Villas by the Sea, Jekyll Island

This was a fabulous resort to hold our family reunion. The villas are scattered throughout the beautiful maritime forests of the island. Ryan, the group director was great in making sure the entire family was as close to one another as possible and not scattered out through the "very large" grounds. I cannot say enough about the personal care that were given to our family group of 54. The restaurant, "The Driftwood Bistro" was fabulous and we had our main family (group) meal there. Merideth and Dan pulled it all together and continued to check on us to make sure that all was going well through our stay or to see if we needed anything - or maybe just to say hello! I just cannot say enough about all the "special care" that we received from this resort. Some of us came in a few days early before the main group arrived and the Driftwood Bistro was such a nice place, the food and service was wonderful, that we decided to have our meals there instead of going elsewhere on the island, and no matter how many people in our group showed up, there was Merideth, pulling tables together so that all of us could have a meal together. The convenience of the restaurant on site is wonderful. The front counter staff could really learn alot from these three people, Ryan, Merideth and Dan as to how to greet and treat people as they encounter people at the front desk. - Seems that was the only problems anyone in our group had on a consistent basis. With that said, ~ THANKS Ryan, Merideth and Dan for ALL of your hard work in making the SUMMERLIN REUNION a great success!!! Before leaving, we all voted on having it again next year at the Villas by the Sea..... Don and Cookie

We checked in on Monday. A prior guest checked out on Sunday. We paid $75 for each of our Dogs so the rug could be shampooed. Well the carpet was not cleaned before we moved in. The attendant didn't think there was anything wrong. Didn't have time! The $150 we paid would buy a new carpet. However, I do not feel the carpets get that shampoo every time a person moves out. Our original stay was for three nights. We asked to check out in two days. She insisted we would still have to pay for the third night. This is not a 3 1/2 Star hotel!!!! We did not have fun, nor would I highly recommend to others.

We really liked the condo we stayed in. We loved the pool although some trees should be trimmed as it was 60 percent in the shade. Also the squirrel population tended to be a bit of a nuisance if you had food around. The hotel restaurant food and service was really good as its under new management and not as pricey as other restaurants on the island. The beach view was beautiful and great for moonlit nights but not ever dry enough to lay out during the day, even at low tide. But the public beach just up the road was great! If you have kids or aren't looking for lots of evening entertainment this is the place for you!

I chose this villa because I thought it was located on the water. The truth is you are in walking distance from the beach. The pictures on the internet are very decieving. If you don't want a oceanview and just want to enjoy views of beautifully landscaped trees and nature then this is the place for you. It was clean and that's only thing I can say about the 1 bedroom villa we rented. It was poorly decorated. Felt like I was in decorated with children in mind. I was very disappointed because my husband and I went there for an overnight stay for our anniversary. I'm so glad I only booked 1 night. We will not never return!!!!

It was our first and will be our last visit. When we arrived we were told they had to move us to another villa because the owners had decided to come in and stay in the poolside villa we had reserved and they had first rights. That was fine but they should have told us in advance. The villa we stayed in was still very nice. That was probably the nicest thing about the whole trip. The basketball court and game room that was suppose to be there didn't exist. The pool was nice but you had to be first inline for the one spot that had sun. When there was a beach you had to fight the crawling bugs that came out from the rocks and empty out your beach bag so you didn't take them back to the villa. The only store on the island is like a convenience store so we had to drive off the island about 20 minutes to find an actual grocery store. Every time you drive off the island you pay $5.00 to get back on. The only good restaurant on the island was the Red Bug Pizza. I would not recommend this place to people that have children unless they are small toddlers. There is nothing to do for them except swim and they get bored of that doing it every day. Jekyll Island is a pretty island but that's all. We can say we have been there but have no desire to go back.

I really appreciated the individuality of each villa because no two are the same. The information given regarding the accommodations on the website were spot on, I couldn't find anything that was terrible. It was a safe, clean, welcoming place. I couldn't have asked for a better place to stay in my opinion. At first I was wary, by reading the reviews before... I'm definitely glad that my family and I stayed here.

Been going to jeckyll since our honeymoon. The condo we got was 2 bedroom, queen with balcony ocean view, 2nd bdroom, 2 twin beds. full big bathroom , all this upstairs. living room ,full kitchen with dishwasher, micro wave,elect. stove. well stocked utencils and dishes and pans. very nicely decorated.tv,s up and down.patio from living room. dining table for 5. Only way to go! will stay there again

What a disappointment. It is advertised that a 2 bedroom will accomodate 6 to 8. We did not have enough for 5. 2 single beds, a queen and no pull out sofa, not even a full sized couch to sleep on in unit 389. When we went to the front desk we got "the fire code says we can sleep that many so, if you had a blow up it would be ok" We will get you a cot for $10. Also, they were reluctant to let us have extra sheets and when we ask for a pillow, we were told that there was not one single pillow available in the whole place. The unit had a washer dryer combo, but it was locked and not available for our use. Dont waste your money! Find another place. If they hadnt already taked full payment before we got to the room, we would have been outta there. to be continued

Jekyll Island is beautiful, peaceful and a great place to relax. No commercial area/No fastfood- 1 small plaza with an IGA Grocery, Pharmacy, and tourist shops. VBTS- is a beautiful property- nicely maintained & private, lush landscaping among the shady oak trees covered w/ spanish moss ! Our unit was a 1 BR villa in the Caldwell building- away from the pool, It was nice, clean- but was not updated. (Very 1980's decor !) Like most people I had hoped for a unit that was like the pictures on the website. These units are individually owned- it's not a hotel. (So you maybe lucky enough to get a renovated unit) The place is beautiful- driftwood beach is fantastic, and if you are aware of the tide schedule the beach is nice as well. AS everyone mentioned the beach disappears with the tide. I would stay here again- but I'd like to know a unit # that I could request that is updated/renovated. (I'd like to stay some place that is at least comparable to my own home OR Better !) The 80's unit left little to be desired ! If we ever come back to Coastal Ga, we will probably stay on St Simon's Island- the area is more commercial, but the housing offerings were new construction. Jekyll Island did put on a fantastic fireworks display behind the convention center- we could see it from our deck at VBTS.

It was our first time visit to the area, found Villas on the internet after a search. Was skeptical after reviewing some comments-very pleasantly surprised ! Pool was very nice. Our 1 BR villa was clean, updated and wonderful location. This place is perfect for a relaxing vacation. No crowds, No fast food/strip malls around every corner. Location is great for relaxing & enjoying nature. If you get a villa with a kitchen stop off island to get your supplies/groceries. There are limited options for breakfast food-more place open only for lunch/dinner. Enjoy the area- we will be back ! Rent a bike & cruise the island in the morning- it's breath taking.