Where to stay on Jekyll Island in Georgia for the best overall experience.
Jekyll Island is situated along Georgia’s coastline among a group of barrier islands lovingly referred to as the “Golden Isles.” The island, once a winter hideaway for the world’s elite, is now a historically significant State Park with a lush natural landscape just waiting to be explored.
My husband and I visit every year and never get tired of the friendly locals, the outdoor activities and overall laidback lifestyle.
Make the most of your time on the island by staying at one of the below resorts. I’ve ranked them all according to value, amenities and location!
About Jekyll Island – Quick Facts and Hotel History
- Jekyll Island was founded in 1733.
- The Jekyll Island Club for the world’s richest and most powerful families was opened in 1888. The cumulative wealth of club members amounted to about 1/6 the world’s total wealth.
- From 1888 to 1928, the Rockefellers, Morgans, Vanderbilts and other titans of their era continued residential development on the island. Ample hunting opportunities, fishing, water sports and warm weather provided a range of activities to entertain these privileged residents year-round.
- Jekyll Island was evacuated in 1942 due to World War II and the threat of enemy submarines off the coastline.
- Six years later in 1948, Jekyll Island reopened to the public as a state park with attractive beaches for lounging and swimming. Most of the homes and clubhouses on the island remained abandoned.
- Not until 1987, after years of restorations, did the Jekyll Island Club reopen as a hotel for eager travelers wishing to experience idyllic coastal living.
Where to Stay on Jekyll Island
For a relatively small island, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to where to stay. I’ve arranged the following hotels in order of my personal preference. It’s important to keep in mind your trip to Jekyll Island will be magical no matter where you stay!
Jekyll Island Club Resort – My Top Pick
Price range: $229 to $549 per night. The price varies depending on the day of the week, month and room type.
Pet policy: Pet-friendly rooms available for a fee
Jekyll Island Club Resort is a fascinating piece of history created by and for the world’s richest and most powerful families in the late 19th century. It is without a doubt the best place you can stay on Jekyll Island.
We had our family reunion at the club resort a few years back and everyone was so impressed with the number of activities available. There’s a beautiful swimming pool, croquet lawn, expansive verandas with wicker rocking chairs, a shopping promenade and plenty of biking trails just steps away from the clubhouse.
Jekyll Island Club Resort also offers seven different restaurants with both casual and formal dining options. Trust me—the buffet breakfast in the opulent Grand Dining Room can’t be beat.
If you’re up for some beach time, just hop on the shuttle and be whisked away to Jekyll Ocean Club—the resort’s newest beachside addition.
Here you’ll find another pool deck and a pier leading you straight to the ocean. And the best part—access to this area is all included in your Jekyll Island Club Resort fee! Beach chairs and umbrella, too.
This leads me to my next hotel recommendation for where to stay on Jekyll Island…
Jekyll Ocean Club Resort – My Second Choice
Price range: $399 to $750 per night
Pet policy: No pets allowed
Jekyll Ocean Club is a great modern option for where to stay on Jekyll Island.
The resort is located along Great Dunes Beach and within walking distance of the Beach Village shopping and dining area.
The best part about Jekyll Island Ocean Club Resort is that, in addition to being on the water, you still have access to all the historic clubhouse amenities back on the main Club Resort property.
This means you can take the free shuttle five minutes northwest and enjoy all the dining and leisure options of the historic resort.
Book an ocean view room at Jekyll Ocean Club Resort and get ready to unwind and relax like never before.
The Westin Beach Resort – Best for Business Travelers
Price range: $200 to $672 per night
Pet policy: Pet-friendly rooms are available for dogs weighing up to 50 pounds. An additional pet fee is required.
What the Westin Jekyll Island’s interior lacks in coastal charm, it’ll more than make up for with its excellent location and top-notch service.
Located within easy walking distance of the Beach Village shopping and dining center, this hotel is an excellent jumping off point to explore all the island has to offer.
There are six dining options available at The Westin Jekyll Island, including everything from a coffee bar for your morning caffeine fix to an elegant steakhouse for special occasions.
I should note that the Westin is popular among business travelers and those attending events at the nearby convention center.
