My family and I just got back from Surfwatch today! It was a beautiful villa resort. They really took pains to integrate the resort into the marsh surroundings. They’ve located a number of informational plaques throughout the property describing the surrounding flora and fauna, and salt marsh. We had a three bedroom villa in the 5000 building which is across the pond from the indoor pool and the office. All views from this building look over the pond that you see in the artistic rendering which is very accurate. Our villa looked EXACTLY like it was depicted on the Marriott Vacation Club website. Beautifully appointed, impeccably clean, and well maintained. Do not be discouraged by the 2700 feet distance from the beach because there are golf cart drivers constantly roaming the resort that will get you anywhere you need to go. They run 24 hours and just a front desk phone call away. We even walked to the beach a few time with a four and fifteen year old in tow, cooler and beach gear. It was an easy walk because there are plenty of shortcuts and I'm not super physically fit! There is a great pool bar down by the beach with live music and great food. The resort is in a great location near the mall, Piggly Wiggly, Shelter Cove, and the Hilton Head Diner. The beach was extremely wide and clean. Be sure to walk down the beach and check out Folly Creek which is a fresh water stream that runs directly into the sea. It's a full of sea life and a great educational experience for kids. We can't wait to return next year as this is definitely our new Hilton Head home.

The marriott surf watch looks good on paper but fails to deliver. There are no restaurants on the property and nothing within walking distance. Checking in and out was a nightmare. Be prepared to carry all your luggage because there is rarely a cart available. The first few days we were there they had advertised of a raffle and breakfast. We went down the morning of the breakfast and there was nothing left. No coffee. I was lucky to get one tiny muffin. Then to add insult to injury the staff used the breakfast as a front for a sales pitch for time shares. The beach was quite a walk. We had a 6 month old so we did not want to use the golf carts they had escorting people around. I was really turned off at the fact that these golf carts were whizzing past you one after another on the pedestrian bridges. My baby really enjoyed the exhaust fumes everytime they sped by. Thanks Marriott.

We own a Platinum week (summer) at Surf Watch and other family members own a Gold week (spring/fall). We have been fortunate enough to stay at the resort several times and will keep coming back. We love the location, cleanliness, the friendly staff, the ability to just relax or take part in the many activities and trips offered by Marriott for both kids and adults. All pools are heated, the board walk to the beach is a nice walk or you can hop a shuttle cart ride which are constantly running (or can be called). Clean, comfortable, rooms with all of the amenities of home (and more). Great WiFi in the rooms and throughout the property. Having young children, we avoid eating out every night and instead will utilize the gas grills and great kitchen to prepare several meals during our stay. The location is close to shopping, grocery stores, mini-golf, golf and of course the loads of excellent restaurants on the island. I have to mention the awesome shower in the master bedroom which has multiple heads and plenty of room. It also makes it easy to spray down your little ones after a long day at the beach!

We stayed at the Marriott Surfwatch for a week and had a great time. The rooms were very nice and big. The kitchens were also very nice and allowed us to cook in some nights instead of eating out.
One negative was that we stayed in the building furthest from the beach and main pool. It was a nice little walk to get there. It was not a very big deal to me to walk, but might be for others. Golf carts are available as well.
The staff was very friendly and helpful.
Overall, this was a great hotel and I would recommend it to anyone.