The Best Hotels to Book on Jekyll Island, Georgia

Take a stroll alongside the ocean when you stay at one of these Jekyll Island hotels
Take a stroll alongside the ocean when you stay at one of these Jekyll Island hotels | © Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo
Mark Nayler

Jekyll Island is a paradise for nature lovers, with 10mi (16km) of protected coastline backed by forests of moss-draped southern live oaks. Its historic district is also home to former summer residences of the most distinguished families in America, such as the Pulitzers, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Here’s our pick of the best Jekyll Island hotels, from seaside resorts to luxurious cottages; they’re bookable on Culture Trip.

1. The Westin Jekyll Island, for beachfront luxury

Chain Hotel, Luxury

A relaxing living room, with sofa and two armchairs in a suite with ocean views from its balcony at the Westin Jekyll Island
Courtesy of The Westin Jekyll Island / Expedia

Bag an oceanfront room at this seaside four-star hotel in Jekyll Island; each one comes with a private furnished terrace overlooking the beach and Westin standards, such as a Heavenly bed and a rainfall shower. Dine at the Reserve, a steak and seafood specialist with an open kitchen and ocean-view terrace. Post dinner, pull up a yellow leather bar stool at Harry’s Lounge to sip a cocktail or a locally brewed craft beer with views over the darkening dunes.

2. Jekyll Island Club Resort, for vintage opulence

Resort

A picturesque courtyard with a fountain at Jekyll Island Club Resort
Courtesy of Jekyll Island Club Resort / Expedia

An idyllic retreat for American high society from the late 1800s, this storied resort offers rooms in three original Millionaire’s Village cottages, separated from the main building and surrounded by fountain-filled gardens. Alternatively, stay in the Clubhouse, where rooms feature original fireplaces, mahogany beds and black-and-white photos of the resort back in its glory years. The Grand Dining Room provides a suitably historic setting for classics, such as chateaubriand and duck à l’orange.

3. Jekyll Ocean Club, for upscale suites overlooking the Atlantic

Boutique Hotel, Suite Hotel

The large oceanfront pool area at Jekyll Ocean Club, with various seating and loungers
Courtesy of Jekyll Ocean Club / Expedia

Sister property to the Club Resort, the Ocean Club is the only all-suite, oceanfront boutique hotel in Jekyll Island. Coastal-inspired touches, such as rope-wrapped lamp tables, navy blue cushions and wicker chairs, abound in its airy suites, all of which have living rooms and patios or balconies overlooking the Atlantic. The ocean is also on full display from the pool deck, where you can relax on shaded loungers or around the fire pit in the evening. Don’t leave without sampling the wood-fired pizzas at the on-site restaurant.

4. Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, for a family vacation

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

A beachy two-bed guest room with an armchair and ocean views from its balcony at the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island
Courtesy of Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island / Expedia

Take the whole family (including dogs) to this budget-friendly beachside resort, where the perks include daily activities for kids, a playground and poolside restaurants serving burgers, pizzas and special menus for the little ones. Opt for one of the second-floor suites for a private balcony with beach views, a separate living area and a kitchen with a full-size fridge. Rent bikes from reception and cruise around the island at your leisure.

5. Residence Inn by Marriott Jekyll Island, for the largest pool on the island

Chain Hotel, Suite Hotel

A contemporary guest room with two double beds, a TV and island views at the Residence Inn by Marriott Jekyll Island
Courtesy of Residence Inn by Marriott Jekyll Island / Expedia

This Marriott has the largest outdoor heated freshwater swimming pool on Jekyll Island. It’s so large that an arched bridge crosses it in the middle. Smart, blue-and-gray studios and suites are geared towards extended stays, featuring full kitchens, ergonomic work areas and island or ocean views; some also have private balconies. Breakfast – hot or cold – is included, while the laid-back oceanfront eatery, Shore, makes salads, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. Alternatively, fire up a barbecue in the picnic area.

6. Hampton Inn and Suites Jekyll Island, for pet lovers

Chain Hotel

A spacious two-bed guest suite with a sofa, TV and treetop views at the Hampton Inn and Suites Jekyll Island
Courtesy of Hampton Inn and Suites Jekyll Island / Expedia

A maritime forest separates this secluded Hilton from one of the quietest beaches on the island, which is accessed via a boardwalk that snakes between the trunks. The proximity of the trees prevents ocean views, but the one-king or two-queen bedrooms make up for that with warm decor and treetop canopy vistas. On-site benefits include complimentary breakfast, a small gym with treadmills and weights, an outdoor pool and a bar with tables under the southern live oaks. Dogs are welcome, too.

7. Seafarer Inn and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection, for a budget-friendly getaway

Suite Hotel, Inn

A simple but comfortable guest room with a single and double bed at the Seafarer Inn and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
Courtesy of Seafarer Inn and Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection / Expedia

The Seafarer offers motel-style, one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchens and living rooms, all opening directly onto a courtyard and parking zone. Tuck into a complimentary continental breakfast before strolling 10 minutes to the beach or flip-flopping to the palm-fringed pool terrace, where parasol-covered sofas provide respite. There’s no on-site dining, but the excellent Beach House Restaurant and Tap Room is a five-minute walk away.

8. Days Inn and Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island, for a no-frills stay

Suite Hotel, Budget Hotel

A beach-inspired guest room with two single beds on a wooden floor at the Days Inn and Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island
Courtesy of Days Inn and Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island / Expedia

To help you explore Jekyll Island via a network of cycling tracks, this cheerful Days Inn and Suites offers a bike rental service from reception. Value for money is further increased by a simple complimentary breakfast and free on-site parking. Nautical-themed rooms feature whitewashed, beamed ceilings, pale blue walls and wicker chairs; all have microwaves and fridges. A fire pit and barbecue zone provides the ideal setting for outdoor cooking, plus there’s a pool area (complete with a pool for kids) to lounge around during the day.

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