You’ve probably seen the photos. That iconic Mediterranean-style architecture with the terracotta roofs, the sprawling oceanfront pools, and the Spanish moss-draped oaks that make St. Simons Island feel like a movie set. But here’s the thing: most people treat The King and Prince Resort St Simons as just another luxury hotel. They book a room, hit the beach, and leave without ever realizing they just stayed in a former World War II radar training facility or a 1930s seaside dance club.
It’s kind of wild when you think about it.
If you’re planning a trip to the Golden Isles in 2026, you shouldn’t just go for the views. You go because this is the only resort on the entire island that actually sits directly on the beach. Every other hotel makes you cross a road or hike through a park. Here, you basically fall out of bed and into the Atlantic.
The Secret History of the King and Prince Resort St Simons
Most guests walk right past the history without noticing. The resort didn't start as a hotel; it opened in 1935 as a private dance club. It was the brainchild of two friends—one who was famously kicked out of the nearby (and very stuffy) Cloister on Sea Island, and another who was a local native. They named it "The King and the Prince" because of their physical statures: one was a massive guy, the other much smaller.
The main hotel building didn't even show up until 1941. Talk about bad timing. Just months after opening, the U.S. entered World War II. The government essentially moved in, turning the resort into a naval training base. Soldiers were learning how to use radar—which was brand-new tech at the time—right where people now sip mimosas.
Honestly, the "ECHO" restaurant name isn't just a catchy branding choice. It’s a direct nod to that radar history. If you look closely at the decor in the bar, you’ll see subtle tributes to the men who served there.
Where You Should Actually Sleep
Choosing a room here is trickier than it looks. The property is a bit of a maze because it’s been expanded so many times since the 1940s. You’ve got the historic main building, the newer oceanfront cabanas, the villas, and full-blown resort residences.
- The Historic Main Building: If you want high ceilings and that "old world" vibe, stay here. The rooms are uniquely shaped because of the original architecture. Just a heads-up: the elevators in these older sections can be a bit sluggish.
- The Oceanfront Building: This is where you go for the "wow" factor. These rooms face the water directly. You’ll wake up to the sound of the tide, which is great until the local seagulls decide to have a 6:00 AM meeting on your balcony.
- The Beach Villas: These are basically apartments. They’ve got kitchens and multiple bedrooms. If you’re traveling with kids or a group of friends who actually like each other, this is the move. Plus, the villas have their own private pool area that usually stays quieter than the main resort hub.
Is the Food Actually Good?
ECHO is the heavy hitter here. It is the only oceanfront restaurant on St. Simons. That fact alone keeps it packed. You can sit outside on the patio, feel the salt air, and eat shrimp and grits that are actually legitimate—not the watered-down tourist version. They use Georgia white shrimp, which are sweeter and snappier than the stuff you get at the grocery store.
For a more casual vibe, you’ve got The Cottage Custard + Coffee. It’s located in the old Wesley Cottage on the edge of the property. It’s sort of the morning hub for everyone. You’ll see dads in flip-flops grabbing lattes while their kids burn off energy on the "castle" playground nearby.
The Golf Situation
If you’re a golfer, you probably already know about the King and Prince Golf Club, but here’s what they don't tell you: it’s not actually at the resort. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the north end of the island.
The course is famous for its "island holes." You have to drive over these long, elevated wooden bridges to get to certain greens that are tucked deep into the salt marshes. It’s stunning, but it’s a total ball-eater. If you have a slice, bring an extra sleeve of Pro V1s. You’re going to need them. The views of the marshes and the ancient oaks draped in moss are worth the lost balls, though.
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Why People Get Frustrated
Let's be real for a second. This is a historic property. That means it has quirks.
Some guests complain that the Wi-Fi can be spotty in the older stone buildings. Others mention that the hot tubs can get overrun with kids during peak season (spring break is a zoo). And because the beach is public, it can get crowded right in front of the resort during the Fourth of July or Georgia-Florida weekend.
But that’s the trade-off. You’re staying at a National Historic Landmark. It’s not a sterile, modern Marriott. It has soul, even if that soul sometimes includes a squeaky floorboard or a slow elevator.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Stay
- Book the North end of the beach: If the resort beach feels too crowded, walk about 10 minutes north toward East Beach. It opens up significantly and is much better for finding shells or riding those fat-tire beach bikes.
- Check the Tide Clock: The beach at the King and Prince literally disappears at high tide. There is no sand left, just water hitting the rocks. Check the tide charts before you plan your "long walk on the beach."
- Hunt for Tree Spirits: While you're staying at the resort, take a couple of hours to find the "Tree Spirits of St. Simons." These are faces carved into the trunks of the island's massive oaks by artist Keith Jennings. There are several within biking distance of the hotel.
- Dinner Reservations are Mandatory: Even if you’re staying at the resort, do not expect to just walk into ECHO on a Friday night and get a table. Book it on OpenTable at least a week out, especially if you want a seat near the windows for sunset.
St. Simons isn't a place where you rush. The "island time" thing is real here. The King and Prince is the anchor of that vibe. It’s comfortable, it’s a little bit fancy without being pretentious, and it’s arguably the best seat in the house for a Georgia coast sunrise. Just don't forget to look at the old photos in the lobby before you head to the pool—it makes the whole experience feel a lot more grounded.