THE LODGE ON LITTLE ST. SIMONS ISLAND - Hotel Reviews (Saint Simons Island, GA) (original) (raw)

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After a 20 minute scenic boat ride, we came upon a beautiful island to start our visit. This was a former hunting camp turned resort geared for those who want to enjoy the beach, the marsh and woods, and a variety of birds and other wildlife. We stayed in River Lodge which is 4 bedrooms with 4 private baths, a large open room with fireplace, deck and screened in porch. The view overlooked the creek and river beyond. The Lodge is the main building, a rustic cabin where the chef (originally from Belize) prepares all three meals plus snacks each day. The food is delicious and sourced locally. We spent our days exploring the island with several on-site naturalists or going out on our own on bikes, kayaks, skiffs - they have everything you need. Yes, the mosquitos can be plentiful especially in the marsh, but there is bug spray and other items to help. This is a place for no tv, just relaxing, watching birds, gators, possums, raccoons and other wildlife in their habitat. With a max of 32 guests, you can be as social or unsocial as you wish. We were honored to have the owners at several of our meals. Their dedication to conservation and knowledge of the island wildlife was a special part of our weekend. We’ll definitely return.

Date of stay: January 2020

5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation

5.0 of 5 bubblesService

5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality

Room Tip: Best views are River Lodge but all cabins and lodges are nice.

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

We absolutely loved our stay on the island! The food was great, the staff are top notch, and the quiet was just what we needed. We loved all the activities with the naturalists, from counting turtle egg shells at hatch sites, watching dozens of wood storks and ibis flying overhead, to learning about the history of the island.

Some tips: They have bug spray and sunscreen for you to use, but you may also want to bring some of your own if know that you mosquitoes like you. They were annoying in the morning and evening, but manageable. You can bring your own alcohol or pay $20/person/day for their good selection of beer and wine. Food is abundant, you won’t need to bring snacks. :)

If you like salt marshes, peace and quiet, and long, natural beaches, this is the place. It’s not cheap, but the food, the activities and amenities make it a good bargain altogether.

Date of stay: August 2020

4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms

5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation

5.0 of 5 bubblesService

North Palm Beach, Florida

My husband and I decided to celebrate my birthday by spending 3 nights at The Lodge. Our stay was amazing from the boat ride in to the boat ride out. Our excursions consisted of viewing baby bald eagles, fishing, hiking (amazing) & bike riding. All of the naturalists were fantastic, but Tyler was the best by far! He was knowledgeable, personable and you could tell that he loved his job at The Lodge. The food was yummy and plentiful. There is the ability to do laundry, which was great! We stayed in a room in the Hunting Lodge and it was spacious and quiet. The Lodge also provided all if the extras you may need such as bug spray, sunscreen, rain boots, etc. You can tell that customer service is their top priority. We cannot wait to return!

Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled with family

Response from

Greg Hoover

General Manager

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

We are so pleased that you chose to celebrate your birthday with us! We hope we created memories that will last a lifetime and that you will return again soon. We appreciate your comments concerning Tyler. He is a great asset to the island and wonderful with the guests. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

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Don wrote a review

Apr 2021

The working staff and the beauty of the island are great but....

Current management policies and a lack of instilling a culture of empowerment and customer service with their staff negates web site claims of "Superior Dining" and "Gracious Hospitality". Also, they are not truly "All Inclusive," as they claim to be.

Examples from just a one day visit, leaving a day early due to dissatisfaction as issues accumulated:
1. At meals, food served at to your table before you arrive to get cold
2. Only one egg at breakfast, served without asking how you would like it cooked
3. When opt for beer and wine, canned beer easily accessible but wine awkwardly accessible and not always available when you may want it.
4. When asking to use the restroom on their private boat, told "I'll have to ask first who will be cleaning up the mess".
5. Meals served are marginally adequate, single portions, with no offer of seconds. Certainly not meeting definition of "All Inclusive" (always with unlimited food), as they claim.
6. Only one option served at each meal.
7. Charged a cancellation- early departure fee, after advising management of dissatisfaction with services, hospitality, and not meeting web site claims.

Again, I stress that the staff are great and the beauty of the island is spellbinding. Hopefully, these customer service deficiencies will be corrected, should you chose to visit the island.

