What locals are saying
Kiawah Island Golf Resort commands near-universal respect as a world-class golf destination — the Ocean Course in particular draws serious golfers who accept the premium pricing — but non-golfers and repeat visitors increasingly flag the resort as overpriced relative to other Charleston-area options, with one TripAdvisor reviewer noting it is 'honestly not worth the price in 2025.' Villa quality is inconsistent, with some guests raving about clean, well-appointed rooms while others report stained carpets, maintenance lapses, and at least one unresolved pest complaint that management allegedly dismissed; on-island dining is similarly polarizing, with regulars routinely recommending driving into Charleston for better value. Seasonal programming — including an annual Comedy Weekend (now in its 6th year) and the Golf or Gourmet Escape package — adds genuine draw for loyalists and keeps the resort relevant beyond pure golf.
Who it’s for & what you get
- Kid-friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Frequently asked
Is Kiawah Island Golf Resort one of the best hotels in Charleston?
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is ranked #99 hotel in Charleston by community votes.
What is Kiawah Island Golf Resort best known for?
Opulent oceanside hotel offering posh quarters & fine dining, plus golf, 3 pools & a swanky spa.
Who should go to Kiawah Island Golf Resort?
Kiawah Island Golf Resort works well for both locals and visitors looking for a quality hotel in Charleston.
Where is Kiawah Island Golf Resort located?
Kiawah Island Golf Resort is located at 1 Sanctuary Beach Dr, Kiawah Island, Charleston, SC.
Join the conversation
Have a take?
Sign in to share what you really think.
- No comments yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Similar hotels in Charleston
Wild Dunes Resort
Tom Fazio-designed resort courses on Isle of Palms, with the Links layout running along the Atlantic.
The Pinch Charleston
Chic rooms & suites with kitchens in a trendy hotel offering spa treatments & breakfast.
The Loutrel
Refined quarters in an upscale hotel featuring a lounge, a social club & a rooftop deck, plus a gym.
Nearby in Kiawah Island
Roy Barth Tennis Center
Har-Tru clay courts at Kiawah Island's Sanctuary resort, named for the Charleston tennis legend who coached there for decades.
Jasmine Porch at The Sanctuary
Elevated Lowcountry cuisine in a stately, oceanview dining room at Kiawah Island's Sanctuary Hotel.
Beaches & Cream at The Sanctuary
Scoops-and-sundaes counter inside Kiawah Island's Sanctuary Hotel, suited to post-beach families with sand still on their feet.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Seaside golf & spa resort with a hotel & villas, 12 restaurants, 4 pools & free WiFi to the beach.
