The Myrtle Turtle

A July 2003 trip to Myrtle Beach by thebroz

A beach and golf trip with the family and my young child's friend. Myrtle Beach reminded us of the trip to Ocean City and we crawled like a turtle thru the long 12 hour drive from NYC. Threats of "intermittent" thunderstorms seemed the norm.

  • 5 reviews
Golfing and beach--what could be better? Many, many highlights and activities available for all.

Quick Tips:

Don't drive--fly instead! It's cheaper and easier than driving. If you must, take 95 to 40 to 17 south, a better route than 95 to 501.

Best Way To Get Around:

Drive a rental car.
We had a "beach view" studio room, which was just a tad larger than a hotel room. The overall accommodations were fair for a younger college set. We were a bit surprised by the treatment of the hotel guests vs. the timeshare guests. There are two buildings with 16 floors and six slow elevators. We were luckily on the third floor so we could walk down rather than ride the slow infrequently stopping elevators.

The room was not spacious at all. The electric stove was small, a very small microwave able to heat one small plate at a time. Only one skillet was available for cooking. Some of the utensils and plates were found dirty as we arrived. It had a second wash basin that seemed out of place, a closet with no hangers, and no washing materials for the kitchen. A small 19 inch TV. Neither internet connection nor VCR use available. Air conditioner was the best thing about the room.

The resort is not very family oriented, yet we saw mixes of families with kids (including us). Our children did not always find other kids to play with since the ages varied dramatically and there did not seem to be any organized activities nor consideration to allow their participation in any activities or sports.

Both the small indoor pool, small outdoor pool, and small "lazy river" were often very crowded. The only "fun" activity seemed to be a once a week "rubber ducky" race with a 50/50 split of a $1 per chance.

It seemed a shame that such a nice location on the beach had nothing but teenagers drinking on the beach at night and fireworks all night with many kids just "hanging out". The one poolside stand selling shirts, cigarettes, and suntan lotion was only open twice during the busy week.

The "Sandals" bar off the lobby was never crowded during the week, despite even the large size screen with sports and seemed to be a dump with no attraction to enter. The so claimed hotel restaurant had no direction signs pointing to it and we couldn’t even find it walking around. The "River Café" burger joint is a quick bar type that would be more typical in a college town bar in Boston serving burgers and wings with peanut shells on the floor. The most popular part was Annie’s bar deck with live band till 11pm each night and many drunken parents hanging out all day sipping beers with their feet in the pool or lounging with frozen drinks.

The overall facilities are starting to show wear and tear. Chipped outside walls and leaking air conditioners dripping onto balconies were only some signs. There was a blender, toaster, and a limited array of dishes and utensils. The dining table was small and only had three chairs (with a drop down leaf to allow passage) The other need chair was taken from one of the two plastic chairs on the balcony to allow us to eat together.

  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by thebroz on July 24, 2003

Sands Ocean Club
9550 Shore Drive Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29572
(843) 449-6461

Best Things Nearby:
Beach

Best Things About the Resort:


Resort Experience:
It's for the younger drinking crowd. It needs more activities for children, and seems to be starting to rundown. All facilites need work, and the elevators are not maintained. The pools are on the verge of uncleanly.

  • Unit Type: Studio
  • Activities: Poor
  • Amenities: Poor
  • Unit Satisfaction: Poor
  • Family Friendliness: Fair
  • Service: Fair
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by thebroz on July 24, 2003

Sands Ocean Club
9550 Shore Drive Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29572
(843) 449-6461

Sam Sneads GrilleBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Excellent. The atmosphere was casual for an older, sophisicated ladie's gentlemen, yet were very accommodating to the children with us. It was a pleasure to see the various the many golf accomplishments of the patriarch. The food was excellent.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by thebroz on July 24, 2003

Sam Sneads Grille
9708 North Kings Highway Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29572
+1 843 497 0580

Great with more to come. Hospitality is the key. Accommodated children with kindness for small children. I had mimosas on the 11th hole. Beautifully maintained, and is the home of the origination of Sports Illustrated.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by thebroz on July 24, 2003

Pine Lakes International
Woodside Ave Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29572
(843) 449-6459

About the Writer

thebroz
thebroz
Yonkers, New York

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