A Look at the Motels/Hotels/Resorts of Myrtle Beach, SC

A July 2004 trip to Myrtle Beach by marcopolo Best of IgoUgo

Balcony ViewMore Photos

I decided to look at as many motels in Myrtle Beach as I could during a week of travel with my family. I am originally a South Carolinian and wanted to know how much the strand had changed in fifty years.

  • 23 reviews
  • 90 photos
Balcony View
Camelot by the Sea purports to be the only theme resort hotel along the Myrtle Beach strand. The resort is loosely based on the exterior of Hollywood’s version of a European castle, and some staff appear in period costumes. The truly remarkable feature of this resort is that every suite is oceanfront with its own personal balcony overlooking the ocean. This resort is one of the five fine resorts operated by the Patricia Group at Myrtle Beach.

It is owned by the Patricia Resorts and is indeed a fine place to stay. We checked in and were given a discounted rate of $168 per night for a one room apartment with two queen sized beds and a sleeper overlooking the front beach. The mini suite boasted a nicely furnished kitchen with a microwave, stove, and refrigerator. Our one bedroom suite had a modern spacious bathroom and sitting room. The sitting room led to the balcony overlooking the pool and the ocean. The balcony feature was worth the price of the room as the moonlit, roaring ocean was an integral part of the experience. We also enjoyed the two TVs hooked up to a cable service with free HBO.

For the money this was indeed a nice place to stay. An extra bonus was being able to drive directly to the sixth floor, park, and unpack right outside our assigned room. Local calls were free and a USA Today was provided daily.

Amenities in the larger rooms include a dishwasher, washer, and dryer. One bedroom suite patrons have access to a coin operated laundry service. The swimming pool is a complex of pools which includes an indoor and outdoor pool, two large spas, a tot’s pool, and an enclosed circular 200 foot long moving river which is a big favorite for children of all ages. The maximum depth of any pool is only 5 feet so there is no diving, but the pools’ waters are as clean as can be expected for a complex right on the front beach. There is a convenient walkway to the beach with fresh water showers available to cleanup after an ocean swim. The hotel also has an excellent fitness center. All of the Patricia Resorts offer golf packages to 115 golf courses with discounts ranging between 10 and 20% off daily green fees.

The staff is very professional and quick to offer help in making sure guests are able to take advantage of nearby attractions and surprisingly good places to eat. Tip: Eat superb seafood at the Sea Captain’s House Restaurant at 3000 N Ocean Boulevard only ten blocks away.

The high season starts on the Fourth of July and runs for a solid three months. It is advisable to make advance reservations wherever possible.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Camelot By The Sea
2000 N OCEAN BLVD Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
843-916-4700

Exterior View
The Best Western Carolinian Beach Resort might be considered by some to be the flagship resort of the Patricia Group based on its new tower, recently renovated slightly older sections, free Continental Breakfast, and its 3,500 square foot Magnolia Restaurant.

Whether or not it is the best of the resorts, it certainly offers a great deal for the money. Rooms and suites range from oceanview to oceanfront and there are three room suites that can accommodate up to eight people. Prices can be found and reservations made at www.carolinianbeachresort.com. I recommend that course of action as special discounts can be found on the web. Walk-in traffic still constitutes about 10% of the resorts business, but why take a chance?

The resort offers a variety of golf packages with discounts from 10 to 20% at the more than 100 golf courses in the area, and with its restaurant facility can get golfers out plenty early to start their rounds. The resort is centrally located to the more popular tourist attractions including the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Broadway at the Beach, fine dining, the Pavilion, and Myrtle Beach Square Mall.

The new tower has its own pool to complement the oceanfront pool, two kiddie pools, a 200 foot long enclosed lazy river pool, and a large spa and fitness center. TVs inside the rooms are of the 25 inch variety and of course cable service is standard. Rooms run from the one room oceanview and oceanfront all the way up to three room suites that can accommodate up to 8 people. I highly recommend this resort for those looking for luxury at affordable prices.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Best Western Carolinian
2506 N OCEAN BLVD Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
1-843-4486861

Viking MotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Viking"

View from the Highway
The oceanfront Viking Motel is an older facility that is cheaply priced. It is in a good location for activities along the strip and costs very little money. The problem is that it is old and shows its age.

It offers daily as well as weekly rates and is very modestly priced. It offers golf packages, has an outdoor pool with sundeck as well as a grassed-in area that forms a place for families to gather on the lawn.

It has ten oceanfront rooms and many rooms with side and ocean views. It is not luxury but does fill a certain niche in the market. Having said that, I have to confess that the Viking holds no charms for me, and I would not recommend that anyone I know stay there.

