire time. Had a fridge but no microwave. Gave me a bottle of water daily. This was m excellent birthday ❤

Fun and relaxing family beach vacation Relaxing world class experience for our family and friends. Courteous staff and exceptional service. Lots of different places to visit and enjoy as a family. Fun atmosphere and still feels like a great resort to vacation without being stuffy.

an inconvenient truth i’ve been to kiawah many times but have never stayed at the sanctuary. usually we stay in a villa down in windswept. nothing beats the beach at kiawah and we had a beautiful and comfortable oceanfront room. pillows were actually so fantastic i wanted to know where they came from. it was a holiday weekend and at full capacity so… we waited in line for coffee which frankly is almost a deal breaker. i don’t understand why they can’t put a few coffee urns in the lobby in the morning. this would be a huge plus. also, i tried calling weeks in advance to make dinner reservations because i know how hard it is. alas, no one ever answers the phone at the sanctuary reservations desk. this is something i know from years of fighting through hold music to get a reservation anywhere on kiawah island. and yet, i always return! it’s my favorite beach in the world truly 10 miles long, white sands, minimal development, wonderful for walking, delicious water… it never disappoints maybe that’s why the sanctuary doesn’t have to up its game here are some hacks: drive to charleston for dinner it’s only 45 minutes and there are so many wonderful restaurants that are not overpriced go down to ryder cup bar for an early dinner or a late lunch (ocean course) you don’t need reservations and it’s stunning on the porch forget about getting ice cream in the ice cream parlor at tue sanctuary…there is always a long line… ben and jerry’s in fresh fields village is - fun outing when you’re on the beach, order your food an hour before you think you’ll be hungry oh and unfortunately it’s quite competitive to get chairs and an umbrella, go down at 8 am and stake out your spot THEN get in the 20-minute line for coffee :)