It might be a small town with a population of less than 13,000 counted in the 2010 census, but Bluffton is the fastest growing area in South Carolina. While it hasn't lost its small town charm yet, new amenities are regularly popping up to meet the demands of new residents and tourists.
Ideally located between I-95 and Hilton Head Island, Bluffton makes the ideal spot for a weekend away or an extended vacation.
When to Visit Bluffton, SC
Spring is the best time to visit Bluffton, South Carolina. Temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing and recreational activities, with average highs between 70 and 85 degrees and average lows between 50 and 65. Spring is also much drier and less prone to strong winds than in early fall and summer. August is Bluffton's wettest month, with average rainfalls of 7.63 inches.
Summers bring plenty of other tourists, who drive up the price of local accommodation. The weather is also hot and sticky. That's not a problem if you intend to spend most of your time in the water, but it can make sightseeing unpleasant.
Winter isn't a bad option as the weather is much milder than it is in most parts of the country. Snow is rare in this part of the United States, although occasional showers can dampen your vacation plans. You can also expect another tourist spike around the festive season which raises accommodation prices.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Bluffton, SC:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Bluffton, SC. Analyze these line graphs to determine the most cost effective seasons to stay in Bluffton for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Bluffton, SC
4 Star Average Prices: $225.16
Bluffton also has several high-end hotels for visitors craving indulgence. Pamper yourself at the following local establishments.
The Sea Pines Resort offers stunning rooms and recreational opportunities. Guestrooms are designed with an attention to detail, with sophisticated furniture, premium beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, and media centers featuring 37-inch flat screen TVs and iPod and laptop docks. Nothing is too much trouble, with each guest enjoying 24/7 butler service. While you'll enjoy lounging around in your room, there are many other places for relaxing including the terrace around the pool, the golf clubhouse, and the lobby which has a baby grand piano. A private marina and golf and tennis courts help guests have fun.
Active travelers also love The Inn at Palmetto Bluff (Montage Palmetto Bluff), which has its own marina, nature preserve with walking trails, and Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. You can choose from a wide range of accommodation types including regular suites and guest rooms and generously-sized private cottages. All the accommodation is tastefully decorated with luxurious touches like large 50-inch LCD smart TV sets, separate showers and bathtubs, and customized body and bath products. The onsite spa and restaurants mean you need never leave the resort if you don't want to!
Affordable Hotel Options in Bluffton, SC
3 Star Average Prices: $134.10
Choosing an affordable hotel leaves more in your budget for restaurant meals, local attractions, and souvenirs. The following local hotels have some of the lowest room rates in Bluffton.
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel is perfect for an extended visit to Bluffton. Each of the modern rooms has a kitchenette for preparing meals and laundry facilities, so you can really treat them as your home away from home. The fitness center and outdoor heated pool help you stick to your workout routine. Wi-Fi is also included in your tariff to help you stay in touch with your loved ones and the office. As it's next to the Tanger Outlet Center, staying at the Suburban Extended Stay Hotel makes it easy to do some bargain shopping while you're in town too!
For a little more space without spending a lot more money, try Candlewood Suites Bluffton-Hilton Head. All rooms have full kitchens for private dining, but it's fun meeting other guests cooking alfresco on the hotel's outdoor Gazebo Grill. All utensils are provided; just bring your own meat! That's not all Candlewood Suites lends. Its Lending Locker has everything from kitchen appliances to board games. The hotel will also lend you movies for its in-room DVD players, or you can catch up on your favorite shows on the flat screen TV, which show cable and satellite channels.
2 Star Average Prices: $89.09
Best Discounts in Bluffton, SC
Several Bluffton hotels extend special discounts to its guests. These are just some of the local hotels that can help you save.
Comfort Suites of Bluffton (Comfort Suites Hilton Head Island Area) helps seniors and AARP members, members of AAA and CAA auto clubs, and government and military personnel save. If you're among these groups, you'll receive discounts on hotel's already reasonable rates. The tidy rooms feature modern conveniences like microwaves, coffee makers, TVs, and recharge devices for your electronics. The outdoor pool is only open during warmer months, but if you visit during winter you can still sneak in a workout in the onsite fitness center. Wi-Fi and a generous hot breakfast buffet are also free for guests.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Bluffton slashes its room rates for AAA and CAA auto club members, seniors aged 62 and over, and government and military employees. The hotel has compact studio rooms and larger king- and dual queen-sized rooms, each with writing desks, tea and coffee making facilities, and flat screen TVs airing CNN, ESPN, HBO, and premium movie channels. There's no onsite restaurant, but many local establishments deliver. Warm up in the fitness center or cool down with a swim in the outdoor pool. The hotel also serves complimentary continental breakfasts and Grab-n-Go meals each morning.
