Under $150

A quality bargain stay right between Bluffton and Hilton Head is the Holiday Inn Express Bluffton (35 Bluffton Rd., 843/757-2002, www.ichotelsgroup.com, $120), on U.S. 278 as you make the run onto Hilton Head proper. It’s not close to the beach or to Old Town Bluffton, so you’ll definitely be using your car, but its central location will appeal to those who want to keep their options open.

Over $300

For an ultra-upscale spa and golf resort environment near Bluffton, the clear pick is the Inn at Palmetto Bluff (476 Mt. Pelia Rd., 843/706-6500, www.palmettobluffresort.com, $650–900) just across the May River. This Auberge property was picked in 2006 as the number-two U.S. resort by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Despite its glitzy pedigree and extremely upper-end prices, it’s more Tara than Trump Tower. The main building is modeled after a Lowcountry plantation home, and the idyllic views of the May River are blissful. Lodging is dispersed among a series of cottages and “village home” rentals.

Needless to say, virtually your every need is provided for here, though the nearest off-site restaurant of any quality is quite a drive away. That will likely make little difference to you, however, since there are three top-flight dining options on the grounds: the fine dining River House Restaurant (843/706-6542, breakfast daily 7–11 a.m., lunch or “porch” menu daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m., dinner daily 6–10 p.m., $30–40); the May River Grill (Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., $9–13) at the golf clubhouse; and the casual Buffalo’s (843/706-6630, Sun.–Tues. 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Wed.–Sat. 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., $10–15).

© Jim Morekis from Moon South Carolina, 4th Edition