Wild Dunes Resort - Residences at Sweetgrass

The beach, pools, and activities were a lovely bonus, but it was the staff who made this stay a 10 out of 10. After a terrible travel day, I arrived at 11 p.m. needing a new place because the VRBO I’d booked was filthy. Wild Dunes Resort got me into two suites, and Boipello at the front desk was especially kind. She brought me water, listened while I talked through what had happened, and even remembered me by name when I returned from my son’s wedding two days later.

For what these rooms cost, this was an awful stay, and I wouldn’t recommend spending your money here. We’re a family of seven, two adults and five kids, and didn’t get the rooms we’d booked despite having confirmation. We requested a rollaway cot for each room for the first two nights, but only one arrived. I had to ask again the next day, and still never got another one. Why wasn’t I put on a waitlist in the first place? Service was poor elsewhere too. When I ordered pizza, the teenager taking my order had me pay, then chatted with friends and gave them free ice cream before bringing my drinks. We were handed a resort map, but nobody explained the activities available.

The shower had great water pressure and plenty of hot water, but the room itself felt dated for a resort, especially for the price. Thin walls and a poorly insulated adjoining door meant we could hear everything next door. The noisy air conditioning also switched on and off at night and woke us up. Parking was very limited, with no enforcement of the spots meant for paying residents, and golf carts parked wherever they wanted, including in resident spaces. We skipped the $50-per-person “Seaside Sparks” event. The chairs were the ones the resort provides for the beach, and the fireworks were put on by the city, miles down the beach and barely visible. We brought our own chairs and sat closer to the show, still on the property because we thought the resort was putting it on. Other residents set off better fireworks themselves. If you go for the event, head farther into town to watch.

The room was a good size, and I especially liked the fireplace. I enjoyed my stay, and all the staff were friendly and helpful.