Frequently Asked Questions

Arrival Instructions are emailed to the email address on the reservation 7 and 2 days before arrival. Our standard arrival time is 4 pm. Should your property be available before 4 pm, we will text the cell phone number listed on the reservation.

Golf carts are a fun addition, but not required to navigate St. Simons. Further, Glynn County and many communities have stringent rules regulating golf cart use, including which roads they may be operated on. Please review the information below carefully to ensure renting a golf cart is the right decision for your traveling party.

*Electric Golf Carts may not be plugged in to charge at any condominium community. Please ensure all rented carts are gas.

- PTV vs. LSV
- Approved Roadways
- PTV ordinance

Thanks for asking, we'd love to share our favorite restaurants on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island!

- Kid friendly
- Date night
- Hidden gems
- Outdoor dining
- Breakfast
- Picnic spots
- Girls trip
- Nightlife

The Golden Isles are a fantastic destination for golfers, offering a mix of public courses surrounded by the area’s natural beauty. Mild weather makes golf a popular activity throughout much of the year, whether you’re planning a dedicated golf getaway or simply want to squeeze in a round during your stay.

Golfers can find courses throughout St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Brunswick, with options for all abilities. Tee times can fill up quickly during peak travel periods, so be sure to book in advance.

A few public courses to consider:

- Jekyll Island Golf Club: Features multiple 18-hole courses, offering a variety of layouts and scenic surroundings.
- Heritage Oaks Golf Club: This 18-hole public golf course in Brunswick is known for its approachable layout, making it a great option for beginners.
- Sanctuary Cove: Located in nearby Waverly, about 30 minutes from St. Simons, this course offers a more challenging experience.
- The Club at Sea Palms: A George Cobb-designed, 18-hole championship course winding through live oaks, pines, marshes, and water features.
- Kind and Prince Golf Club: An 18-hole course set among ancient live oaks, Spanish moss, salt marshes, and tidal creeks, offering a distinctly St. Simons way to spend the day on the fairways.

Getting to the Golden Isles is easy, with several airports offering convenient access to St. Simons and Jekyll Island, including:

- Brunswick Golden Isles Airport (BQK) is the closest commercial airport, located just ten minutes from Brunswick and approximately 15-20 minutes from St. Simons Island, and 30 minutes from Jekyll Island, depending on traffic and your destination.

- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is about 70 miles south of the Golden Isles and offers a much larger selection of non-stop flights and airlines. The drive to St. Simons or Jekyll Island typically takes about 1.5 hours, making it a popular choice for travelers coming from destinations without convenient service to Brunswick.

- Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) is approximately 80 miles north of the Golden Isles. With a wide range of domestic flights, SAV is another convenient option, particularly for those who want to combine their Golden Isles vacation with some time in Savannah.

- St. Simons Island Airport at McKinnon Field (SSI) is a convenient option for private aviation, located at the southern end of St. Simons Island. With two active runways and modern general aviation services, it places travelers just minutes from the island’s beaches, restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Beach access varies by property, as each home is situated in a different location. Some rentals are a short walk or quick drive to the beach, while others are closer to island amenities, with beach access just a brief trip away. Details are typically provided on each property page.

Beach parking varies by location, but there are several public areas with convenient beach access on St. Simons Island. Keep in mind that availability can vary during busier months, so arriving earlier in the day is always a good idea.

St. Simons Island Public Beach Parking:

- East Beach Coast Guard Station (restrooms, ADA accessible mats)
- Massengale Park (restrooms, ADA accessible mats)
- Gould's Inlet (shower, pet-friendly)
- St. Simons Lighthouse Museum (restrooms)

Jekyll Island has several beach access points, each offering its own combination of parking, amenities, and beach experience.

Jekyll Island Public Beach Parking:

- Great Dunes Beach Park (restrooms + showers)
- Oceanview Beach Park (restrooms, showers, pet-friendly, ADA accessible mats)
- Corsair Beach Park (restrooms, showers, pet-friendly, ADA accessible mats)
- Driftwood Beach (pet-friendly)
- St. Andrews Beach Park (restrooms, showers, pet-friendly, ADA accessible mats)
- South Dunes Beach Park (restrooms)

Beach towels, pool towels, and chairs are not guaranteed in any rental. We recommend bringing your favorites from home or including them in your VayKLife order.

