Review of Two Accommodations in South Carolina: Shem Creek Inn, Near Charleston, and Beachwalk Hotel in Hilton Head

I recently took a trip to South Carolina and divided my time between Shem Creek Inn, Mt. Pleasant and the Beachwalk Hotel situated at Hilton Head Island. Shem Creek Inn is located outside of historic Charleston, while Beachwalk Hotel is about three blocks from the famous beaches of Hilton Head.

I'll begin with Shem Creek Inn. I arrived at Shem Creek Inn about one o'clock and was impressed by its' beautiful setting. The Inn sits next to a large creek that connects to the Charleston Harbor. Shrimp boats sail in and out daily. I even saw dolphins playing in the creek. An outdoor pool, with a creek view, was available to guests. I skipped the pool, as many birds were flying in and out of it, leaving the pool quite dirty. Shem Creek Inn is also by scenic marshes, where egrets,crabs and other wild life can be observed.

The room at The Shrem Creek Inn had two comfortable queen beds and an adequate bathroom. The room appeared neat and clean. There was a sliding glass door opening onto a balcony, with a beautiful view of Shem Creek. Across the creek were several restaurants, resulting in very noisey nights. The eateries had outside tables where customers partied long after midnight. I never dined at them, but heard they had great food.

Location was another reason I chose The Shem Creek Inn in Mt Pleasant, South Carolina. The Isle of Palms beaches were a short drive and it was close to Patriots Point, Boone Hall Plantation and many antique shops. Historic Charleston was a short drive, where there was numerous attractions and popular eateries. Shem Creek Inn is two hours from Myrtle Beach and two hours from Hilton Head. A very convenient location. The room cost ninety nine dollars per day and the Inn offered a good continental breakfast.

Beachwalk Hotel at Hilton Head was in a wooded setting, surrounded by a lagoon. There was a nice gazebo by the lagoon, where I could sit and watch an alligator and hundreds of turtles. There were also many colorful birds, in the numerous trees. A small pool was also available, surrounded by comfortable blue chairs to relax in.

I arrived three hours early, but was pleased to learn my room was ready and waiting. The room was small, but okay for one or two guests. There were two queen sized beds and a small bathroom with a tub and shower. A coffee pot was in the room, but I was only left coffee two out of the five days I was there. The continental breakfast was a disappointment. There was some cereal in jars, old oranges, and bagels. A waffle iron was available, but did not work very well.

The location of the Beachwalk Hotel was great. I could walk to many restaurants including a Wild Wings Cafe, Mamma Chaloupas, and a New York Pizza place. There was also a large outside shopping area called Coligny Plaza within walking distance. Clothing stores, jewelry shops and even a Piggly Wiggly were at Coligny Plaza. The beach was about three blocks away, but I would suggest driving if you have many items to carry. There is a free parking lot for beach patrons. The cost of the Beachwalk Hotel was sixty seven dollars per night, an internet special and a good deal for Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

All and all, I enjoyed both Shem Creek Inn and Beachwalk Hotel, but I would vote Shem Creek Inn the better place.