Making Special Arrangements for your Hilton Head vacationPetsThe best bet is to leave your pets at home. If you must bring a pet, ask the rental agent for an accommodation that will accept pets. This will narrow your choices to a very few properties. A few motels accept pets. You can bring your pet and board it at some of the veterinary clinics or at the Evergreen Pet Lodge or Pet Paradise. Most condominium associations have banned pets even for property owners. If you try to sneak a pet in, chances are you will be noticed and reported. This could result in eviction. Baby NeedsBaby furniture such as high chairs, cribs, playpens and strollers can be rented through your rental agent or supplied by your hotel. If you plan ahead these items can be placed in your accommodation before your arrival. For sanitary reasons, crib sheets are sometimes not provided - play it safe and bring one. Audio & Video EquipmentYou can expect one TV and maybe a VCR in a hotel. Rental villas often have more - ask before you lug that heavy stuff with you. These items can also be rented, however TV reception is not possible by antenna alone, so a TV is of little use without a cable jack. Some villas have CD players and stereos, but this is not the norm. Computer AccessIf you leave your computer at home, you can still have access to a PC at
The UPS Store. The cost is $15.00 per hour with a $5.00 minimum. They
also have copiers and all kinds of office services. 843-842-3171. BoatsHilton Head has several boat launching ramps, so bringing a boat for day use
is complicated only by the need to store it and its trailer overnight.
Some hotels have parking areas for boat trailers. Rental houses usually
can accommodate trailers, but condos cannot. There are several storage
companies (the kind that have the sheds) that accept boats and trailers.
Some of them are: If you have a boat you want to launch on arrival and keep in the water, you need to contact a local marina to make arrangements. Not all marinas will be able to accommodate, and some may sell out of space in the summer. List of marinas. VehiclesHilton Head has limited parking facilities, so some properties restrict the number of vehicles a renter can park. Most hotels do not have a problem, but if you are staying in a condo or house and have more than two vehicles, make sure they can be accommodated. Motorcycles are prohibited in almost all plantations (noise) and some condominiums and timeshares. Vehicles with signage on them are restricted in some places, especially from overnight parking. If you bring any kind of trailer, make arrangements or plan to put it in a
storage facility, such as: U Store It 843-681-7212 (mid island) and 843-681-4130
(mid island) and Beach City Self Storage 843-681-7333 (mid island). Handicapped Access and EquipmentMany properties on Hilton Head were built before ADA and are not well equipped to handle handicapped visitors. This is not to say it's impossible, just that planning ahead is essential. If you rent a home or condo, let the rental agent know if you cannot negotiate stairs - there are plenty of single story properties available. Most hotels are OK, but some motels will need to know your needs. Wheelchair mats have been added to five beaches to permit wheelchairs to cross the loose sand to firmer sand (see Beaches). Equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen systems, and other aids can be rented. BicyclesHilton Head Island is very flat, and with parking limited in some areas, bikes are a great way to get around. Beach bikes rent for about $25 per week (ask for multiple bike discounts) including helmet and chain lock. You can bring your own, but the salt air is rough on bikes and you can't take them inside your rental property to keep them safe. During low tide, our beaches are very firm and you can easily ride a bike with wide tires on the beach. There are many miles of ''leisure" trails on the island that accommodate bikes. You can also rent bikes by the day or even by the hour. For those with children, there are tandem bikes (built for two - one adult, one child), kiddy trailers, training wheels, and kiddy seats (behind the adult). For those who have never ridden a bike, there are adult tricycles. There are even jitney bikes that hold four to six people. During the busy season it's a good idea to reserve bikes ahead of time. Ask the rental company what their policy is regarding stolen bikes. There are some people who like to take a bike at night for a joy ride and then abandon it. Usually they are recovered, but some rental companies will hold you financially responsible for the value of the bike. When you arrive on the island, go to the bike rental company and pick out your bikes and have them adjusted for you. The bike rental company will deliver them to your accommodation and pick them up the day you leave at no extra charge. Click here for a great map showing the town pathways (bike + paths). Motor HomesThere are two motor home parking facilities on Hilton Head. No motor homes (or tents or anything else) are permitted on the beach overnight if at all. Outdoor Resorts (843) 785-7699, at the south end of the island can accommodate a motor home for $28 to $34 per day, renting space owned by individuals. Outdoor RV Resort and Yacht Club (843) 681-3256, at the north end does also for $32 to $38 per night. Motor homes can be stored at many of the commercial storage facilities such as: U Store It 843-681-7212 (mid island) and 843-681-4130 (mid island) and Beach City Self Storage 843-681-7333 (mid island). Welcome GiftsSomeone you know on a honeymoon or other special occasion? Their hotel or rental agent will be glad to deliver a gift basket of fruit, candies, wine, cheese, or whatever goodies you desire to the guest at your request. Other sources include florists and www.byrdcookiecompany.com and www.basketconceptsinc.com . Or you can telephone a restaurant and with your credit card arrange for a gift certificate that can be picked up at the door. See the telephone book here. Updated 12/05/07 |