Marriott's Grande Ocean

We have been going to Grande Ocean for over 30 years as owners and have always been pleased. However, this year we were assigned room 8017 (first floor) in Dolphin building. The first floor in each building is the location of the elevator equipment room. The noise from the elevator going up and down was terrible and we could hear it clearly throughout the villa. I mentioned it to a maintenance guy and he said that there were three buildings with elevators that were very loud and indicated that's just the way it is. (we have previously contacted the front desk and received no help). I recommend you stay on the 2nd through the 5th floor to avoid this problem.

DO NOT sign up for the time share sales meeting, regardless of what is offered. The Marriott staff will take almost any opportunity to claw back any perks or rewards they offer you up front thus increasing the amount you spend at their resorts. I traveled an hour round trip in the rain to attend the meeting and informed the staff that my spouse was ill. They were cold, inconsiderate and downplayed the illness. I was told that all perks would be removed and was not offered a viable solution.

This is our third visit to this particular property on the island. It is a lovely property. It is a very large resort that offers 4 different pools. It consists of 8 buildings. Some offer great ocean views and others not so much. All of the 2 BR units are identical. If you have been there before, you know exactly what you are getting inside of your unit. Our biggest complaint this visit was that we did not get the assigned the room/ view that we had asked for. I did not expect OF because we are not owners. However, I had requested Dolphin building top floor with side OV. We got 2nd floor in front of the turtle pond. We hated that we woke up to shade every morning due to all of the huge green courtyard foliage instead of the blue skies with palm trees. Next month we are staying at a Marriott property in VA Beach and every year they assign us the exact same corner unit that we ask for. We love Hilton Head, but we would choose a different property next time. One that will guarantee us an OV or OF even if we need to pay more for it. We were very glad that we had stayed there on M-F because on the Friday, the resort started to get way overcrowded with LOTS of children everywhere included in the adult pool/hot tubs and we no longer wish to see or hear kids everywhere at an exclusive resort. Just be careful when you choose to visit.

Always a great visit. Close to everything and the pool area is always kept up so nice. (I do wish saving chairs at the pools were limited, but I know that is hard to do - MANY MANY chairs saved and never used) The walkway to the beach is a nice touch too. Rooms are always nice and clean. Love how easy the bike rental is as well.

Room was nice. Pools weren't all heated. And those that were , needed to be cleaned

We could not believe all the amenities that were offered. Also, the room was well planned and was very clean and comfortable.

Incredible! The heated pools were a hit for our wintertime getaway! The views were amazing, staff were all friendly, the rooms and common areas were all clean and tidy. Everything was perfect. We will definitely be back.

This vacation is the longest we have been able to stay Grande Ocean - three and a half weeks. We have been here for many an anniversary over the last 27 years. When we first arrived, there was an issue with our reservation. Connor was so kind and helpful. He asked me to leave it with him and the team. He said don’t worry about it. Go to your villa and I will work on it. He found a resolution so that we could just relax and enjoy the lovely villa we were already in. Then we went to rent our tandem bicycle that is our only form of transportation on the island. We were told that there are presently no tandems for rent at Grande Ocean, as they have all been retired. We would have to rent from an outside company and would not be allowed to receive or keep the bike on property. But wait! Brenda came to the rescue the very next day. She found out about our problem and took it upon herself to solve. She worked hard to phone around to other Marriott properties and found us a tandem at Barony Beach. She had it brought over and looked after us in such a kind and professional way. We are sooooooo grateful!!!! Abbie T was so helpful on my artistic endeavor to give my husband two hand-painted wine glasses for our special time. I remember her from last year. She was super friendly and helpful then as well when we crafted some home made soap. During several events on property we have run into Brenda, Lauren and Abbie. They remember our names and go out of their way to make us feel welcome and special. I just wonder when they get time off! I think they might be cloned! I would also like to mention Olivia who cleaned our room. She went above in beyond. Not only was everything spotless and smelled so fresh and clean, she also did lots of little touches to make the room look extra cute. Thanks again to the amazing staff at Grande Ocean. And, yes, we will be back!

The high pressure sales was obnoxious and downright rude. We loved he cat colony that live near the south pool. We hope they are trapped and spayed and neutered though before their numbers explode. The report ignoring this issue is irresponsible