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Plan Your Fall Getaway: Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island

Travel Review & Fall Special Offer

By Michelle Sisco, Smyrna Vinings Marietta & Buckhead Midtown Brookhaven Macaroni Kid PM August 26, 2016
Are you starting to think about a fall getaway? Summer isn't over quite yet. Maybe the beach is calling your name.  

In late July, we were guests of The Holiday Inn Resort at Jekyll Island - a beautiful and peaceful property located in Georgia's "Golden Isles". I'd never been to this part of the state, as our beach vacations usually take us to busy Myrtle Beach or the Florida panhandle. But there is so much to enjoy in this tranquil corner of Georgia that I can't wait to return. We've been missing something special.

We arrived at our hotel on a Thursday in the early evening (after an overnight stay in Savannah). We unloaded our bags and went straight out to the beach.

A picture really is worth a thousand words. Sunset on Jekyll Island...


After a restful evening in our oversized oceanfront suite (nearly 500 square feet), we awoke to a gorgeous sunny day, and were able to get a better view of the property. Step out the back door of our hotel room and you're on the grounds, just a minute's walk from the beach.

 

Walk across the property to the main lobby and up the stairs, and enjoy a stunning view from the coffee shop (pictured above and below):


The hotel features just over 150 rooms and suites, and even has two kids' suites on the property - these oversized oceanfront rooms include a king bed and bunk beds, and are located on the resort's second floor.

Many rooms are pet-friendly (the entire island is pet-friendly), so if you've always wanted to bring your dog to the beach, he/she will be welcomed here. The rooms are plenty big enough for a family (especially the oversized rooms). My only suggestion is to bring extra towels, as beach towels are not provided by the hotel.

We spent three nights at the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island. It's an amazing place for a family getaway. I still can't get over how peaceful the place was. At times it felt like we had the entire beach to ourselves (maybe even the entire island). Still my kids managed to find plenty of friends, and my youngest son spent one night swimming in the pool until after 9pm, and then playing on the beach (by moonlight of course) until close to 11.


DINING
On our first night, we enjoyed dinner at the brand new Beach House Restaurant, which features everything from fresh local seafood to burgers and craft beers. It's beautifully decorated and great for couples or families. Enjoy eating indoors or on the outdoor porch/patio. The Beach House also serves breakfast, including a breakfast buffet.

At Holiday Inn Resorts, kids 12 & under eat free (off the kids menu) at all restaurants. You really can't beat that deal, which also includes the buffet breakfast - fantastic for my hungry crew. We enjoyed lunches at The Anchor poolside bar & grill, as well as one casual dinner there - listening to live music while the kids continued to swim and play.

The larger rooms do have microwaves and good-sized refrigerators, so you can definitely bring some food with you too.


THINGS TO DO ON JEKYLL ISLAND
With only three days to visit, we were pretty happy staying on property and enjoying the beach and pool. It was blazing hot in July, so we decided not to rent bikes (there are about 20 miles of trails on the island, however). Instead, we took a scenic afternoon drive to see many of the sites - and one of our favorites was Driftwood Beach, pictured below.

Attractions on the island include the Summer Waves Water Park and a putt putt course (and of course many golf courses); a huge fishing pier; opportunities for dolphin tours, kayaking  and horseback riding; historic district tours and more.

CLICK HERE to see a list of the activities the island has to offer.


I'd love to visit Jekyll Island in the fall, when the temperatures drop just enough to allow you to enjoy all the beauty of the island. A September or October visit would be the perfect time to take that bike ride, sit by the Holiday Inn resort's fire pit, or explore the Historic Landmark District. Jekyll Island was once home to many of America's most elite families, including the Pulitzers, Vanderbilts, Goodyears and Rockefellers. For history buffs, there's a lot to see!

A trip to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a must for any visiting family. The Center was created and is operated by the Jekyll Island Authority as a primary conservation program dedicated to increasing awareness through education, rehabilitation, and research programs. Visit the website to see what programs are being offered - we enjoyed our evening Turtle Walk in July.

Nesting sea turtles (primarily loggerheads) come ashore in July and August, and baby turtles hatch in August and September. "Turtle-friendly" lighting is mandated on the island - bright white lights can scare/confuse the turtles, so you may notice that all lights on the island have a reddish hue. (Ask the hotel for a red filter to cover your flashlights.)


We had a wonderful stay at The Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, and can't wait for a chance to return. If you're looking for a getaway this fall, here's a special offer too!

FALL BREAK SPECIAL OFFER!
Dates:  September 26-October 2, 2016
Rates:  Oceanfront Guestrooms starting at $159.00 per night
Savings: 44% discount; $70 savings
Group Booking Link:  CLICK HERE 
Phone: 888.HOLIDAY and ask for the Fall Break Special (FAL)
Booking window: Now until September 20, 2016

For updates and more photos, visit the resort's FACEBOOK PAGE.
 
We were guests of the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island and received complimentary accommodations. All opinions, however, are my own.