Recently updated on August 6th, 2024
Whether you prefer the elegance of a five star resort or the versatility of a private home you’ll find the best places to stay on Sea Island, GA here.
Sea Island is a private island on the southeastern coast of Georgia accessed by a short causeway from St. Simons Island. Home to the well known Cloister Hotel you’ll find a wide variety of accommodations to suit every need.
In many cases the results you will see when searching for places to stay at Sea Island are actually on nearby Jekyll Island and St. Simons. In fact, two of the Sea Island Resort properties are in reality located on St. Simons, but this list begins with accommodations truly situated on Sea Island.
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Sea Island
The Cloister
A Forbes 5 star hotel steeped in history, The Cloister is the hub of the Sea Island resort. The Cloister choices of accommodations include the main building with its wings, the Beach Club and the Cloister Ocean Residences as well as Beach Cottages.
Main Building
This luxury hotel is surrounded nearly by water and boasts over 65 Forbes Five Star Awards. The Cloister was first built in 1928, though a massive renovation completed in 2006 is an almost rebuild of the entire hotel. Rooms are situated in the main building as well as three “wings”, the Garden Wing and the North and South Wings.
The attention to detail in the service, the large elegantly appointed rooms and the fine dining and amenities is unparalleled anywhere in Coastal Georgia.
The Cloister prides itself on being a perfect blend of sophisticated refinement along with a dose of adventure and fun. You’ll need a generous budget to stay here, but if it’s within your means you won’t be disappointed.
Naturally, there are full resort privileges for any guest here. Activities and amenities include horseback riding, three championship golf courses, a tennis center, an elegant Forbes five-star spa and fitness center, boating and much more.
Insider tip: If you can, plan your summer visit around the dates Bingo nights are available. It’s a treasured Sea Island tradition for the whole family that dates back over 50 years.
Beach Club
Just across the way from the main building is the Sea Island Beach Club. Just steps from any of the accommodations here you’ll find easy access to five miles of private beach as well a magnificent swim club and all the water sports and activities you can imagine.
The lodging options range from a standard room (even standard is top notch) to two bedroom suites and anything in between.
Cloister Ocean Residences
Attached rooms and suites in a gated enclave are what you’ll find here. The views vary from river front, overlooking golden marshes to sweeping Atlantic Ocean vistas. Just like at the beach club, there is a wide variety of accommodations available. The Ocean Residences has its own private outdoor pool.
Sea Island Cottages
The Sea Island Resort has available a collection of exquisite private homes that range from two to eight bedrooms. All of these homes come with full resort access as well as a top tier level of amenities like grocery deliveries, pre-arrival itinerary planning and more.
Insider tip: When you see the term “cottage” used referring to homes on Sea Island, don’t be fooled. It’s a generic term used locally to describe any private home on the island. It in no way is an indication of the size of the residence.
Privately Owned Cottages
Cottage 194
Cottage 194 comfortably accommodates 16 people with its 6 bedrooms and 6.5 baths. It’s just steps to the beautiful Sea Island beaches and includes a private pool as well as a hot tub. Number 194 is mostly one level living.
Cottage 183
A classic Sea Island “cottage” 183 has views of golden salt marshes and is a one block walk to the beach. This impressive home sleeps 14 and is over 5400 square feet. It includes an entire entertainment wing with a piano, pool table, ping pong and wide screen tv.
Separate passes to enjoy the resort amenities can be made available for an additional fee.
Cottage 311
Designed by a well known architect this classic home is known on Sea Island as the “pink house”! There are too many features to list here, but of particular note is the 3 master suites, making it perfect for several couples or a multi-generational group. All total there are 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Cottage 311 is a short walk to the Ocean Forest golf course.
Separate passes to enjoy the resort amenities can be made available for an additional fee.
Cottage 24
An original Sea Island Cottage, number 24 was built in 1928, the same year as the Cloister, but has all of the modern features you would expect today. This 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home is just steps from the beach and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, grounds and courtyards.
Separate passes to enjoy the Sea Island resorts amenities can be made available for an additional fee.
Privately Owned Townhomes
1105 and 1106 River Club
These homes can be reserved together or separately. This is the perfect solution if you need accommodations for a large group for a wedding or other special events. Together they offer 7 bedrooms and 7 baths plus adjacent lawns for your group to gather and enjoy the amazing sunset and river views.
Professionally and tastefully decorated you will find high end finishes, appliances and decor.