Residence Inn by Marriott – Conveniences of Home
Price range: $200 to $500 per night.
Pet policy: Accepts pets
If you’re considering where to stay on Jekyll Island, look no further than the Residence Inn by Marriott, conveniently located with direct beach access via an elevated walkway.
This hotel features not one but TWO swimming pools, free breakfast for all guests and spacious accommodations. Many of the rooms feature a living room and full kitchen for whipping up something quick to eat.
In addition to the interconnected swimming pools, Residence Inn also has a self-service laundry area, a heated whirlpool and free bike rentals for guests. What more do you really need to feel at home?
This combination makes the Residence Inn one of my top recommendations for where to stay in Jekyll Island.
Hampton Inn & Suites – Where to Stay in Jekyll Island
Price range: $135 to $300 per night
Pet policy: Pets allowed with a $75 fee
With spacious rooms, a contemporary design and direct beach access, Hampton Inn & Suites is fifth on my list of the best places to stay in Jekyll Island.
This hotel goes above and beyond for guests. It has a swanky bar on the first floor, as well as a great free breakfast including eggs, southern style grits, sausages, fresh fruit, oatmeal and even a waffle maker.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to get around town and visit all the hot spots without having to drive yourself! How cool is that?
Another unique element to the Hampton Inn & Suites is their elevated wooden walkway to the shoreline, which is partially covered in a dreamy tree canopy. It feels like you’re walking through the jungle.
Holiday Inn Resort – Expansive, Manicured Grounds
Price range: $150 to $370 per night
Pet policy: Pets allowed on request
The outdoor amenities at the Holiday Inn Resort are spectacular. The expansive grounds feature two swimming pools, plenty of lounge areas, a children’s playground and a fire pit. Bikes are also available to rent.
This pet-friendly Jekyll Island hotel also has plenty of lawn space for your pooch to play, run around and do his/her business.
The only downside to this location is that it’s a bit isolated compared to other hotel locations. Beach Village with all its shops and restaurants is nearly 2 miles away, so you’ll likely need your car or another set of wheels to get around.
This Holiday Inn hotel near Driftwood Beach does have direct seaside access though!
Home2 Suites by Hilton – Great for Budget Travelers
Price range: $135 to $375 per night
Pet policy: Accepts pets
Home2 Suites offers an excellent value for anyone looking for a deal on where to stay in Jekyll Island.
This cute hotel is located walking distance to the Beach Village restaurant and shopping area, providing you with plenty of options for wetting your whistle or curbing any craving.
A complimentary breakfast is included for all guests, and at just $135/night, the price can’t be beat!
The main downside to staying at Home2 Suites in Jekyll is the lack of direct beach access. Guests must walk across a road and a parking lot to get to the shoreline, as the hotel property itself is actually quite small.
There are also no on-site restaurants—just your standard snack offerings in the lobby. However, that said, I think this hotel offers an excellent value and the interiors feel fresh and sharp!
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island – Cheapest Option, Great Value
Price range: $110 to $250
Pet policy: No pets allowed. Service animals only.
This sprawling inn is the perfect place to stay if you’re a fun-loving family looking for a cheap Jekyll Island beachside hotel that won’t break the bank.
The interior rooms and lobby may look a little dated, but the hotel isn’t lacking personality! Pops of color and beautiful balcony views add to the warmth and charm.
With two outdoor pools, sprawling green lawns and direct beach access, everyone in your group will be happy as a clam to stay here.
Days Inn & Suites offers the cheapest hotel accommodation available on Jekyll Island. Don’t wait to book as the rooms do go fast!
Map of Where to Stay in Jekyll Island – Best Hotel Options
With beautiful shorelines, friendly locals and endless outdoor fun for the entire family, there’s plenty of options for where to stay in Jekyll Island.
My recommendations consider the cost and value for each hotel stay, the impact of location and the overall aesthetic of each accommodation.
Bookmark this page and share with any loved ones going with you on your trip!
RELATED LINKS
Staying in Georgia’s Golden Isles? Read my recommendations for the best things to do on St. Simons Island–just a short drive away from Jekyll!
Still in the planning phase? I’ve outlined the best beaches to visit along coastal Georgia.