The hype
Guests are enchanted by the history and grounds but often disappointed by the small, dated bathrooms and noise levels.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
$200-450/ night
Book this if You want to pretend you're a 19th-century tycoon on a slow-paced, moss-draped island getaway.
Why People Love It
- Legitimate Gilded Age history (J.P. Morgan and Vanderbilt actually vacationed here)
- Sprawling, oak-shaded grounds that feel like a movie set
- Access to both the historic riverfront pool and the modern oceanfront beach club
Quick Take: It's a beautiful time capsule, but that means thin walls, creaky floors, and plumbing that remembers the Taft administration.
Reviewed by @Hoangviton: I stayed here for a family getaway and the history is just blowing my mind. The grounds are stunning with all that Spanish moss, and the seafood was incredible. Just know you'll need the shuttle for the beach, but the private pool access makes it totally worth it.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the atmosphere, not modern luxury — expect peeling paint, musky smells, and 'historic' water pressure.
- You love history and ghost stories
- You enjoy slow mornings with coffee on a rocking chair porch
- You want a walkable resort campus with multiple dining options
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally consistent daily service, though missed dust in corners of historic rooms is common.
- Bathroom hygiene: The biggest weak point. Frequent complaints of mildew/mold in grout and 'musty' drains due to age.
- Maintenance: Peeling paint on porches and creaky floorboards are part of the 'charm' but can feel neglected.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality; clean but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Old building smell is prevalent—musty, woodsy, and sometimes damp.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wedding receptions (music/guests) late into the night
- Creaky floorboards and thin walls in the main Clubhouse
- Plumbing noise from adjacent rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The resort fee covers self-parking and the shuttle, but NOT bike rentals.
- You can use the pool and beach access at the sister property, Jekyll Ocean Club (shuttle provided).
- There is a $10 toll to enter Jekyll Island (state park fee).
What to pack
- No Natz or heavy-duty bug spray (essential for sand gnats)
- White noise machine (to drown out the historic creaks)
- Dressy casual clothes (dinner at the Grand Dining Room has a dress code)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sans Souci Building (large rooms, high ceilings, pet-friendly)
- Cherokee Cottage (quieter, feels more residential)
- Deluxe King with Sun Porch (worth the upgrade for the extra living space)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard/Traditional Clubhouse rooms (often tiny and dark)
- Rooms directly above the delivery/service areas in the main building (early morning noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a room in the Sans Souci building or a Deluxe room with a sun porch. Please avoid the smaller standard rooms in the main Clubhouse as we need space.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool at the main club is heated and open year-round.
Are bikes included in the resort fee?
No. Despite the high resort fee, bike rentals are an extra charge via Jekyll Wheels.
Is it haunted?
Rumor has it. Guests report a bellman ghost on the 2nd floor and coffee cups moving in Samuel Spencer's old room.
Can I walk to the beach?
No, the main resort is on the river side. You need to take the free shuttle or drive (~5 mins) to the Ocean Club for beach access.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but strictly limited to the Sans Souci building with a $150 non-refundable fee.
What is the 'sand gnat' situation?
Bad. These tiny biting midges are active spring through fall. They are immune to DEET; use local oil-based repellents.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Buy 'No Natz' bug spray at the local market before you arrive; it works better than DEET for the local biting midges.
- ✨
The 'Pantry' is great for grab-and-go, but locals love 'Sunrise Grille' for a better, cheaper breakfast.
- ✨
You can drink your morning coffee on the riverfront veranda even if you aren't staying in the main building.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'resort fee' includes s'mores and champagne sabering, which feels like a gimmick to justify the cost.
💡The water pressure in some historic rooms is barely a trickle.
💡You might find a 'ghost' bellman, but you're more likely to find a wedding party blocking your path to the bar.
💡The shuttle to the beach is reliable but stops running in the evening, so don't get stranded at the Ocean Club.
💡The 'Riverview' rooms often view the river... across a parking lot.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Jekyll Island Club Resort is located and what's nearby.