With two pools, water features, and lots of kids' activities, this mid-range timeshare property is heavily geared toward families. Golf lovers are also drawn to the Island Links Resort, given its close proximity to local courses. The spacious two- and three-bedroom villas are a highlight, though the decor is a bit plain and some rooms only offer tube TVs. The one major drawback is the property's distance from the beach, which is over a mile away and is best reached by car or bicycle. The resort does offer shuttle service to the beach during warmer months.

The lower-middle-range Hampton Inn Hilton Head is a solid choice for travelers seeking alternatives to the island’s pricier beachfront resorts. It’s in a shady and peaceful setting off busy William Hilton Parkway, a six-minute drive to the beach, and within walking distance to several restaurants. Highlights include a free hot breakfast buffet, free parking and Wi-Fi, a heated outdoor pool, and a small fitness center. Rooms, while spacious, are a bit bland and somewhat dated, but come with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Rates are competitive, but the two-pearl Days Inn Hilton Head has lower rates and comparable amenities. 

The 104-room Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head is a mid-range chain property located off a busy road on the Intracoastal Waterway, a 30-minute drive to downtown Hilton Head. The lobby is bright, colorful, and attractive and has a spacious area where breakfast is served (for a fee), but rooms are dark and basic and could use some updating. The outdoor pool, partly shaded by pines and lined with lounge chairs, is a peaceful place to relax. And there's a small, comprehensive fitness center and a business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout and meeting space is available for 250 people. Another option to consider could be the HarbourSide III at Shelter Cove Harbour, which has units with full kitchens.

The gated HarbourSide III has an apartment-like feel with one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos, all equipped with full kitchens. Most condos have harbor views, but the decor leaves a bit to be desired, especially in the bedrooms where shiny bedspreads look shabby. Perks such as free parking and free Wi-Fi are nice, and families enjoy the pool, but the beach is a drive or bike ride away (the hotel provides a free shuttle). Still, many travelers appreciate its proximity to numerous restaurants.

The Ramada Hilton Head is a two-pearl chain hotel off Highway 278, less than a 10-minute drive from the airport and beach. Its 127 rooms are basic with mini-fridges and microwaves, and views of the parking areas or a pitch-and-putt green. As of winter 2016, the hotel was undertaking much-needed renovations focused on replacing dated furniture in its guest rooms. A highlight of the hotel is its seasonal outdoor pool with blue loungers. A free, Southern-style breakfast is served each day and the adjacent Italian restaurant gets good reviews. The Days Inn Hilton Head costs about the same, though its features are not as appealing as the Ramada's. Travelers willing to pay moderately higher prices could also consider the Hampton Inn Hilton Head, which has more features and fresher rooms. 

The Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort includes 850 condo units, 160 of them managed by the resort and the remainder privately owned. This upper-middle-range property offers good value for a waterfront resort on the island, with numerous features including two pools, 10 tennis courts, and a fitness center. Decor varies from unit to unit, but overall the resort's casual (and occasionally dated) look reflects its vibe as a flip-flops and T-shirt kind of place. Its restaurants and bars, some with bubble-letter signage, plastic furniture, and poor lighting, are a little tacky. For budget conscious families with children, there's swimming, racquets, bicycles for rent, and sand castles to build, without having to go out to dinner every night as the units have full kitchens. 

The 156-room, mid-range Park Lane Hotel and Suites is situated right off busy William Hilton Parkway, the main drag in Hilton Head. Though the property doesn’t have direct beach access, plenty of beaches, golf courses, shops, and restaurants are within a 10-minute drive. Rooms are spacious -- all are suites -- but dated, showing signs of wear-and-tear. Still they're clean, and have full kitchens, as well as flat-screen TVs with HBO, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies. The property also has a serene outdoor pool and whirlpool, lit tennis courts, a small fitness center, and a business center. A free continental breakfast is served daily, and free Starbucks coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Travelers seeking a hotel by the beach can try The Beach House Resort, which also has a more updated look and an on-site bar and restaurant, but rates tend to be higher.

The 119-room Days Inn Hilton Head is a value hotel right off William Hilton Parkway, with restaurants, mini-golf, and grocery stores within walking distance. Rooms are clean but uninspiring, and have mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Suites have added perks such as wet bars, separate living and sleeping quarters, and foam pillows. The free hot breakfast receives mixed reviews. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available, but guests complain the signal is weak. There are smoking rooms, so those sensitive to cigarette smells may want to stay elsewhere.