Pack 'n Plays and cribs are not provided in any rental. We recommend bringing yours from home or ordering them from Baby Quip.

One of the most important questions! We do our best to include the coffee maker in the kitchen photo on each property page, so be sure to check there first. Coffee supplies are not provided, so bring your favorite blend or pick something up while you’re here!

St. Simons Island offers several convenient options for stocking up, including:

- Harris Teeter
- Winn-Dixie

Prefer something more bespoke? Make sure to check out the blends at some of our favorite local shops:

- Wake Up Coffee
- Sandy Bottoms Bagel Company
- Uncle Don's Local Market

We are unable to guarantee an early arrival or departure. On your arrival day, if your property is available before 4 pm, we will text the cell phone number on the reservation. Should you wish to request a late departure, please contact us at [email protected] the day before your departure, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Guests at the St. Simons Beach Club and Ocean Walk may use the on-site fitness facilities maintained by the HOA. Hodnett Cooper cannot guarantee specific equipment. Many local fitness facilities offer day or class passes. A few of our favorites are:

- The Club
- Live Oak Fitness
- Omcore Yoga + Body
- Island Pilates + Wellness
- CrossFit Grit

Pool size varies by property, so you can easily choose the right fit for your stay, whether you’re looking for a cozy pool for two or a larger space where your whole group can cool off and unwind. Some of our properties even offer seasonally heated pools, providing an inviting option in the fall and winter when temperatures get a little cooler. Pool photos shown on each property page accurately represent the pool at that rental, so check for details and photos.

Yes, you may welcome guests to your rental property; however, please ensure the total number of guests does not exceed the occupancy limit in your signed rental agreement. Need more information? Locate your property on the website by typing the name or unit number in the magnifying glass in the top-right corner. The bottom of the description provides the maximum occupancy.

Parking availability is dependent on the rental you select. Please contact us at [email protected] for personalized recommendations.

Confirm a reservation directly with Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals at a participating property, and VayKLife will email a link to your private selection portal. Enter your confirmation number and choose from an incredible assortment of beach gear. Items are delivered on arrival and picked up on departure. Beach gear is included at select vacation rentals on a seasonal basis.

The deposit policy varies based on the length of stay and the property selected. Please refer to your signed rental agreement.

Many of our rentals offer self-check-in; however, a select few use traditional keys. Your arrival instructions are emailed to the email address on the reservation 7 and 2 days before arrival.

Some suggested items to bring to make your stay more comfortable include the following:

- Beach/pool towels
- Beach chairs
- Hairdryers
- Additional toiletries
- Food
- Condiments
- Cribs and high chairs
- Games and toys

We are unable to guarantee a blow-dryer in your rental property. We recommend you bring yours from home.

We do our best to include the grill in the property photos whenever one is available. Please check the property photos carefully to confirm whether the property has a grill. If you need more information or don't see the grill pictured, email us for assistance at [email protected]

Each residence is fully furnished to create a comfortable, well-appointed stay. While specifics vary slightly by home, every property is equipped with the following:

- Starter toilet paper
- Starter bar soap
- 1 roll paper towels
- 2 dishwasher soaps
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Soap
- Towels
- Wash cloths
- Television
- Glassware, cookware
- Major appliances
- Washing machine & dryer (unless noted)
- Air conditioning
- Crockery, flatware

Other notable amenities, such as DVD players, sleeper sofas, and grills, are included in property descriptions when applicable.

Pool heating varies by destination, outlined below:

- St. Simons Grand: Year-round
- Sea Gate: Year-round
- Ocean Walk: The front pool is heated year-round; the back pool is not heated.
- North Breakers: Beginning in March through November
- Coast Cottages: The community pool is heated Friday through Sunday, from the end of September through mid-May, and during many holiday weeks. On other days, the pool may be heated with a prior request for $50 per day. Please inquire for details.

As temperatures cool in the fall and winter, particularly in the evenings, a heated pool can help you enjoy more time in the pool during your stay. Pool heating policies vary by property.

- Community Pools (excluding Coast Cottages): No
- Private Pools: Yes, please find detailed specifics on your home's property page: https://www.hodnettcooper.com/alphabetical-property-list/

Yes, unheated pools are typically cooler, especially during the fall, winter, and spring, but can be wonderfully refreshing during the warmer summer months. Pool temperatures can vary based on the season, weather, and time of day, so keep that in mind when deciding whether pool heating is right for your stay.