
Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn
Best for families and beach-focused stays with on-site recreation (tennis, golf, multiple pools) and direct Atlantic access.
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Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn is a seaside, family-friendly resort on Isle of Palms focused on beach recreation, pools, tennis and golf; read this if you want an active beach resort with multiple dining options and on-site activities. Hotel Bennett is a high-profile five-star luxury hotel on Marion Square in downtown Charleston; read this if you prefer a central, walkable base for Charleston's historic district and city dining.
Updated · about 30 minutes by car (roughly 25–30 miles) between Isle of Palms and downtown Charleston

Best for families and beach-focused stays with on-site recreation (tennis, golf, multiple pools) and direct Atlantic access.

Best for city stays that put you within walking distance of Charleston’s restaurants, shops and cultural sights while offering five-star service and an on-site spa.
When Wild Dunes wins: Choose Wild Dunes – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn when your priority is beach time, outdoor recreation, family programming, and a resort with many pools and casual-to-polished dining options on property.
When Hotel Bennett wins: Choose Hotel Bennett when you want a high-profile five-star downtown address within steps of Marion Square, the College of Charleston and Charleston’s restaurants, with formal dining outlets, meeting rooms and an on-site spa.
Bottom line: Both deliver polished, upscale service; Wild Dunes is the choice for an island/beach resort with lots of on-site activities for families, while Hotel Bennett is the downtown luxury pick for sightseeing, dining out and classic Charleston access.
| Category | Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn | Hotel Bennett |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Laid-back, activity-focused beach resort with resort-wide programming and family amenities | City-centered five-star hotel with formal dining, meeting rooms and luxury service |
| Location | Isle of Palms — direct Atlantic beach access on a gated 1,600-acre property | Marion Square / King Street — central downtown Charleston address (404 King St) |
| Size (rooms) | 246 rooms total across Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn (Boardwalk Inn: 93 rooms) | 179 rooms |
| Who it's for / ages | All ages — family programming, children's pool, plus an adults-only pool | All ages — not adults-only; luxury city hotel clientele |
| Pools / beach | Five outdoor pools across the resort, including a children's pool and an adults-only Boardwalk Inn pool; direct beach access | One outdoor pool; no direct beach access |
| Restaurants & bars | Eight restaurants and nine bars across the resort (Coastal Provisions, Oystercatcher, Laughing Gull, etc.) | Three restaurants, three bars/lounges plus a coffee shop; Gabrielle is a signature option |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Sweetgrass — 10,000 sq ft, 14 treatment rooms, outdoor spa garden; fitness center included | |
| Meetings & events | Extensive event space across the property (multiple ballrooms, outdoor venues, up to large capacities for weddings and conferences) | Multiple meeting rooms (6) and banquet space suited to downtown events |
| Access to Charleston | About a 25–30 minute drive to downtown Charleston; island setting with on-property excursions and marina access | Steps from Marion Square and within easy walking distance of downtown Charleston attractions |
Wild Dunes sits on Isle of Palms with direct access to the Atlantic and resort grounds set within a gated 1,600-acre property.
Choose Wild Dunes if you want a beach-first stay and resort privacy; factor in the island location when planning trips to downtown Charleston.
Hotel Bennett is a five-star property located on Marion Square in the heart of Charleston’s historic district.
Choose Hotel Bennett if you want to be inside historic Charleston and walk to most downtown attractions.
Wild Dunes offers multiple room types across Boardwalk Inn and Sweetgrass Inn to suit families and couples.
Rooms at Wild Dunes lean toward family- and activity-friendly layouts with options for larger groups.
Hotel Bennett's room collection is positioned as five-star city accommodations with a mix of deluxe rooms and suites.
Hotel Bennett is best for travelers seeking classic luxury city rooms and suites close to downtown dining and services.
Wild Dunes provides a broad mix of dining from casual poolside to signature coastal restaurants across the resort.
Wild Dunes suits guests who want multiple on-site dining choices without leaving the property.
Hotel Bennett offers a smaller set of in-house dining options geared toward fine and polished city dining.
Hotel Bennett is ideal if you want refined in-house dining plus easy access to Charleston’s restaurant scene.
Wild Dunes centers around beach access and multiple outdoor pools across the resort.
Wild Dunes is the clear choice if the beach and pool variety are your primary reasons to travel.
Hotel Bennett has a single outdoor pool as part of its downtown luxury offering.
Hotel Bennett suits travelers who prioritize city access and polished hotel amenities over beachtime.
Wild Dunes mixes a large spa with active on-site recreation (tennis, golf, biking) and seasonal evening spots.
Pick Wild Dunes if you want an active stay that combines spa time with sports, family programming and evening poolside options.
Hotel Bennett emphasizes a full-service spa, meeting space and access to downtown nightlife and cultural venues.
Hotel Bennett is a strong fit when you want an urban stay with a dedicated spa and easy access to city nightlife and events.

Wild Dunes has multiple pools, a children's pool, an adults-only pool and direct Atlantic beach access.

Hotel Bennett places you steps from Marion Square, King Street and the College of Charleston.

Wild Dunes offers tennis, golf priority, bike rentals, organized kids' programs and seasonal excursions.

Hotel Bennett is a five-star downtown hotel with multiple meeting rooms, banquet space and signature dining.
Wild Dunes — it has a children's pool, a kids' program, family-friendly dining and multiple recreational options on property.
Hotel Bennett — it's on Marion Square and within walking distance of many downtown attractions, shops and restaurants.
Yes. The Spa at Sweetgrass and Hotel Bennett’s spa both require reservations for treatments; BookResorts or the hotel can confirm booking details.
Yes — Wild Dunes is beach-focused but is about a 25–30 minute drive from downtown Charleston, so day trips are practical.
Explore how Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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