Day passes to enjoy the Sea Island amenities are available for an additional fee.
St Simons Island
Picture-perfect St. Simons Island is just across a short causeway and it’s there that you will find the other two Sea Island resort properties. Additionally, there are numerous St. Simons Island hotels, a resort and a bed and breakfast that are ideally situated just a short drive away from Sea Island.
If you are attending an event at Sea Island but have a limited budget for accommodations this is where you will most likely want to stay. The entire island is no more than 15-20 minutes from Sea Island.
The Lodge
The Lodge is the first of the two Sea Island properties on St. Simons. It’s a small boutique style inn and it’s somewhat secluded. You arrive down the famous Avenue of the Oaks and the great impressions of this stunning place just keep coming.
The Lodge is surrounded by three well known Sea Island golf courses and is the host of the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic. Just for fun here’s a photo of yours truly volunteering at the RSM.
Insider tip: At least one evening during your visit plan to be at the Lodge at sunset. The bagpiper on the lawn is an experience you don’t want to miss.
The Inn at Sea Island
The Inn is the second Sea Island property located on St. Simons. The entire location has the feel of luxury but is far more affordable than the Cloister or the Lodge. A couple of our favorite St. Simon’s Island restaurants are even within walking distance.
This is the perfect choice for golf groups as you can book a golf package along with the hotel rooms and get access to the Sea Island Golf Courses. A shuttle is provided when it’s time for your round. Overall, we think the Inn at Sea Island is a great place and an excellent value!
Hotel Simone
As of early 2024 Hotel Simone is the newest hotel on St. Simons. Their theme is the “place where coastal chic meets laid back living“. It’s small, having just 25 suites and a guests-only lobby lounge. This boutique hotel will be less than 15 minutes from Sea Island.
Grey Owl Inn
If a bed and breakfast experience is what you’re looking for you’ve found the perfect solution at the Grey Owl Inn. The rooms are all unique with each having its own personality, and naturally, its own name.
We loved touring the gardens of the Grey Owl Inn on the 2023 Cassina Garden Club’s tour. It was a true highlight with amazing gardens that feel away from it all, yet are right in the middle of everything the area has to offer.
The King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort
The King & Prince is another historic hotel/resort property. It’s the best hotel option for being close to beautiful beaches on St. Simons Island. We love the King & Prince and have great memories here. Two family members have celebrated their weddings at the King & Prince.
There is a good variety of accommodations including villas, elegant rooms, suites and full condominium residences.
Amenities include three outdoor swimming pools (one is heated), a hot tub, seasonal kids’ activities and tennis courts.
The K&P golf course is located at the north end of the island and there is a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar there as well. The ocean views from the seaside course are amazing! Shuttle to the golf course can be arranged with advanced notice.
Village Inn and Pub
Though it’s actually an inn or hotel, the Village Inn & Pub has the feel of a bed and breakfast. The guest rooms have exterior access, but when you go in you’ll feel like you’re in the guest room of a private home. Most rooms are on the small side, but tastefully decorated and they have well thought out amenities like top quality linens. Some rooms look out on the swimming pool.
The pub is English style, and we love going for a cocktail at the end of the day when the fire in the fireplace is roaring in the winter. Many evenings they have live music or trivia. Here’s where you’ll more of The Best Bars on St. Simons Island.
The convenient location of this cozy inn is perfect. In the heart of the historic village, you are just a short walk to restaurants, shops, bicycle rentals, coffee shops, bars, parks, the lighthouse, and of course, the fishing pier. Sea Island would be no more than a 15 minute drive.
Hampton Inn St. Simons
Budget friendly and the ability to use or accumulate those Hilton Honors points, this is one of the nicest Hampton Inn’s we have ever stayed in (and we’ve stayed in plenty).
Private rentals on St. Simons Island
There is a large selection with sizes and price ranges to fit all needs and every budget. Whatever you need in the way of rentals you’ll be sure to find it here. Plan as far ahead as possible for the greatest selection.
Check this out for the full line up of Places to Stay at St. Simons Island.
Before You Go…
Be sure to check out these other articles about nearby St. Simons Island to help you make the most of your trip!
- Where to Play Golf in St. Simons Island (2024)
- Great Breakfast Spots on St. Simons Island – 2024
- 12 Best Seafood Restaurants in St Simons Island GA (2024)
- Best Places to Stay at St. Simons Island (2024)
- 20 St. Simons Island Restaurants You Need To Try (2024)
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