Date of stay: March 2021

5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation

5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness

2.0 of 5 bubblesService

Room Tip: Tom House Cottage was great

Response from

Greg Hoover

General Manager

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

We are so sorry that you did not enjoy your stay. We recognize that the island is not for everyone. However, two of the last five 5* reviews were written by guests who were here at the same time as you and have a completely different take on the experience. (One of them sat only a few feet away from you during the meals). Because this review is in the public record, I do feel the need to respond to your points and give our perspective. 1. All our meals are pre fixe and the menus are posted daily, but we gladly prepare another option for those who cannot eat a particular meal, if they let us know. 2. Guests are told that the meals are promptly served at their specific time, and we did note that you came late to your meals. When you commented about the eggs, I, personally, took them back and had a fresh egg cooked for your wife. If you had requested scrambled, poached, or otherwise, we would have gladly made it for you. 3. We provide the option for beer and wine daily at a set price per person. Although we do not have a full-time bar in place, any staff member is more than pleased to get you what you need at any time. Your response that at $20 per person per day means that you should have a bottle of red and a bottle of white in your room daily in addition to what you might consume out on the property, at lunch, at dinner, or otherwise seems like a bit of a stretch. 4. We feel it’s inaccurate to claim our meals are only marginally adequate. We serve fairly large portions. At one point I asked you how your meal was and if you were satisfied to which you responded that you were. Had you asked for more, we would have gladly provided it. 5. As to the incident on the boat, the boat Captain was not given a chance to explain. Blankets that are stored in the restroom as it is the only enclosed space on the boat. As the Captain, he was not able to leave his post to clear the room but he was about to ask the Naturalist onboard to make the restroom accessible to you. 6. Yes, you were charged a cancellation fee which is normal practice for anyone leaving the Island before their reserved time. Your review fails to mention that we did, indeed, refund your cancellation fee following your complaints, because we wanted to put the experience behind us. We understand the stress some people are feeling trying to cope in a Covid stricken world. It is our hope that Little St Simons Island can be an escape from such a world. The vast majority of our reviews suggest that most of our guests find it to be that. We are sorry you did not, but we wish you the best for the future.

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Bill F wrote a review

Oct 2021

United States

Disappointing is the best way to describe my recent stay at the Lodge on Little St Simons Island. The island is beautiful, the lodging is comfortable and the naturalists were great..the meals were a disaster. The meals that were supposed to be served hot were often not even warm and were not what you expect for a resort that has been so widely acclaimed by numerous periodicals. The best dinner we had was a steak salad that was supposed to be served cold, the chicken & flounder came out lukewarm and one guest even sent his back because it was cold. I would expect better for an establishment that charges almost 800foraweeknightstay.MydisappointmentwasonlymagnifiedwhenIwasaskedtovacatemyroomby9:30onourdeparturedayeventhoughIhadpaidanextra800 for a weeknight stay. My disappointment was only magnified when I was asked to vacate my room by 9:30 on our departure day even though I had paid an extra 800foraweeknightstay.MydisappointmentwasonlymagnifiedwhenIwasaskedtovacatemyroomby9:30onourdeparturedayeventhoughIhadpaidanextra300 for late check out. A note slipped under our door the night prior to our departure informed me to vacate my room by 9:30 but that I would be able to use the "shower facilities in the barn" prior to my departure on the 3:30 boat off the island. Really ? $300 for a breakfast sandwich and a cold tuna sandwich and checking out at 9:30 for a boat that doesn't leave for 6 hours ? Not a good way to send your guests away with hopes of returning or recommending the lodge to others. Certainly not likely in my case.

Date of stay: October 2021

Response from

Greg Hoover

General Manager

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

Hello Bill F! It's disappointing to read your review after I personally served your table most meals and talked with you extensively. Your comments were that the meals were delicious and/or everything is great. I know your perception of the property changed when you learned that our skiffs were no longer available and went downhill upon check out which had been clearly explained during the reservation process when the later departure was chosen. As we are a very busy property, we had 10:30 am arrivals for the room from which you were departing. The charge is not for the sanwiches alone but also include the additonal guided adventure for both of you for the afternoon of your departure. We also provide shower facilities and a private changing room for those, like you, who choose to stay until our final boat departs in the afternoon. Our room rates are predicated on a 10 am departure and do not include the price of an extended stay. I am very sorry that this experience tarnished your stay and I apologize if the extended stay policy was not clearly understood.

