With miles of white-sand coastline, South Carolina is the perfect destination for a beach vacation. It’s no surprise, then, that many of our readers’ favorite resorts in the state are located near the coast, particularly on the famous stretches of sand at Hilton Head, Kiawah Island, and Myrtle Beach.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 iBestTravel readers completed the 2023 survey, indicating a meaningful increase in engagement. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
Hotels were classified based on their location and amenities, and they were rated specifically on the following criteria:
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Readers have their tried-and-true favorites: Of the 10 resorts on this year’s list, eight are repeat picks. At many resorts, including The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (No. 3), the culinary experiences were deemed particularly superb. “The restaurants at the Sanctuary are amazing,” one voter remarked. “Jasmine Porch and The Ocean Room are great for celebrating a special anniversary or birthday.”
Southern hospitality is another hallmark of these hotels. Of The Willcox, voted No. 2, one reader said, “The entire staff went out of their way to ensure we had the best time.”
However, a Charleston newcomer claimed the top spot. Discover why— and which other resorts made it onto the list of best South Carolina resorts.
The Winner
Post House: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
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This seven-room inn in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village was chosen by iBestTravel editors as one of the best new hotels in 2022, and it has quickly garnered a loyal following among readers. The original 1896 building has served the neighborhood for years and was fully renovated in 2020, featuring sophisticated touches like William Morris wallpaper and botanical prints. For updated Southern classics—shrimp fritters, swordfish katsu, and, at brunch, a “Full Southern”—guests can head right downstairs. If you wish to venture out, Post House is close to all the attractions that readers’ favorite American city has to offer.
The Full List
1. Post House: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Reader Score: 96.00
2. The Willcox: Aiken, South Carolina
Reader Score: 94.59
3. The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 91.61
4. The Inn & Club at Harbour Town: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 91.53
5. Montage Palmetto Bluff: Bluffton, South Carolina
Reader Score: 89.33
6. The Beach Club at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina: Charleston, South Carolina
Reader Score: 87.00
7. Wild Dunes Resort: Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Reader Score: 84.98
8. Beach House Hilton Head Island: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 84.76
9. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 84.11
10. Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Reader Score: 81.63
