The Marriott's Heritage Club was a very accommodating and nice, but a small property and venue for my needs. The rooms were generous and fine, but the property is small overall. I traveled with my wife and blended family of many kids, mainly teenagers. Overall my notoriously critical group gave it a unanimous thumbs up. Here is the summary...
Overall the vacation/week was a winner. Heritage was clean, quiet, not overly crowded ever...and comfortable. The actual location is opposite of what I usually do with a group of kids...meaning I usually get a place on the beach which may or may not require driving to eat and shopping. In this case, the driving was to the beaches. and the location is walking distance to the shops, marina with water sport options, lighthouse, and many eating places.
BEACH: There are several beach options for beachgoers. We liked Coligny since it is near eating places and the "downtown" shopping district of HHI. South Beach was nice for a less crowded venue. You have to secretly ask the front desk for a "beach parking pass" for Tower Beach for that though. Sea Pines Plantation beach was also nice but not accommodating other than that is where the "trolley" takes you and there is NO parking there. (By the way, the trolley pickup for Heritage is about 300 yards walk down and across the street. If you are in shape you will be fine. They don't put that on the brochure....)
FOOD: Tons of places near and far to choose from. From casual to elegant. No stress here on that. Just find out what you like and go.
SHOPPING: Coligny Beach area is HHI's downtown shopping district. Tons of places including outdoor vendors. The harbor area near the Heritage is handy and really nice for shopping too.
ADVICE on items to do BEFORE you leave home:
1) Get your Sea Pines Plantation access passes for each car upon arrival to the Sea Pines Plantation. This is not specific to the Heritage, but you need a pass otherwise you have to stop and pay $ upon entry EVERY time you want to enter the plantation area where Heritage is located. No big deal ... but get the pass upon arrival the first time. Call Heritage (Wilma) to ask her where to get it before you leave for vaca, for me it was a green building at the gate area.
2) If you arrive after 5pm on your first day, know where the alternate check-in Marriott property is. For me it was around the corner, but the only way to figure that out was a small piece of paper on the front door of the Heritage lobby which was locked.
ADVICE on items you can figure out AFTER you get there:
1) Parking at Heritage is tight but available. No worries there as far as I am concerned.
2) Remember this is an owner property so NO maid service everyday. We arranged for a mid-week full cleaning. It was worth it. No need to do more than that.
3) Get bikes if kids or anyone wants them from Wilma at the front desk of the Heritage. She is smart about not overpaying other outside vendors. Ask her.
4) Arrange trips and excursions through Wilma. She is fabulous with knowledge and discounts. Example was that the villa comes with 10 rounds of golf (including carts) at several local and beautiful courses. We just needed to rent some clubs. Again, do that through Wilma. Another example, was the horse back riding. We did that and she gave us a discount code. Same with several eateries on the island. No big deal, but nice when you have a larger group.
5) Beach access is rough from the Heritage. No driving (or limited) for the group to the beach. Either take the trolley, bike it, or take a chance on parking at the beach. We did park at Coligny Beach 2 days and it did work. Good luck with all your coolers, umbrellas and towels, etc.
6) Publix (grocery) is 3 miles away as is Starbucks just outside the plantation. Find them on day 1 and you are fine.
7) Marley's was a great restaurant for a group looking for seafood and music. The Quarterdeck restaurant was also very good and the view were spectacular of the bay and marina.
Be open minded and Enjoy your trip!
