Marriott Grande Ocean

I have deposited my Aruba Ocean Club with Interval. I locked it off. I exchanged the larger unit for a week in September in Hilton Head at the Marriott Grande Ocean. I am trying to exchange the studio for a week in Hilton Head. I can get the week of November 29th through December 06th at the Marriott Grande. I have never been there at that time of year. What do you think???

Depends what you want to do. It will be too cold to swim in the ocean, and most of the pools are unheated (1 smaller outdoor lap pool is heated and there is an indoor pool). It won't be crowded though, so if golfing is your thing, that will be good. Just bring a jacket and some sweaters. Also, some of the restaurants will be closed because it's off-season.

What's a plat. studio rent in Aruba? II has that week at the Grande Ocean priced at $871 on a getaway, so maybe you'd do better to rent it and pay cash for the getaway.

We go to HHI every year for the week between Xmas and New Year's (we also go in the summer) - it's my favorite time of year there. Biking and tennis are the best, then. So much nicer when it's cool. Also better for sightseeing in Savannah. We often see mid-60's and an occasional 70 degree day. To me, that's perfect weather. It does get cool to cold at night, even down to 40's sometimes. I usually layer with heavy sweatshirt and lightweight jacket - never bring a heavy coat, not necessary. Like sernow said, golfing is great that time of year.

If you DO golf, see if there's any availability at Heritage Club. It's not OF but in a very nice location in Sea Pines, has a heated pool, AND includes a GREAT golf package. For swimming in a heated (outdoor) pool in off-season, I like the pool at Surfwatch best, Barony second. They also both have indoor pools.

BTW, I do lay out on the beach sometimes that time of year. Too cold to swim in ocean but warm enough to sometimes lay out in swimsuit when sun is out. Great to walk on beach also.

When I have vacationed on Hilton Head Island in December (twice), I have not had as good of luck with the weather as the previous poster. It was chilly, overcast, and rainy much of the time. During one week we had one day that was sunny with a high of 70 degrees, but the other days were quite a bit cooler.

The vacations were still fun and I am glad that we went, but it wasn't as enjoyable as being on the island when it is warmer. A lot of places were closed, and it was very quiet. HHI is definitely not as warm as Florida. As long as you have realistic expectations, you should be fine.

Steve

We went last Xmas staying at the Grande Ocean. We had great time and there are plenty of places open. The lack of crowds makes it more enjoyable and relaxing. We will be going again over New Years week this year.

Kenrabs said:

We went last Xmas staying at the Grande Ocean. We had great time and there are plenty of places open. The lack of crowds makes it more enjoyable and relaxing. We will be going again over New Years week this year.

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Are you staying again at the Grande Ocean? We have stayed there, Surfwatch, and Barony during New Year's week. We were thinking of trying either Heritage Club (for the golf) or Harbour Club at Harbour Town, just for something different this year. I am seeing availability at them all for that week.

Steve said:

When I have vacationed on Hilton Head Island in December (twice), I have not had as good of luck with the weather as the previous poster. It was chilly, overcast, and rainy much of the time. During one week we had one day that was sunny with a high of 70 degrees, but the other days were quite a bit cooler.
Steve

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Sorry to hear that Steve. In over 5 years over going down the week between Xmas and New Year's, I don't think we've seen a total of 5 days of rain. We actually see more rain there in the summer, although it is much hotter.

luv2vacation said:

Are you staying again at the Grande Ocean? We have stayed there, Surfwatch, and Barony during New Year's week. We were thinking of trying either Heritage Club (for the golf) or Harbour Club at Harbour Town, just for something different this year. I am seeing availability at them all for that week.

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Yes, we got an exchange for the Grande Ocean. We enjoyed it so much we want to go again even with the 16 hour ride.