Not recommended.

  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Viking Motel
1811 S. Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 448-4355

Sea Dunes OceanfrontBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Sea Dunes"

Street Sign
The Sea Dunes Motel is at 605 S. Ocean Blvd. and was called the Sea Oats at one time. It is a low priced, budget motel that has just been re-carpeted but still shows a great deal of aging. You may stay in oceanfront and oceanview rooms, efficiencies apartments and Jacuzzi suites. The location is convenient to most downtown tourist areas of interest, and it is on front beach.

This motel has a policy of not renting to those under age 25 without a $200 security deposit. It does accept American Express in addition to all other major credit cards.

This is not a luxury location, but it is very reasonably priced, and it is in the heart of the action on the strip. One nicety is that it provides free fax and copy services for guests. The color TVs are on cable, and there is a pool on the premises.

Only somewhat recommended, and then only for those on a very restricted budget.

  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Sea Dunes Oceanfront
605 SOUTH OCEAN BLVD Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
843-448-7007

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Radisson Plaza Hotel"

Luxurious Lobby
The Radisson Plaza Hotel Myrtle Beach Convention Center adds another dimension to Myrtle Beach. This Hotel Resort is luxurious and packs a special wallop with its convention facilities. Every room is very well appointed and extremely comfortable. There are 382 first class rooms, a presidential suite, and 19 two-bedroom suites with central living areas. Featured services include all the standard perks plus high speed internet access and a work station.

Continental breakfast buffets are served on the top two floors, and the window views are spectacular. The Vidalia’s Restaurant serves low country cuisine and is near the M-Bar, which is decorated in art deco style. For the light eater there is the Coffee and Cream Café, which serves Starbucks Coffee and lighter fare. The fitness center is outstanding and features all of the latest equipment.

There were several rooms available during our stay at Myrtle Beach, but advance reservations are a sound idea.

I would recommend this for the business traveler above all, but it is a great venue for families that do not insist on being directly on the beach.

I unconditionally recommend this resort.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
(Formerly Radisson Plaza Hotel Myrtle Beach Convention Center) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 918-5000

Polynesian Hotel Myrtle BeachBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Polynesian"

View from the Bulevard
The Polynesian Beach and Golf Resort offers a lot for very little money. The resort offers furnished efficiency quarters and rooms. Every room has at least good air conditioning/heating units, refrigerators, baths with tubs/showers, color cable TVs, in room phones, and private balconies on oceanfront units. The resort has two spacious pools including an indoor as well as outdoor pool, a Kiddie Pool, on premise parking; coin operated common area washer and dryer units, elevators, and handicap ramps.

This is not luxury living, but you are not asked to pay luxury prices. The facility is located near the Family Kingdom and convenient to many of the features of the strip. Prices are very modest even in season and can be obtained by going online at www.polynesion-resort.com.

Advance reservations are required and the rates are cheapest if made in advance. The toll free number for non South Carolina residents to the resort is 1-800-845-6971. The non toll free number is 1-843-448-1781.

My wife and I have reached the stage in life where the Polynesian would not be the place for us, but for those on a limited budget they might find something of interest there.

Somewhat recommended.

  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Polynesian Hotel Myrtle Beach
1001 South Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(800) 845-6971

Kingston Plantation CondominiumsBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Kingston Plantation"

The Embassy Suites Tower
Kingston Plantation is a luxury resort that has a lot to offer. The complex consists of 145 acres and multiple choices of places in which to stay. The check-in point is at the Embassy Towers, which features large oceanfront and oceanview two room suites. The complimentary breakfast buffet is a wonderful experience, and another plus is the complimentary evening reception which offers free cordials to guests. Every suite has two large color TVs, in house coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators, hair dryers, and irons with boards.

The Gloucester Terrace features two and three bedroom accommodations with pristine wooded and lake views. Covered parking is available in case of rain. The kitchens in the Gloucester are wonderfully furnished, and again the stamp of luxury accommodations is everywhere.

The Kingston also offers the villas of Richmond Park, West Hyde Park, and St. James Park. These units offer one, two, and three bedroom accommodations with parking directly in front of your rooms. Every room regardless of size has a wonderfully furnished kitchen, and the views are of restful wooded and water scenes.

In the same vein Kingston has the lodges of Laurel Court and Arrowhead Court. These buildings are equipped with elevators and are quaint enough to think you have been transported to an exotic ski lodge like Heavenly Valley or Vail. The lake beside those accommodations is very pristine.