Best Value Options in Bluffton, SC
While those high-end hotels can be so tempting, if you really want to see value it pays to choose more modest accommodation. Guests at the following Bluffton hotels enjoy plenty of perks during their stay.
With 100 guestrooms, accessible rooms, and suites, Hampton Inn & Suites Bluffton is a great value hotel for all kinds of traveling groups. Each one features a work desk, a coffee maker, an LCD flat screen TV showing high-definition channels, and free in-room Wi-Fi. The outdoor swimming pool and fitness center will help you burn off excess energy or the calories from your generous free hot breakfast.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Bluffton charming rooms feature either a king-sized bed or pair of queens. Little conveniences like the microwave, in-room coffee maker, and flat screen TV will enhance your stay. Cable channels including HBO are complimentary, as are local phone calls and wireless internet access. After a good night's sleep, enjoy the spread on the free Express Start Breakfast Bar. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is conveniently located near local Mexican, Italian, and Chinese restaurants. Sweat off the calories in the fitness center or the seasonal pool.
Fun Festivals in Bluffton, SC
Bluffton might be a small town, but it seems there's always something fun to see and do. This South Carolina city hosts many fun festivals, including the following annual events.
Bluffton Village Festival, also called Mayfest, is Bluffton's biggest yearly event. Every May since 1978, local artists, musicians, and food vendors have come together to celebrate what makes living in Bluffton wonderful. The Ugly Dog contest, pie eating tournament, and special donut eating competition , especially for kids 12 and under, are always great fun. Get in early if you want one of the legendary shrimp salad sandwiches; even though the women from Church of the Cross make more every year they always sell out. There's free parking onsite and free shuttle service to the event in Old Town Bluffton.
In fall, Bluffton celebrates its freshest local fish at the Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival. There's nothing like sampling the seafood at this festival, but it's not the only thing to enjoy. Take time to see the art show, take a kayak tour, or join the 5K fun run.
Classic car lovers flock to Bluffton in June for the annual Shag & Drag, held every year opposite the post office in Old Town Bluffton. Admire all the beautiful vintage automobiles during the day, then dance the night away with great tunes from a local band.
Bluffton rings in the festive season with its annual Christmas parade. Held at the start of December every year, the unique seasonal floats get the young and the young and heart thinking of the fun to come. Santa Claus always clears time in his schedule to appear at this Bluffton celebration.
Consider what's happening in Bluffton when you plan your vacations. If you're visiting during festival time, make sure you book early to get a great hotel rate.
In Bluffton, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you want to be. Enjoy the opportunity to fish or kayak in the local waters, or simply kick back and watch the world go by. The choice is yours when you vacation in Bluffton, South Carolina.
FAQs about hotels in Bluffton
How much does a cheap hotel in Bluffton cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Bluffton can be as cheap as $89.09 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Bluffton cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Bluffton has been $134.10 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a higher-end hotel in Bluffton cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Bluffton has been $225.16 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler reviews of Bluffton, SC
Below are reviews of the city of Bluffton, SC from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Awesome!"
Score
4.0 / 5
My sister lives there and I have always enjoyed visiting Bluffton. The Hilton Grand RV park is also awesome!
Patsy R., from 10-Nov-2024
"Beautiful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful!
Jim H., from 09-Nov-2024
"Restaurants are within walking distance."
Score
4.0 / 5
Restaurants are within walking distance.
Patricia V., from 11-Jan-2024
"Good Location!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Good location!
Don C., from 05-Jan-2024
"Hilton Head Car Show"
Score
5.0 / 5
Visited the Hilton Head Car show, it was outstanding !!!!!
David B., from 06-Nov-2023
"Very Beautiful Area"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very nice, beautiful roads and manicured on each side of roads.
William F., from 10-Aug-2023
"Hilton Head"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful city and great access to Hilton Head.
Shon S., from 05-Jun-2023
"Love this location!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love this location!
Pamela O., from 13-Mar-2023
"Clean Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
It is a clean place.
Alicia H., from 14-Feb-2022
"Bluffton is great."
Score
4.0 / 5
Bluffton is a great city especially old downtown.
Karen J., from 18-Jan-2022
"Great location"
Score
4.0 / 5
The Omelet cafe was great! Good food and fast service! I liked the location as well, close to beaches.
Jaclyn M., from 02-Nov-2019
"Lovely"
Score
5.0 / 5
I'd never been to Bluffton. It's just lovely. Adorable! And, very gluten free friendly, which I greatly appreciate.
Kristen B., from 21-Oct-2019
"Great hotel and locations!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Loved being so close to Hilton Head Island, SC. Lots of great restaurants and beautiful scenery!
Elain L., from 12-Jun-2017
The average traveler rating of the city of Bluffton, SC shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 13 reviews