Insights on Monarch at HHI?

[Wahoo Josh]

We have a week booked at Monarch for March 29 to April 5. We've stayed at Grande Ocean and Surf Watch in recent years, Barony and Harbor Club 20+ years ago. I know Monarch is the original MVC resort, and thought we'd give it a try.

I'll have no trouble booking golf, as we are Heritage Plus members through our home club.

Any insights on the Monarch property? I know we will get Sea Pines passes. Can we park two or three vehicles?

Thanks in advance for replies.

 

[Retired2025 aka AlmostRetired]

The just finished renovating two of the four buildings. The units are smaller and only have 2 twin beds in the 2nd bedroom. It is a much smaller property than the other Ocean Front properties. Try for the Azalea or Magnolia buildings. Units are ocean front (18 units) and Garden Views (104 units). Many garden view rooms have better ocean views than Ocean View or Ocean Side at most resorts. Though I have stayed at the Heritage, I only stay at the Grand Ocean and Monarch. The main reason is we like Sea Pines and the surrounding area. There is no indoor pool and the two outdoor pools are small though rightsized for property size.

Parking can suck. They allow two cars but during peak times they do not have enough spaces for 2 cars. The overrun area for parking is off property though I have never used it. They use to let you park at the Sea Pines Beach Club but I am not sure if this is still the case.

 

[WBP]

We have a week booked at Monarch for March 29 to April 5. We've stayed at Grande Ocean and Surf Watch in recent years, Barony and Harbor Club 20+ years ago. I know Monarch is the original MVC resort, and thought we'd give it a try.

I'll have no trouble booking golf, as we are Heritage Plus members through our home club.

Any insights on the Monarch property? I know we will get Sea Pines passes. Can we park two or three vehicles?

Thanks in advance for replies.

There are some recent reviews at www.tripadvisor.com, they are a mixed bag.

We were at Monarch in January. The one thing that we like about Monarch is the footprint (an oceanfront resort, and in Sea Pines Plantation). The facade of the buildings have been refinished, and as a result, the resort looks a bit more modern that it did a few years ago. The villas are very small. The villa renovations, in my opinion, are a very mixed bag; I am surprised that MVC has retained some artifacts from yesteryear, like some kitchen components and appliances; I find that disconcerting, as Lord knows how long it will be until MVC circles back, and replaces the hard goods that they did not replace, as part of Monarch’ current renovation.

Personally, no matter how much we like about Monarch’s footprint, we will not return. In our opinion, MVC’s renovation of Monarch is a disappointment.

 

[dioxide45]

Check your pre-arrival information and verify if you can pick up your Sea Pines pass at the Greenwood Welcome Center. They should have one there for you even if they don't send you any information about it. It will save you the $9 to get in the first day.

 

[Red elephant]

There are some recent reviews at www.tripadvisor.com, they are a mixed bag.

We were at Monarch in January. The one thing that we like about Monarch is the footprint (an oceanfront resort, and in Sea Pines Plantation). The facade of the buildings have been refinished, and as a result, the resort looks a bit more modern that it did a few years ago. The villas are very small. The villa renovations, in my opinion, are a very mixed bag; I am surprised that MVC has retained some artifacts from yesteryear, like some kitchen components and appliances; I find that disconcerting, as Lord knows how long it will be until MVC circles back, and replaces the hard goods that they did not replace, as part of Monarch’ current renovation.

Personally, no matter how much we like about Monarch’s footprint, we will not return. In our opinion, MVC’s renovation of Monarch is a disappointment.

What part of the resort did you stay in. We are booked in March next year in an oceanfront room. But prefer a renovated room.

 

[jmhpsu93]

We are here now, in a renovated room (3600 building whatever that is). I came into here preparing to be underwhelmed relative to SurfWatch / Grande Ocean / Barony but was pleasantly surprised.

 

[kozykritter]

What part of the resort did you stay in. We are booked in March next year in an oceanfront room. But prefer a renovated room.

By next March, all rooms will be renovated. They did two buildings this winter and will do the remaining three buildings next winter.

 

[m61376]

We were there a few years ago. It was our first visit to HH and we found the location very convenient and the resort small but charming. Admittedly it was just the two of us, and could see it being great with 4, possibly 5 people. As stated above, pools were on the small side. Loved being able to walk right to the beach, easy access to the beach or Sea Pines bike trails, and easy walkability in general. We were surprised it doesn't get better reviews and throughly enjoyed our stay.

