The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Golf Resort

An extraordinary experience. It was my wife’s birthday. The hospitality and acknowledgment shown by the staff was out of this world. They were SO kind to and considerate of our 2 year old. The room and its view of the ocean were incredible. The food and beverage choices (and we didn’t even come close to trying them all) were all SO amazing, from the coffee shop to the very upscale Atlantic Room. The room service was impeccable and the staff bringing it to us were so professional, kind, and on point. My wife couldn’t believe the whole experience. This trip, from start to finish, was something that my family will never forget (tho maybe the toddler will forget scooping sand on the beach with a newly found shell and screeching with delight whilst stomping in ocean puddles for the first time lol). We are so grateful to Kiawah Island and the Sanctuary for such a wonderful trip. What a special weekend. Thank you again to everyone! We cannot wait to come back!

Today is our last day and we are sad to go. We booked via Amex fhr and had read the reviews and were a bit hesitant as some reviews complained about the service and hotel. I don’t understand those reviews and our experience has been exceptional in nearly every way. Our room was stunning and perfectly maintained. The staff and service were outstanding as everyone has worked here for quite some time and loves their work. We feel as if we are staying at a friends gorgeous estate. And it’s gorgeous in every way. The decor yes is probably 20 years old but it’s still gorgeous and I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything is perfectly maintained and runs like a clock. The NYE celebration was amazing in every way with a fantastic band, beautiful decor and incredible fireworks. We couldn’t ask for anything More. The food was very good we loved ocean for steak and Ryder’s cup for lunch. Jasmine for breakfast each day was lovely. The gym was our only complaint as the smell of the chlorine was overwhelming and burned my throat for a few days. There are so many activities and the bikes were great. The pool was stunning but too cold to enjoy but we did find a sunny lounge chair for napping in the sun. The 5k and polar plunge were a beautiful experience seeing the families enjoying themselves . The spa probably could use a makeover but was exceptional nonetheless. Everyone is so helpful and service oriented. The grounds are stunning. We don’t want to leave and will be back to enjoy golf and tennis hopefully soon! Thank you!

We were looking for a last minute beach respite and chose The Sanctuary. It is a beautiful, perfectly maintained property on a beautiful Atlantic Ocean beach. Most of the staff were exceptional. Our bed was dreamy, the room perfectly appointed. The icecream shop is delicious and helpfully has a list of ingredients for all the options. If you are unaware, Kiawah is a private island of sorts and its pretty much about the golf and the beach - not a ton else to do unless you leave the island. Negatives: the front desk, on two occasions, were polite but not warm and welcoming. I felt that I was going to a stuffy resort. This was not the case with any other staff I encountered. I was annoyed that I was unaware that breakfast was included in my package - they did not mention that when I checked in (which they should have) - morning 1 I skipped breakfast (and would not have had I known it was included) - I happened to be on my travel website (Chase) checking on another reservation and saw the breakfast was included -- I checked with the front desk and they confirmed (again, polite but not warm). I indulged in the breakfast the other days and it was fabulous -- an $80 missed value on morning 1 because the front desk was not overly helpful. The poolside food was acceptable but not great -- it seemed typical pool ood and not what I would expect from a 5-star resort. I do not consider corn chips with cheese sauce poured on top "nachos." The other menus did not have good offerings for vegetarians, which seemed to endemic of this part of the south. The spa is nice but not over the top amazing. Interestingly, I have received no post-stay inquiries -- I would have thought they would want to know about guest experiences. We have traveled to many 5-star resorts in the world. This one is very nice, but not my list of favorites.

I reserved an ocean view room but only saw the other wing to the hotel when looking out the window. After closer look in the room description the view is only from the balcony. Also, given a room on the east wing so could not sit outside in the evening as the balcony was directly in the sun and too hot. Overall felt this hotel is very overrated compared to other hotels we have stayed in this hotel class. The restaurants provided just average food.

Great except hot water and water failed totally on last day preparing to leave. Called desk as the hot water pressure was almost nothing and wife showering but had to use cold to shower as the hot had no pressure. Called desk and informed them but checked with engineering and they were not aware of any issue. I suggested either pipe failure or pump failure but said that they were not problems but said they would send engineer. I said fine but really felt it was not room issue as all water fixtures were low nonfunctional pressure. After 20-25 minutes waiting I called desk since no engineer and needed to shower etc. I said it’s not a room issue but what would a guest who oversees condo ops know! I took shower cold as no pressure in hot and engineer finally came but too late. I was awake! And cold. Skip shaving etc. now all water failed. Called desk and still not aware. Finally rust at every faucet and apparently had a pump change. Now why not be honest and shoot straight. Don’t tell me they will check it out for next guest!! We finished up in lobby restroom. Went to desk and they said pump emergency. Sadly I knew that was probably issue. Maintenance and engineering should change test and assess these routinely. Sadly they were not terribly surprised and no real apology. I wonder about the infrastructure and kitchens and how this may impact them. We were profoundly disappointed with how this was handled for this supposedly highly rated hotel. It hurts those who did a great job. I can assure you I will not return. Fortunately our children and grandchildren left much earlier. Profoundly disappointed!