Lowcountry waterfront at sunset, Bluffton South Carolina

Bluffton, SC

Where to Stay in Bluffton, SC

A practical guide to accommodation types, neighborhoods, and booking resources for your Bluffton trip — from Old Town vacation rentals to Hilton Head resort access.

Finding a Place to Stay in Bluffton

Bluffton doesn't have a large hotel district — the town's character is defined by residential neighborhoods, private golf communities, and the historic Old Town core. Most visitors stay in vacation rentals booked through Vrbo, Airbnb, or local property managers, or in hotels along the US-278 corridor between Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.

If proximity to Old Town, the May River, and Calhoun Street galleries is your priority, look for rentals in the Old Town or Bluffton proper zip code (29910). If resort amenities, beach access, and golf packages matter more, the Hilton Head Island hotels and Palmetto Bluff are 12–20 miles east and worth considering as a base.

Vacation Rental

Vacation Rentals (Vrbo & Airbnb)

Vacation rentals are the most common accommodation in Bluffton proper. You'll find everything from 1-bedroom cottages in Old Town to 5-bedroom riverfront homes with private docks on the May River. Search Vrbo and Airbnb using 'Bluffton, SC 29910' to filter for properties inside the town rather than on Hilton Head Island. Rates vary widely by season and property size — spring and fall are peak seasons.

Old Town walking distance
May River waterfront homes
Golf community rentals
Pet-friendly options available

Search Vrbo — Bluffton, SC Search Airbnb — Bluffton, SC

Hotel

Hotels on the US-278 Corridor

Bluffton's hotel options are concentrated along US-278 (Fording Island Road / William Hilton Parkway) between Bluffton and Hilton Head. National brands including Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and Marriott Courtyard operate in this corridor. These are convenient for golfers and travelers who want a consistent hotel experience, though they're 5–15 minutes from Old Town by car.

National brand consistency
Pool and fitness center
Near US-278 restaurants
Golf packages available

Search Hotels.com — Bluffton, SC Google Hotels — Bluffton, SC

Resort

Palmetto Bluff (Montage Resort)

Palmetto Bluff is a 20,000-acre private community and resort in Bluffton operated by Montage Hotels & Resorts. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff offers luxury cottages and suites along the May River, with access to a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, spa, tennis, and the Wilson Village. It's one of the most acclaimed resort properties in the Southeast. Rates are premium — expect $600–$1,200+ per night depending on season and room type.

May River setting
Jack Nicklaus golf course
Montage spa
Wilson Village dining

Montage Palmetto Bluff — Official Site

Bed & Breakfast

Bed & Breakfasts

True B&Bs in Bluffton are limited — the town's historic homes are mostly private residences. A small number of licensed B&B-style properties operate in and around Old Town; search Airbnb with the 'Bed and breakfast' filter or check BedandBreakfast.com for current options. The Beaufort area (30 minutes north) has a stronger B&B scene if that's your preference.

Historic character
Personalized service
Walkable Old Town locations
Limited availability — book early

BedandBreakfast.com — Bluffton area

Nearby Option

Staying on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is 12 miles east of Bluffton via US-278 and offers a much larger selection of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals — including oceanfront properties, the Sea Pines Resort, Palmetto Dunes, and Shipyard Plantation. If beach access is a priority, Hilton Head is the better base. Old Town Bluffton is a 20-minute drive from most Hilton Head accommodations. For vacation rentals on the island, Hilton Head Rentals is the go-to local source — they specialize in the island exclusively and carry a wide range of oceanfront homes, villas, and resort properties.

Oceanfront options
Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes resorts
Beach access
20 min drive to Old Town Bluffton

Browse Hilton Head Rentals Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau

Hilton Head Island

Planning to Stay on Hilton Head?

Hilton Head Rentals is the island's go-to source for vacation rentals — oceanfront homes, resort villas, and private cottages across Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and beyond. Old Town Bluffton is just a 20-minute drive, making it an easy base for exploring both destinations.

Browse Hilton Head Rentals

Tips for Booking Your Bluffton Stay

Book Early for Spring and Fall

March through May and September through November are Bluffton's most popular seasons — mild weather, active events calendar, and peak golf season. Vacation rentals and the limited B&B inventory fill up 3–6 months in advance for these windows.

Use the 29910 Zip Code

When searching Vrbo or Airbnb, filter by zip code 29910 (Bluffton proper) to avoid results on Hilton Head Island or in Sun City Hilton Head, which are technically Bluffton addresses but far from Old Town.

Ask About Golf Packages

Many hotels along US-278 and vacation rental managers have relationships with nearby courses. If golf is part of your trip, ask about tee time packages when you book — it can save meaningful money during peak season.

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