
Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn
Best for families, beach time, and guests who want on-property recreation (golf, tennis, multiple pools) and a big resort spa.
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Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn is a gated, family-friendly beach resort on Isle of Palms with pools, golf, tennis and a full-service spa; read this if you want a resort and beach-focused stay. Market Pavilion Hotel is an established upscale downtown Charleston hotel near the City Market; read this if you prefer being steps from historic attractions, restaurants and tours.
Updated · about 30 minutes apart (Isle of Palms to downtown Charleston)

Best for families, beach time, and guests who want on-property recreation (golf, tennis, multiple pools) and a big resort spa.

Best for travelers who want to stay in Charleston’s historic core, walk to City Market, and base themselves for downtown sightseeing and dining.
When Wild Dunes wins: choose Wild Dunes if you want an island beach-resort experience with multiple pools, direct Atlantic beach access, on-site family programming, tennis and golf, plus a large on-site spa.
When Market Pavilion wins: choose Market Pavilion Hotel if your priority is being in Charleston’s historic district — easy access to the City Market, Waterfront Park, museums, and downtown restaurants and tours.
Bottom line: both are upscale options, but they serve different trips — Wild Dunes is the resort-and-beach choice on Isle of Palms; Market Pavilion puts you in the middle of historic Charleston.
| Category | Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn | Market Pavilion Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort-style, beach and activity-focused across a gated 1,600-acre property | Established downtown luxury framed by historic Charleston streets and the City Market |
| Location | Isle of Palms beachfront resort; island setting outside downtown Charleston | Downtown Charleston, steps from Charleston City Market and Waterfront Park |
| Size (rooms) | 246 rooms across Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn (Boardwalk Inn: 93 rooms) | 70 guestrooms |
| Audience / age policy | All ages; 18+ to check in as registered guest; family programming and kids' pool | All ages (adultsOnly: false); check-in minimum age listed as 21 in supplier policies |
| Pools & beach | Multiple outdoor pools (4–5 reported), children’s pool and an adults-only pool plus direct Atlantic beach access | Outdoor pool (1) and rooftop terrace; no private beach access from property |
| Restaurants & bars | Eight restaurants and nine bars across the property (signature: Coastal Provisions, Oystercatcher) | Three on-site restaurants, two bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace restaurant/bar |
| Spa & wellness | The Spa at Sweetgrass — 10,000 sq ft, 14 treatment rooms, on-site fitness center | Health/beauty spa listed as nearby — fitness and 24-hour fitness facilities available |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive: ~35,000 sq ft of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, many ballrooms and outdoor venues | Conference space ~1,400 sq ft with 4 meeting rooms; wedding services available |
| Transport & parking | Valet parking only (fee); resort is reachable by road via Isle of Palms Connector; no property airport shuttle | Valet parking (surcharge available); centrally located — easy walking access to downtown destinations |
| Known for | Beach access, family programming, golf and tennis, large resort spa | Prime historic-district location, Charleston City Market access, rooftop terrace and downtown viewpoint |
Wild Dunes sits on Isle of Palms with direct Atlantic beach access and a gated resort footprint separated from downtown Charleston.
Choose Wild Dunes when beach access and a self-contained resort setting are priorities.
Market Pavilion Hotel places you in the heart of historic Charleston within steps of the City Market and Waterfront Park.
Choose Market Pavilion when you want to be immersed in Charleston’s historic core and walk to most downtown sights.
Wild Dunes offers a mix of Boardwalk Inn and Sweetgrass Inn room types across 246 rooms and suites.
Rooms suit families and couples looking for beach- and resort-oriented layouts; suites and pool-view rooms available.
Market Pavilion has 70 guestrooms with luxury touches and Frette Italian sheets in pillowtop beds.
Market Pavilion suits travelers who want compact, well-appointed downtown rooms and easy walking access to the city.
Wild Dunes has multiple on-site dining venues from casual poolside to signature coastal restaurants.
Pick Wild Dunes for variety and convenience when you want most meals on property.
Market Pavilion provides onsite dining while placing you steps from many independent downtown restaurants.
Choose Market Pavilion to balance a quality hotel dining program with easy access to downtown eateries.
Wild Dunes emphasizes pools, beach access and on-property recreation across its two inns.
Wild Dunes is focused on outdoor recreation and beach-based leisure for families and active guests.
Market Pavilion offers a downtown hotel pool and rooftop terrace rather than beach facilities.
Market Pavilion is better for city-oriented relaxation and rooftop views rather than beach time.
Wild Dunes centers wellness around The Spa at Sweetgrass and family-friendly evening options.
Wild Dunes blends spa and lower-key resort nightlife suitable for families and couples.
Market Pavilion puts you close to Charleston nightlife, restaurants, bars and evening cultural events.
Choose Market Pavilion if you want to step out for dinner, theater or bars without driving.

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

Market Pavilion — steps from Charleston City Market, Waterfront Park and many historic sites.

Wild Dunes — The Spa at Sweetgrass is an on-site, 10,000 sq ft facility with 14 treatment rooms and an outdoor spa garden.

Market Pavilion — multiple on-site dining options plus immediate access to the city’s restaurants, tours and cultural attractions.
Wild Dunes — it’s family-friendly with kids’ programming, a children’s pool and multiple family-oriented activities on property.
Market Pavilion — it’s in the historic downtown area, within easy walking distance of City Market, Waterfront Park and museums.
The supplier listing notes a health/beauty spa nearby and 24-hour fitness facilities; Market Pavilion does not list a large on-site spa like Wild Dunes’ The Spa at Sweetgrass.
Yes — Wild Dunes has an adults-only pool and adult-oriented outlets, while Market Pavilion is a downtown luxury hotel that suits adult couples and solo travelers.
Explore how Wild Dunes Resort – Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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