 

[Big Matt]

The ONLY thing that isn't great about Monarch is the second bedroom. The rest is awesome. Last time were were there we knew we didn't have a chance at a great view, so we asked for an end unit on the first floor. You get a ground level balcony that is enclosed, but you have your own walking path the the rest of the paths on the grounds. We walked 50 feet to the grills. Really cool. We were able to go in through the front or rear doors. You had to bring a physical key to get in and out of the back sliding patio door, but otherwise was very convenient.

 

[jmhpsu93]

The ONLY thing that isn't great about Monarch is the second bedroom. The rest is awesome. Last time were were there we knew we didn't have a chance at a great view, so we asked for an end unit on the first floor. You get a ground level balcony that is enclosed, but you have your own walking path the the rest of the paths on the grounds. We walked 50 feet to the grills. Really cool. We were able to go in through the front or rear doors. You had to bring a physical key to get in and out of the back sliding patio door, but otherwise was very convenient.

We just had the same unit location...other than the floor being really cold (as it doesn't seem to have much insulation underneath) which made the unit itself feel chilly, it was really convenient. The one-minute walk to everything on property is so convenient (contrast with where we went to next - Cypress Harbour, which has like a 7-minute walk to the gym or lobby).

 

[Bill4728]

I like that even at the unit in the far back of the resort, it is only a short walk to the beach. Some of the other HHI resorts, the walk to the beach can be a long walk.

 

[Wahoo Josh]

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions. I requested a renovated villa in the pre-arrival planning email today.

 

[pedro47]

I like that even at the unit in the far back of the resort, it is only a short walk to the beach. Some of the other HHI resorts, the walk to the beach can be a long walk.

if you are staying at SurfWatch it is a very long walk to the beach.IMHO

 

[Ixchel]

By next March, all rooms will be renovated. They did two buildings this winter and will do the remaining three buildings next winter.

We stopped in at Monarch this week to inquire about the upcoming renovation. Front Desk said probably May 2026 before the next buildings completed.

 

[jme]

I like that even at the unit in the far back of the resort, it is only a short walk to the beach. Some of the other HHI resorts, the walk to the beach can be a long walk.

Comparisons of beach access for a few of Hilton Head Island's best resorts.......


Aerial view of Marriott's Surfwatch resort, showing the distance to the beach:

Marriott's SurfWatch · 10 Surf Watch Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

★★★★★ · Hotel

maps.app.goo.gl

Aerial view of Marriott's Barony Beach Club resort, showing the distance to the beach (Garden buildings are shown behind the Westin Hotel):

Marriott's Barony Beach Club · 5 Grasslawn Ave, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

★★★★★ · Hotel

maps.app.goo.gl

Aerial view of Marriott's Grande Ocean resort, showing the distance to the beach:

Marriott's Grande Ocean · 51 S Forest Beach Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

★★★★★ · Hotel

maps.app.goo.gl

Aerial view of Marriott's Monarch resort, showing the distance to the beach:

Marriott's Monarch at Sea Pines · 91 N Sea Pines Dr, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

★★★★★ · Hotel

maps.app.goo.gl

Aerial view of Marriott's Harbour Point/Sunset Pointe resorts, showing approximate distance to the beach (a shuttle is provided to beach access in Palmetto Dunes)

Marriott's Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe at Shelter Cove · 4 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

★★★★★ · Hotel

maps.app.goo.gl

Aerial view of Marriott's Harbour Club & Heritage Club resorts, showing the distance to the beach access at Sea Pines Beach Club (shuttle available)

Marriott's Heritage Club to Sea Pines Beach Club

maps.app.goo.gl

Aerial view of Disney's HHI Resort, showing the distance to the Disney guests' exclusive Disney Beach House (shuttle available):

Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort to Disney's Beach House

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[dioxide45]

Aerial view of Marriott's Harbour Point/Sunset Pointe resorts, showing the distance to the beach access at Sea Pines Beach Club (shuttle available):

Marriott's Harbour Point and Sunset Pointe at Shelter Cove · 4 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

★★★★★ · Hotel

maps.app.goo.gl

I thought Harbour Point/Sunset Pointe beach access was in Palmetto Dunes?

 

[jme]

I thought Harbour Point/Sunset Pointe beach access was in Palmetto Dunes?

You are correct, I've not had to use their shuttle from there, but beach access is indeed in the Palmetto Dunes gated community, and a shuttle is provided.
I called the resort to verify that this is still their plan, and added that info to my post. Thanks