
Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn
Best for beach stays, multiple pools, resort recreation and on-property events/weddings.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn is an all-ages beachfront resort on Isle of Palms focused on pools, beach access, golf, tennis and resort restaurants. Charleston Marriott is a large, full-service branded hotel on Charleston’s waterfront side for travelers who want a downtown-adjacent base with meeting facilities and reliable Marriott service.
Updated · about 30 km apart

Best for beach stays, multiple pools, resort recreation and on-property events/weddings.

Best for travelers who prefer a conventional downtown-area Marriott with meeting space and straightforward full-service amenities.
When Wild Dunes wins: Choose Wild Dunes if you want direct Atlantic beach access, multiple pools (including a children's pool and an adults-only pool), a large on-site spa (The Spa at Sweetgrass), golf and tennis, and a resort layout that keeps most recreation and dining on property.
When Charleston Marriott wins: Choose the Charleston Marriott if you prefer a large branded hotel on the Charleston side of the harbor with predictable full-service amenities, easy access to downtown Charleston attractions, and a classic Marriott meeting/banquet profile.
Bottom line: Wild Dunes is the clear pick for a resort-style beach vacation or destination wedding; the Charleston Marriott is a practical downtown-adjacent choice for meetings, business travel, and visitors who want hotel-brand consistency near Charleston attractions.
| Category | Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn | Charleston Marriott |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Beach-resort campus with multiple pools, restaurants, and island recreation. | Large branded hotel on Charleston’s waterfront side with full-service hotel amenities. |
| Location | Isle of Palms — beachfront on the Atlantic (gated resort community). | Charleston (Lockwood Blvd) — waterfront-side near downtown attractions. |
| Size (rooms) | 246 guest rooms and suites across Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn. | Not published |
| Ages / audience | Family-friendly with kids' programming and an adults-only pool. | All ages; not adults-only. |
| Pools & beach | Five outdoor pools including a children's pool and an adults-only Boardwalk Inn pool; direct beach access. | Outdoor pool [outdoor] listed; waterfront location but not a resort beach setup. |
| Restaurants & bars | Eight restaurants and nine bars (Coastal Provisions, Oystercatcher, Laughing Gull, etc.). | On-site restaurants, bar and a coffee shop; breakfast buffet and 24-hour room service listed. |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Sweetgrass — 10,000 sq ft with 14 treatment rooms, outdoor spa garden and day-pass options. | Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and wedding venues (multiple ballrooms, pavilions, lawns) across the resort. | Meeting/banquet facilities and business center available; suitable for conferences and events. |
| Transport & access | Resort is on Isle of Palms with gated access; about 30 minutes to downtown Charleston by road. | Located on Lockwood Blvd near downtown Charleston; on-site parking and valet options. |
| Resort fees & extras | 16% resort fee plus a $4.56/night destination fee; resort fee includes fitness, Wi‑Fi, on-property transport and spa access. | Not published |
Wild Dunes sits on Isle of Palms with direct Atlantic beach access inside a gated resort community.
Pick Wild Dunes for a beach-focused stay that keeps most activities on property and away from downtown traffic.
Charleston Marriott sits on the Charleston side of the harbor near downtown attractions and waterfront parks.
Choose the Marriott if you want a hotel base beside Charleston’s waterfront with straightforward access to downtown sights.
Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn together offer 246 rooms and suites across two distinct hotel buildings.
Rooms at Wild Dunes are designed for beach and family stays across two adjacent hotel buildings.
Charleston Marriott offers a range of standard and balcony rooms, including river-view and concierge options.
Marriott provides a predictable, branded room inventory with river-view and accessible room options.
Wild Dunes keeps most dining on property, from signature Coastal Provisions to poolside casual spots.
If you want varied on-site dining without leaving the property, Wild Dunes offers many resort-tailored options.
Charleston Marriott provides on-site dining suited to hotel guests, with breakfast, bar and coffee options.
The Marriott is convenient for hotel-style meals, quick breakfasts and in-room dining while exploring Charleston.
Pools, beach and family recreation are the resort’s primary amenities.
Wild Dunes is built around beach and pool time; most guests use these amenities as the core of their stay.
Charleston Marriott lists an outdoor pool among its on-site amenities.
The Marriott has a hotel-style pool but not the multi-pool, beach-centered setup of Wild Dunes.
Wild Dunes combines a large spa with seasonal nightlife and evening options.
Wellness is a major on-site offering at Wild Dunes; evening options are relaxed and resort-focused.
Charleston Marriott offers fitness facilities and the convenience of hotel bars and evening service.
Marriott suits travelers who want hotel wellness basics and easy access to Charleston’s after-dark options.

Wild Dunes — direct Atlantic beach access plus five outdoor pools and family/adult pool options.

Charleston Marriott — large branded hotel with meeting/banquet facilities and downtown access.

Wild Dunes — The Spa at Sweetgrass is a large, full-service spa with day-pass access and many treatment rooms.

Charleston Marriott — reliable Marriott service, concierge, on-site parking and full-service hotel amenities.
Wild Dunes — it has direct beach access, five pools, a children's pool, kids' programs and family-oriented dining.
Charleston Marriott — it sits on the Charleston side of the harbor near downtown attractions; Wild Dunes is on Isle of Palms about 30 minutes away by road.
Wild Dunes has The Spa at Sweetgrass (10,000 sq ft and bookable day passes). Charleston Marriott’s supplier listing does not publish a full-service spa.
Yes. Wild Dunes has extensive indoor/outdoor event spaces and ballrooms geared toward weddings and large events; Charleston Marriott lists meeting/banquet facilities for business and events.
Explore how Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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