I am not sure this place is still in business. We are considering another trip down to Daufuskie Island (and will not choose the 'spa'), and I wanted to post this in case anyone else was considering staying here. My hubby and I went down for a romantic weekend over Valentine’s day in 09. I know this is dated, and I hope they've improved.
We brought our dogs (we are always on the search for dog friendly accommodations -nice ones). Well, first no one was even in the lobby when we arrived, and we didn't quite understand this until later on when we realized this place is pretty much abandoned. We thought oh well it IS winter, and surely its hopping like mad in summer. It was rather a disappointment that no one was around to take care of us, and we saw some staff actually sleeping in chairs (LOL- seriously). There is NO FOOD on Daufuskie, so you're limited to their rather subpar menu- and they only offer the lunch menu even in the evenings in winter (5 selections- no breakfast- have you ever wanted to eat a BLT for breakfast?)-GREAT- so much for romantic seaside sinner for two. This was even hard to come by. No drinks in the room, no room service. Wowser, resort? Not by my count. Also obviously we were not able to use the pools, spa, tennis courts (as of course none of this was open - not that we wanted to or expected to be able to swim in February), but I thought it was rather TACKY for such a subpar establishment to tack on "resort fees" for use of their facilities when none were open. LOL Honestly what a joke. Do not stay here. We know about resort fees, and certainly do not mind paying them for resort locations... arguably however, they should be available.

My wife and I spent our honeymoon here in July 2005 and for the most part loved it. There were a few issues with the snootiness(or SNOTINESS) of the hotel staff, but overall an enjoyable trip. By far the most fun we had was exploring the island with our golf cart. There are a series of dirt paths that run through the "woods" that allow you to go over to "Bloody Point" from "Melrose". Very pretty, densely wooded areas to ride through. Pack a cooler with cold beers or a chilled bottle of wine and enjoy. I would recommend "exploring" after 6:00pm as it can be incredibly hot in the low country during the summer.

I returned to Dafuskie in June 2007 with my parent's, sister, mother in law, and my wife.
I was really surprised at the number of restaraunts that had closed from our previous visit. I also did not appreciate the "resort" fees that were added to our bills. We were not informed of these fees when we booked our cottage. What is ironic about the resort fees is the lack of activities and services that were available during this trip. Basically the pool was open, chairs were available on the beach, the workout facility was open and a half of the restaraunts. That's it. I honestly do not remember paying these fees during our first trip in 2005.

We also had several problems with the shuttle services that are supposed to transport you around the island to the spa, golf courses, etc.

I think my parents, mother in law, and sister enjoyed the uniqueness of the island, but were somewhat disappointed in the service and amenities. My wife and I were very disappointed with our second trip.

I really think this could be a special place and hope that someone buys the resort that can manage and run it properly.

Took one of the tour boats over to Daufuskie Island yesterday, Oct 13th. This hotel is locked up tight (chains and all). We were told it has been in bankruptcy for over a year. The island itself is boring! Most of the "sites" are mere drive-bys or open only a limited basis. Do yourself a favor and take a boat tour of the intercoastal waterways, but don't pay for a trip to the island.

Although my first experience in the spring a year before was not fantastic, it all but made up for it this time around. To come to vacation at Daufuskie Island one has to realize they are first on vacation - its time to slow down, do nothing, and let nature put you back together. That is what this island and resort are all about. If you are looking for non-stop action, go further south to Orlando. I had a two bedroom, oceanfront cottage with a golf cart and stayed for one week. It was the most restful vacation I ever had. I would agree that the check in center is a disaster area with few smiles, and that can be better organized; I would also agree that a stay in the Inn side of the resort is not recommended; until it goes thru renovation, and I would also agree that the cottages need renovation. These are mere facts that I hope will be fixed once management is realigned. In the meantime, the pace was slow, the island practically your own and what other beach in the world can you stand on and be all by yourself?! The cottages are large and comfortable, with all you need to cook and care for yourself or you can walk, bike or ride to any of the resort restaurants if you fancy it. The grounds are natural, the beaches pristine, wildlife is abundant, horseback riding (the whole package!) is best I've experienced, and the spaaaaaaaahhhhh! In short, this resort is like planning your own surgery: be involved personally, double check everything, choose your cabin ahead of time, confirm your reservation AND cart, be prepared to RELAX!