Where to StayJekyll Style

By CHRISTINE VAN DUSEN Photography by BRIAN AUSTIN LEE

Jekyll

Island’s history as an exclusive, nearly inaccessible club for only the most well-heeled of American families is a fascinating footnote to what is now an inclusive and well-preserved resort for visitors of all walks of life. Though some of the mansion-sized “cottages” from that bygone era still stand, and first-class accommodations are still readily available, the island boasts numerous alternative places to kick back and relax while visiting. Family- and pet-friendly hotels, rentals of differing sizes and shapes, and a popular 18-acre campsite all can be found on this pristine, seven-mile-long, 5,700-acre barrier island.

Here’s just some of what these places have to offer to today’s traveler:

beachfront hideaway BEACHVIEW CLUB HOTEL

For easy access to the beach and set at the north end of the island near Driftwood Beach, try the Beachview Club Hotel. Set among century-old live oaks, this 38-room boutique hotel overlooks a courtyard and heated pool and is adjacent to the Beach House restaurant.

721 N. Beachview Drive

(912) 635-2256 beachviewclubjekyll.com

Extended Stay

HOME2 SUITES by hilton Jekyll Island

Home2 Suites by Hilton, Jekyll Island is the island’s newest hotel offering. This extendedstay hotel is located across the street from the new Corsair Beach Park and walking distance to Beach Village. The property features an outdoor saline swimming pool and a combination fitness/laundry facility where guests can wash Saturday’s workout clothes while working out on Sunday.

101 Ocean Way

(912) 319-6019 home2suites3.hilton.com

Timeless Elegance

Jekyll Island Club Resort

You don’t have to be a Rockefeller or a Pulitzer to visit the Jekyll Island Club Resort, but you may feel like a member of one of those high-falutin’ families when you check into this Victorian property with old-world charm (think croquet on the lawn) and modern conveniences (like a fitness center). Visitors describe the service as impeccable.

371 Riverview Drive

(844) 201-6871 jekyllclub.com

Back To Nature

JEKYLL ISLAND campground

If roughing it (in an easy kind of way) is more your thing, either in an RV or a tent, the Jekyll Island Campground, walking distance to Clam Creek and Driftwood Beach, is for you. There’s a store on site, a laundry, bathhouses, a pickleball court, and free wi-fi. (After all, roughing it goes only so far.) The campground books up months in advance, though, so it’s wise to plan early.

1197 Riverview Drive (912) 635-3021 jekyllisland.com/campground

Jekyll Ocean Club

The Jekyll Ocean Club has 40 suites that include living rooms and balconies, but visitors rave most about the adults-only rooftop terrace and open-air dining at Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar. It makes for a great romantic beach getaway.

80 Ocean Way

(844) 201-6871 jekyllclub.com

kids’ pick

DAYS INN & SUITES

Budget-conscious travelers may want to consider the Days Inn & Suites which offers some of the island’s best deals on suites. The hotel—in the old days, this was where the Corsair Motel stood—is also a good bet for families, with two pools (one is for children, so you won’t get sideways glances from singles.)

60 S. Beachview Drive

(912) 635-9800 daysinnjekyll.com

eat, shop, relax

The location of the Westin Jekyll Island right next to the Jekyll Island Convention Center and Beach Village shops and restaurants, makes this a popular choice for first-time visitors. In addition to three on-site restaurants, there’s an upper-deck lounge overlooking the beach, which is just steps away.

110 Ocean Way (912) 635-4545 westinjekyllisland.com

WESTIN JEKYLL ISLAND group getaway

Villas by the sea resort & conference center

Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center features a renovated, 9,000-square-foot event space. It’s the largest oceanside resort on the island, accommodations that feel like a cross between a hotel room and a condo. The popular Driftwood Bistro is located next to the check-in and 24-hour mini store.

1175 N. Beachview Drive

(912) 635-2521 villasbythesearesort.com