Resort-specific tips: parking, check-in rules and cashless payments
Valet parking is the only on-property option at Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn; self-parking is not available. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM (guests may arrive up until midnight) and check-out is by 11:00 AM; the resort operates cashless across its outlets and accepts major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or room charges.
In this guide
Parking and arrival
Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn offers valet parking only; self-parking is not provided on-property. The resort lists valet at $35 per day.
The resort is on Isle of Palms; standard road access to the island applies for guests arriving by car. If you need ground or water transfers from the airport, the resort can help arrange local transportation through partners.
- Valet parking only (no self-parking on-property)
- $35 per day (valet rate listed by the resort)
- Resort can assist with arranging off-property transfers; no resort airport shuttle is operated
| When you arrive | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Drop at porte-cochère | Valet will park your vehicle and handle luggage |
| Tell front desk your arrival | Staff can confirm room readiness and any incidental holds |
| If you need transport | Resort can arrange local airport transfers through partners |
Check-in and check-out rules
Official check-in begins at 4:00 PM and guests may arrive any time up until midnight. Check-out for Boardwalk Inn and Sweetgrass Inn accommodations is by 11:00 AM.
Early check-in or late check-out requests are accepted but cannot be guaranteed; they’re subject to availability and may incur an additional fee. Confirm requests in advance if timing is important to you.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM (can arrive up to midnight)
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Early/late requests: subject to availability and possible fee
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Standard check-in window | 4:00 PM – midnight |
| Standard check-out | 11:00 AM |
| Early/late requests | Requestable; not guaranteed; may cost extra |
ID, payment and incidental holds at check-in
At check-in the resort may require a government-issued photo ID and a credit or debit card, or a cash deposit, to cover incidental charges. This applies to both Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn arrivals.
If you plan to use a debit card or prefer a cash deposit, confirm the resort’s current incidental-hold policy in advance so you know how much will be held and when it will be released.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID
- Have a credit/debit card ready or be prepared for a cash incidental deposit
- Incidental hold amounts and release timing can vary — ask front desk if you need specifics
| Accepted at check-in | Notes |
|---|---|
| Government photo ID | Required for registered guest |
| Credit/Debit card | Preferred for incidental holds |
| Cash deposit | May be accepted; confirm amount and return timing |
Cashless payments and billing
Wild Dunes Resort is cashless across resort-operated outlets (restaurants, golf, spa, shops and recreation). Cash is not accepted; you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or charge purchases to your room or membership account.
If you prefer to avoid card holds, consider using a credit card for incidentals and settle charges at check-out. For group or event billing, contact the resort’s event/meetings team in advance to arrange an appropriate method.
- Cash not accepted at resort-operated outlets
- Accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Room charge available to post resort purchases to your folio
| Payment method | Where usable |
|---|---|
| Major credit/debit cards | Restaurants, spa, golf, shops, recreation, front desk |
| Mobile wallets (Apple/Google Pay) | Most resort-operated outlets |
| Room charge | Can post eligible resort purchases to your room folio |
Age rules, room access and outdoor spaces
Guests must be 18 years of age to check in as the registered guest at Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn. Some vacation homes and condos require the registered guest to be 21.
Many room types include balconies, patios, or terraces that may not be suitable for young children. If you’re traveling with small children, contact the resort in advance to discuss room selection or safety concerns.
- Minimum check-in age: 18 (21 for vacation homes/condos)
- Rooms with outdoor spaces may be unsuitable for small children — notify resort if this is a concern
- Rollaway beds and cribs are not available at the property
| Item | Policy |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to check in | 18 years (21 for vacation homes/condos) |
| Extra beds/cribs | Not available |
| Balconies/patios | Some rooms include them; check suitability for children |
Pool access, adults-only hours and common-area rules
The resort operates multiple outdoor pools across Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn, including a children's pool and an adults-only Boardwalk Inn pool. Pool hours and any reservation requirements can vary; pool access is typically available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The Boardwalk Inn Pool is reserved for adults only daily during the resort’s published adults-only hours; historical seasonal windows have varied, so check the current resort hours when you arrive if this matters to your plans.
- Multiple pools across the property; includes a children's pool and an adults-only Boardwalk Inn pool
- Typical pool hours: roughly 7:00 AM–10:00 PM (confirm current hours on arrival)
- Some pools (e.g., Swim Center) may require reservations at times — verify if you plan to use specific pool facilities
| Pool type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Children's pool | Family-friendly; suitable for kids |
| Boardwalk Inn Pool (adults-only) | Adults-only during resort's posted hours |
| Swim Center / other pools | May require reservations for certain times |
Dining reservations and charging meals
Wild Dunes has multiple on-site restaurants (including Coastal Provisions at the Boardwalk Inn lobby, Oystercatcher Bar + Restaurant at Sweetgrass Inn, and Laughing Gull poolside). Signature restaurants accept reservations; outdoor terrace seating is often first-come, first-served.
As the resort is cashless, restaurant bills can be paid by card, mobile wallet, or posted to your room folio when permitted. If you need to charge group meals or event catering, coordinate billing arrangements with the resort’s events team before arrival.
- Coastal Provisions, Oystercatcher and other signature restaurants accept reservations
- Outdoor terrace seating is usually first-come, first-served
- Meal charges: card, mobile wallet, or room charge (no cash)
| Restaurant | Notes |
|---|---|
| Coastal Provisions | Located in Boardwalk Inn lobby; reservation recommended |
| Oystercatcher Bar + Restaurant | Located at Sweetgrass Inn; reservations accepted |
| Laughing Gull Restaurant & Bar | Poolside casual dining; open daily |
