If you’re a fan of Hilton Head, surely you know that the island is all about relaxation and recreation (and golf and tennis and golf and tennis and golf and tennis), in addition to great shopping and dining. But nowhere are all those things taken more seriously than at the Inn at Harbour Town. The hotel truly represents the best of what Hilton Head has to offer and then some. Located in the Sea Pines Resort, the largest plantation on the island, the hotel has been charming visitors of all ages for more than 50 years because of their amazing attention to guest comfort, endless activities, and amazing location in the heart of it all. It doesn’t hurt that most of the staff wear kilts and come direct from Scotland — with the accents to prove it — a theme at the golf-themed hotel that pays homage to the birthplace of the sport.

Unlike many family-style hotels that draw families in with their offers of kid-friendly fun and fare yet lose the repeat customers by skimping on the mom and dad luxuries, the Inn at Harbour Town masters both categories. This European-style boutique hotel with 60 rooms has it all — 24-hour room service, a summertime Kids Club and personal butlers. You’ll experience small hotel services and attention to detail with big resort dining and recreation opportunities.

Located within walking distance to the finest restaurants of Sea Pines and Hilton Head, the yacht harbor, and the iconic Hilton Head lighthouse, guests at the hotel, whether in the Inn proper or in a nearby resort villa, also have access to the award-winning Sea Pines Golf and tennis facilities.

For these reasons and then some, we think this AAA four Diamond Hotel is the one to beat in Hilton Head.

It wouldn't be Hilton Head if you didn't have a choice between hotel rooms or rental villas, and the Inn at Harbour Town is no different. In addition to the 60 rooms available in the Inn proper, there are a host of two- and three-bedroom villas scattered across the 5,000-acre oceanfront resort.

Guestrooms
Although many visitors to Hilton Head opt for villas, The Inn's oversized guestrooms, many available with two queens or sleeper sofas, are spacious enough for families. They feature the best in comfort and luxury from top of the line linens, bath products and in-room DVD players, in addition to a laundry list full of complimentary items like parking, Wi-Fi, shuttles to and from the beach, day-long water, juice, coffee and tea, and, on request, access to a personal butler who can make your wish their command!

Villas
Three levels of accommodations are available in the villas to suit all budgets. For families who want access to the Inn's services but a more independent experience, the villas are for you. They are individually furnished, so you can browse through photos online and pick the look that suits you best. Premier villas come with top of the line luxury appointments like fine bath gels and other electronics. Deluxe villas are well appointed with quality kitchen and bath amentities, while most Resort villas require that you bring your own kitchen and bath appointments.

There's a reason that Travel and Leisure ranked The Inn at Harbour Town No. 13 in the "Top 50 Resorts for Families and Kids." Harbour Town is a dream for parents and kids -- whether you want to have fun en famille or send the little ones off on their own. It always helps the parents to have fun when you know your kids are having a blast in the hands of trained and fun professionals. As part of the Sea Pines Resort, Harbour Town offers kids activities through the Hilton Head Kids Club. Organized activities are offered June through August as well as during special holiday seasons.

Kids' Club
Future Stars Junior Golf Program: This golf clinic, for ages 4 through 12, provides a great intro to golf with an emphasis on etiquette, rules, safely and of course, the fundamentals of golf. Price is $20 per person and can be booked in groups of up to 12. For more information, call 843-842-1477.

Lucky Duck: Kids can join the recreation staff at the pool for splashing fun.

Craft Cove: Children and adults can enjoy a variety of crafts like tie-dye, jewelry making and sand art.

Family Pool Night: Float in the pool while watching a movie.

For additional information on children's activities, specific dates, time and rates and reservations guests should call 843-842-8484.

Eco Tours
Ecotours are a must on Sea Pines' 605 forest preserve with tidal creeks, beaches, lagoons and salt marshes. Alligator boat tours are offered daily to provide a close-up view of the alligator who call the preserve home. Kayaking, fishing, walking, bicycling and beach discovery tours are also provided.

Lighthouse Sing-A-Longs
A must do for the whole family is to stroll down to the Harbour Town Lighthouse for the nightly sing-a-longs under the Liberty tree with regional favorites Gregg Russell and Shannon Tanner. These summertime entertainers are known around the country as a must-see in Hilton Head, performing long enough to have child fans return as parents. Kids and parents will love the sing-a-longs, games and all-around good time.

If it's choice you want, choice you have, and we're not kidding. Just make sure you make time for activities in between visiting all the restaurants of the Sea Pines Resort. They won't all be on the ground level of the hotel, so enjoy a stroll around the resort and try some of these out.

Links American Grill
A resort mainstay overlooking the 9th hole of the Harbour Town Golf Links. It's always open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dinner featuring hearty fare like steak and potatoes and an extensive wine list.

Topside Waterfront Restaurant
The Topside is the place to go for fresh, local seafood, as well as some not so local but still fresh and delicious seafood.

Harbour Town Bakery
For breakfast or lunch, pop into the Harbour Town Bakery and Cafe for a home-cooked meal. We hear the French toast and chocolate chip muffins are to die for.

Live Oak
For a more buttoned-up breakfast, Live Oak features low country cuisine and is open for lunch too.

The Quarterdeck
Located on the waterfront at the base of the Harbor Town Lighthouse, The Quarterdeck offers an all-day menu from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Harbourside Burgers and Brews
The casual outdoor dining at Harbourside offers plenty of burger and drink options.

Surfside Market
This seaside restaurant and ocean view bar will be opening soon at the Sea Pines Beach Club.

All About the Extras
Catering
There are a million ways to make a visit to Harbour Town and Sea Pines Special, but if you are traveling with a big family for a reunion or wedding, be sure to take advantage of the amazing, and award-winning onsite catering team, Sea Pines Style, who can prepare meals for 5 to 500 people.

Tennis
Be sure to book a lesson, or for the pros, a round robin, at the Sea Pines Racquet Club. It's a state-of-the-art tennis facility and the club has been ranked TENNIS Magazine's No. 1 tennis facility for programs and No. 7 for overall tennis resort. The resort has 23 clay courts and hotel guests can reserve two hours a day, complimentary.

Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve
Of course, it's not all about golf and tennis - almost, but not all. If you want to get away from the beach, take time to visit the 600 acres of the Sea Pines Resort Forest Preserve. You can take a mellow guide horse out along the trails and meander beneath palmettos and moss dripping from large oaks. Riders must be at least 8 years old. For information on lessons, trail rides, pony parties or carriage rides, call 843-671-2586.

The Art of Smart Timing
Hilton Head is a year-round resort but without a doubt you'll have access to more amenities and choices if you visit during the peak summer months. Many services like the Kids Club and some restaurants are only open June through August but Hilton Head is definitely not an island that shuts down off season, and no matter the month you visit, you'll have plenty of recreational activities. June through August is peak season for families traveling with children out of school, but great deals can be had in May and September, while its still quite warm and the ocean is still welcoming.

Getting There
The Hotel is a short drive from the regional Hilton Head airport or just a 45-minute drive from the Savannah International airport.

Getting Around
Parking and beach shuttles are complimentary at the resort.

For Mom and Dad
And of course, if they're in Hilton Head, they're probably golf fanatics. The Sea Pines Resort offer three nationally ranked and award-winning resorts, all designed by leading golf club architects. We have a feeling you'll find the time to try out the different courses.