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We spent a weekend on the island and had an amazing time. This is the place for nature lovers. There were miles of unspoiled beach without a single structure and millions of shells. We enjoyed hiking trails through maritime forest with hundred year old live oaks draped with Spanish moss, fishing trips, kayak trips, and beautiful scenery. The naturalists on staff were so knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed learning about the island's history and the wildlife from them. Bird watchers will love the abundance of species and keep a sharp eye out for alligators.

The food was excellent and the accommodations, while rustic were comfortable and had great views. There was plenty of outdoor space for talking, reading, and reflection. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to get away from it all and enjoy nature. Just remember to bring bug spray.

Date of stay: December 2020

4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms

5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation

5.0 of 5 bubblesService

Room Tip: Cedar House had the best views and a fantastic screened-in porch with an expansive deck.

John B wrote a review

Jun 2020

Tequesta, Florida

This was a great trip. The staff was excellent in every respect and the food, available equipment, etc all excellent. The naturalists were very knowledgeable, the beach is amazing. The only negative is the one you cannot control, which is the mosquitos in June. The Lodge provides plenty of repellant and even mosquito nets you wear (recommended if you go on a backwoods tour, no issue with mosquitos when you are on the beach or if you take one of their boats for a cruise).

Review collected in partnership with this hotel

Date of stay: June 2020

4.0 of 5 bubblesValue

5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms

5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation

5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness

5.0 of 5 bubblesService

5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality

Response from

Owner

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

Hello, I am happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit. As an eco-lodge working to preserve the islands ecology we appreciate your understanding of the islands natural environment! The 7 mile private beach is amazing, isnt it? I know I can speak for the whole team that we are glad we were able to provide a lovely holiday and we look forward to a return visit!

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We stayed in Michael’s cottage for 3 nights the last week in February for our 25th wedding anniversary.

1. Location is heaven on earth.
2. Michael’s Cottage for 2 was perfect. So peaceful, great fire, laundry, stocked fridge, two baths. Napping during the afternoon rains was fabulous. An armadillo lived outside our door.
3. Excursion were good with naturalists (baby eagle’s nest, fishing with Tyler, shelling). VIP excursion with Stacia to Myrtle Pond was unforgettable. Stacia is very knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. We saw 7 alligators. What a treat!
4. We did a private charter fishing excursion with Tim through the channels and marshes. This was also amazing. Tim was extremely knowledgeable.
5. We visited at the same time as a larger ‘fun’ group who made our trip even more enjoyable.
6. The baked goods were all delicious.
7. The only complaint I have was lack of variety in the food and drink. There were only two wines (red and white). Neither were sweet. I wish they had told me to bring my own bottle with me (as others did). Also, the main courses lacked variety and were too herby or spicy for me. I think they should offer two proteins at every meal even if the second is always plain fish.

Overall a great visit. I hope they take my feedback on the meals. If so, we will be back!

Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple

Our family has been coming to Little St Simons Island off and on for the better part of my whole life (I’m in my late 40s) and our experiences there are unparalleled. No where else in the world is as excellent at accommodating 20 different diets with such superb food, killer activities that accommodate nearly 80 years age difference between grandfather and youngest grand child, and matches the range of activities and relaxation. It’s a gorgeous setting with so much to do you’ll wish you had 5 more days. And the staff is kind, generous, professional, knowledgeable and so so helpful. I can’t recommend Little St Simons Island enough - to anyone... unless you want to be around crowds of people all the time or shopping all the time - then this Island probably isn’t for you.

Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Traveled with family

This trip involved myself, my husband, our college aged kids and my parents. We stayed in the Helen house which we absolutely loved! The food was great, (I’m certain we all gained some weight) and the service was AMAZING! The island is beautiful and such a picture of southern charm. I must say however that we would not recommend a June visit, the mosquitoes were overwhelming to say the least! Just walking outside our door to go to dinner a few feet away felt like entering a battle field. Wearing long sleeves and long pants wasn’t quite what we envisioned for our summer beach trip. My parents (who are in their 70’s) loved the island and the experience, but were a bit disappointed that they didn’t get to go on sunrise and sunset beach walks because my mother is unable to bicycle for 2 miles down to the beach. The only beach option is having a driver take you down and bring you back but they didn’t want to impose and ask someone to make a special trip on their behalf... golf carts would be an AWESOME and much suggested addition to the experience as well as easier umbrella/chair access and setup (my husband who is in good shape was exhausted by the time he loaded and walked the cart all the way from the pavilion down to the beach and back while fighting off swarms of mosquitoes on the way in the sultry heat)
Unfortunately my parents found themselves inside more than anticipated for these reasons)
We all loved the boat tour of the marsh area and other activities offered by the naturalists, they were incredibly informative and accommodating!
Overall the experience was grand! I think I would just say for the cost, if mosquitoes were treated on some level at all and golf carts were provided for easier beach access, this would’ve been a much better experience. Maybe a fall/winter trip next time😁

Review collected in partnership with this hotel

Date of stay: June 2020

4.0 of 5 bubblesValue

5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms

5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation

5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness

5.0 of 5 bubblesService

5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality

Trip type: Traveled with family

Response from

Jeanne Christie

General Manager

The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island

Hello, Thank you so much for your kind comments. I am glad you enjoyed your visit and we do hope you will return. Late fall and spring are wonderful times to visit because the birding is incredible and the mosquitoes tend to be minimal since we dont have many storms and there are fresh breezes. As you know, we are an eco-lodge and are committed to not spraying to keep the island ecology healthy. Unfortunately, that commitment occasionally means we will have a few more, sometimes a lot more bugs than the average community in the warmer seasons. It is also why we try not to have too many vehicles on the island. And please pass on to your parents that it is never an imposition on for our team to run our guests to the beach. We are happy to help everyone see the island. Please know your visits contribute to the sustainability of our commitment to the environment. We hope that we will see you on your next visit and thank you for visiting The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. Warmest regards, Jeanne Christie, General Manager

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hi, Individual room rates are 700−700 - 700−1000++ per night, and include lodging, meals, activities, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, use of our recreational equipment, and ferry transfers to and from the Island. Specific rates can be found on our website. From the main page, navigate to "Stay" and then "lodges & Cabins, and scroll to the very bottom of the page.

Hi Deborah - Call us at 912.638.7472 any day from 9am-5pm est, or email or check our website. I would provide links but apparently that is not allowed. :) Thank you for reaching out!

Thank you so much for asking! Here are the answers we have on the FAQ page of our website: What is the service charge? All accommodations are subject to an 18% service charge on the total reservation amount. Ninety percent of the service charge includes the following costs and services: parking at the marina, boat transfers to and from the island, wireless internet access (Wi-Fi), sunscreen, bug spray, with 10% of the charge going toward staff gratuities. What about tipping? Staff receive a small gratuity from the service charge. Additional tipping is always welcome and will be split among the staff. In addition: We don't want guests to feel like they must give a tip, but we love when they want to. The only rule we have is if it is given to the front desk/office, it goes into the pot for all staff, as we have many dedicated members of staff who work hard behind the scenes. Guests are also welcome to give tips directly to any staff they would like to take special care of. We don't have any expectation of receiving tips, and some guests leave nothing and others leave 20% of their bill, so it is difficult to speak to an expectation or norm. Thank you for asking!

We offer an unlimited beer and wine package or guests can purchase beer and wine a la carte, and those items are available all the time. We do not provide liquor, but guests are welcome to bring their own and use our glassware, ice, and mixers.

Atlanta, Georgia40 contributions42 helpful votes

4.0 of 5 bubbles

"Avoid times when mosquitos are at peak. Mosquitos are a year round issue but worse in warm weather months."

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Elkins, West Virginia103 contributions96 helpful votes

5.0 of 5 bubbles

"Be prepared to tolerate mosquito repellant. Bring long sleeved clothing. Keep an open mind and a respect for the natural world"

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buffalo, new york12 contributions3 helpful votes

5.0 of 5 bubbles

"The staff will do drop off and pick ups to different locations on the island. No need to bring a fishing rod, the lodge provides one."

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Titusville5 contributions2 helpful votes

5.0 of 5 bubbles

"You don't need to take anything but your clothes. They provide suntan lotion, bug spray, beach towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, optics, bike"

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United StatesGeorgiaGeorgia CoastGolden Isles of GeorgiaSaint Simons Island

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