While the Park Lane Hotel & Suites may not be the newest kid on the Hilton Head block, this independently run property prides itself on its welcoming Southern charm and relaxed resort ambience. The hotel occupies several cream-colored buildings with white trim, green accents, and slate roofs, and is surrounded by magnolia trees and Spanish moss. The outdoor pool area is serene, with a terraced deck and cushioned seating, while the backyard features old pine trees and Adirondack chairs set around horseshoe pits and picnic tables. Near the breakfast area, a tidy coffee area serves free Starbucks coffee and Tazo tea under the warm glow of pendant lights. Snacks are put out for guests in the afternoons. The property draws mostly families and couples during the peak summer months, with golfers visiting more frequently in the spring and fall. The hotel should appeal most to travelers seeking a traditional, Southern ambience.

Although the Park Lane Hotel and Suites is situated along William Hilton Parkway, one of Hilton Head’s busiest main roads, it’s set back from the highway in a lightly wooded area away from the traffic. There are a few restaurants within walking distance. With its easy access to the main road, the location is convenient, although it's not on the beach. Coligny Beach, a six-minute drive from the hotel, is the closest. The hotel can arrange for bike rentals for guests who would like to cycle to the beach. Several golf courses, wildlife parks, restaurants, and shopping areas are within easy driving distance from the hotel.

• Three-minute drive to Palmetto Dunes Golf Courses
• Three-minute drive to grocery store (Fresh Market)
• Four-minute drive to Shelter Cove Towne Center (shopping)
• Six-minute drive to Coligny Beach
• Six-minute drive to Chaplin Community Park
• Six-minute drive to Van der Meer Tennis University
• Seven-minute drive to Driessen Beach Park
• Eight-minute drive to Folly Field Beach
• 10-minute drive to Hilton Head Airport
• 12-minute drive to Harbour Town Golf Links
• 60-minute drive to Savannah Historic District
• 60-minute drive to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

Rooms -- all suites -- come in three sizes: Bi-Level Lofts with an upper sleeping area and a lower kitchen and sitting area, and two Studio Suites, one with a king bed and the other with two queen beds. All rooms have sofa beds and private balconies, and the kitchens are large with granite counter tops, cabinets stocked with tableware, and full-size stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

The beds have Serta mattresses, which guests report are comfortable. Most King and Loft rooms have fireplaces, and guests can purchase logs at the front desk.

All rooms are air-conditioned and come with coffee- and tea-making facilities, hairdryers, individual toiletries, irons and ironing boards, flat-screen TVs with cable and HBO, and free Wi-Fi.

While there is no on-site restaurant or bar, the hotel offers a free daily continental breakfast of fruit, cereal, bagels, and waffles. Free Starbucks coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day.

The hotel has a pleasant outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as lit tennis courts and a small indoor fitness area. The hotel can arrange for bike rentals. A laundry room offers coin-operated washing machines and dryers. Some of these services are covered in the mandatory resort fee.

An attractive 24-hour business center is available for guests' use -- it has a table surrounded by leather chairs, two desks with computers, a printer, and a TV. Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the property as well. The Ballroom, designed for meetings, conferences, weddings, and other events, has its own sitting area, bathrooms, and kitchen and can host up to 100 people.

The hotel is pet-friendly, though pets require a fee. Four-legged friends get a gift upon arrival, and the hotel offers Pawz Pet Sitting service.