The Cloister at Sea Island, St. Simons Island

We arrived in a well used family car for our stay at The Cloister. The security guard took one look at my car and insisted we must be in the wrong place. She did not even want my name to check for a reservation. I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman when the shop keeper tells her "I don't believe we have anything in your size. Please leave." We were told to drive around and park behind the security shack. After 20 minutes, the guard produced a parking pass and key with my name laser printed on them an told me where to check in. No apology was ever offered. The bellman was nice and offered to give us directions to my business meeting. The bed was exquisitely comfortable. The mattress and linens were fabulous. The walk in shower was large. The soaking tub was great. If it wasn't for the rude staff, I would have booked another weekend on the spot. As it is, I'll never go back.

The Cloister was quiet but I did not like our suite at all. It overlooked the front entrance and was decorated by a designer who liked loud flowers and glass tables. Being Easter weekend could have accounted for the lack of waitstaff. Staff seemed overwhelmed at the pool and bars. Kids ran everywhere at the beach club even getting into the adults only pool. There were no waiters at the pool at all so you had to wait standing at the bar, while the two bartenders mixed frozen cocktails one at a time. Getting dinner reservations proved difficult. When we finally did get one, even after checking to be sure our sons' jeans (with mandatory jacket and collared shirt) would be okay, we were not allowed in the dining room. So I can't comment on the food since we had to eat in the bar - twice. Disappointing, and considering all the kids around, unneccessary, I thought.

Steve and Lisa are the best massage therapists i've ever had. l've traveled everywhere and those two are truly the best.

This is the most exquisite hotel and resort on the planet! There is nothing that you can ask for that won't be take of by the staff. The Cloister has a home type feel to it where you just feel welcome. People greet you by name and treat you as if they are there just for you. The resort is more quiet this time of year which makes it feel like you the place to yourself. I will definitely return and will be telling everyone about this place.

the hotel was great. the room was great. the food was great. the service was great .the golf courses was great. the pool was great. i would stay here again.

My wife and I spent months looking for a place to honeymoon, a friend recommended I take a look at the Cloister as an off-the-beaten-path luxury getaway. He could not have been more right. The reputation of the hotel and its clientele speak for themselves, but I will simply add that there was absolutely no amenity withheld from us, and we were made to feel well cared for and pampered the entire time. The hotel and the restaurant staff consistently, or more appropriately ferociously go out of their way to make your stay an unforgettable experience. If Golf is your passion, the courses at sea island will test your skills and titillate your senses at the same time. Without gushing for another 3000 words, I will end by saying, if you have the means...go, enjoy, and tell them they'll see my wife and I soon.

My husband and I had the treat of staying at the newly remodeled Cloister in August of It was truly the loveliest place I have ever stayed, and I have been fortunate to stay at many lovely places. Because my husband is a member of a country club with reciprocal privileges with the Cloister, we were upgraded to the best room available on check in, which was a river suite (rate is 1200.00 a night for this room during the summer, which is when we were there). It was pure luxury. The room was in the main building overlooking the river. We had a large covered balcony overlooking the river which was perfect for reading or drinking coffee (or wine!). The suite itself had a foyer with half bath, good size living room with huge plasma TV which has internet capability (free of course). The bedroom was tremendous (really! probably 20 x 30 feet), with two queen beds, another huge plasma TV and a sitting area. The bathroom had a separate dressing area with sink and closet and then the bath had another sink, heated tile floor, seperate huge bathtub, heated towel rack, shower with rain showerhead, 15" plasma in bathroom, and beautiful carrerra marble everywhere (countertop, shower, bath surround,floor, etc.). The dressing area even had seperate closets, which was really nice. The toiletries were wonderful - by Bulgari - and smelled so good I went home and bought the perfume. I have never been so spoiled in my life. The only complaint, and it is a small one, is there is no ironing board or iron in the room. Of course, you have a butler who would be glad to take care of your ironing for you, but I had a 20.00 white T-shirt that I planned to wear on the drive home and I was frankly too embarrased to send it out for pressing! Also no coffee pot,which was no big deal because it was delivered promptly but I would have liked to be able to brew a small pot while my eyes were still half shut. The spa was under renovation when we were there and the old spa did need renovation, but the new spa has opened and is supposed to be fabulous. I told my husband - any more trips to the Cloister, sign me up!

Very relaxing! I stayed in the River House which is one of the original/older buildings so my rooms was small and the bathroom was tiny but it was comfortable the service was excellent. Definitely rent bicycles and take a ride around the island. This is not the place to party - there's no nightlife on the island. Just peace and quiet and spanish moss and Southern hospitality, and a wonderful ocean breeze.

The Cloister is not just a hotel, it is an experience of Southern hospitality, charm, and luxury. The best time to go is at Christmas and New Years - like an old-fashioned fairy tale for children and adults. Also, any time of year, rent bikes and ride around Sea Island - gorgeous! The food is excellent, the accommodations are beautiful - I love The Cloister.

My visits to the Cloister are some of my happier memories. I enjoyed everything about my vacation. The view was wonderful and so relaxing. The meals were out of this world. If all you enjoyed about The Cloister was the food that would be worth the price.