Finally there are the North and South Hampton Towers and Windermere by the Sea. Windermere offers four bedroom quarters with wooded and lakeside views with full kitchens and a private swimming pool. The North Hampton Tower offers a private swimming pool, two bedroom oceanview and oceanfront condos, or three bedroom oceanview condos. All have completely furnished kitchens that are well furnished and maintain the ambience of luxury. The South Hampton Tower features one bedroom guest rooms, oceanfront condos with two bedrooms, and thee bedroom oceanview condos. The two and three bedroom units have completely furnished kitchens.

On site there are great tennis courts, multiples pools, a half mile of private beach, walking trails, and great places to eat. I highly recommend this venue for anyone looking for a really great time. It can be as secluded or as lively as you want it to be.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Kingston Plantation Condominiums
9800 QUEENSWAY BLVD Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29572
843 449-0006

View from the Ocean
The Patricia Grand Resort Hotel is 14-years-old, but because of its renovations you would never know it. You enter the hotel via a very elegant lobby and are greeted by a friendly staff that makes you glad you chose the Patricia Grand. The lobby is a bit warm in the summer, but the rooms are cool and very well done as you would expect from a full service resort at Myrtle Beach. As with any of the Patricia Resort Hotel group the Grand offers a complete range of rooms at a very affordable price.

The prices vary according to the time of year you choose to come to Myrtle Beach, and you must expect to pay more during the summer from the first of July until the middle or end of August. Golf packages are available, and there are 308 luxury suites, rooms, and efficiencies to choose from. The large oceanfront pool is complemented by the kiddie pool, the indoor pool, the lazy river, and heated spa. There is an oceanfront restaurant and lounge with family food at moderate prices and an adequate fitness center. The resort also offers a convenience store and a gift shop. Golf packages are available, and there is a golf manager to ease your path to great golfing experiences.

The Grand is located in the heart of the Myrtle Beach strand and convenient to all of the many attractions that Myrtle Beach offers. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the Pavilion, the Square Mall, Broadway at the Beach and the Palace Theater are some of the attractions very nearby.

The Patricia Grand offers oceanfront efficiencies, oceanfront rooms, and oceanview and oceanfront suites. Each of these choices is nicely furnished. Prices are seasonal and reservations are recommended.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Patricia Grand Resort Hotel
2710 N Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(800) 255-4763

View from the Bulevard
The Red Tree Inn at 1415 South Ocean Blvd. North Myrtle Beach is an intermediate facility that is modestly priced but delivers enough for the money to be a consideration for those on a budget. It features an oceanfront pool with Jacuzzi, refrigerators in all rooms, a coin operated laundry, private balconies, color cable TV, oceanfront accommodations, enough parking, and a great location in North Myrtle Beach.

The resort offers entertainment and golf packages and is very reasonably priced. The most expensive two bedroom apartments run from a high of $138 at the very height of the season to a low of only $30 during the winter season. Memorial Day weekend is an aberration in that the price goes to $158 for a four day period.

Golfers can get a really good deal here during the cooler months when it is not so hot.

Slightly Recommended

  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 5, 2004

Red Tree Inn Ocean Front Resort
1415 South Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582
(800) 233-0705

View from the Bulevard
The Ocean Drive Resort Hotel offers a lot for the money. Front beach, central location, golf packages, swimming pools, a lazy river pool, a beauty salon, eating venues, a game room, massage therapy, a sauna, a spa, efficiencies with fully furnished kitchens as well as oceanfront suites and two bedroom accommodations are just some of the advantages offered by this resort.

If you ever danced the shag, this is the place for you. The Shag Museum is located right here and the music is still as easy to listen to as ever.

Ocean Drive is located at 98 North Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach. It is luxury living, and I recommend it for anyone looking for an upscale venue in which to relax at Myrtle Beach.

North Myrtle Beach is a little less frantic than Myrtle Beach and might be considered more restful for one seeking to escape the crowds of people that flock to the strand at Myrtle Beach. If you are looking for a resort that can handle a conference or a meeting or even a banquet, look carefully at the Ocean Drive Resort.

Even at the height of the season the most expensive accommodation is no more than $214 a night, and during less high season the prices come way down.

Highly recommended!

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Ocean Drive Resort
98 North Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582
(800) 438-9590

Fairfield Inn by Marriott BroadwayBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Fairfield Inn Mariott Hotel"

View from the Street
The Fairfield Inn by Marriot is a fine hotel that is not located on the beach. It is convenient to the beach but requires a short drive to get there. The hotel is right on Broadway at the Beach, which is a very popular tourist attraction at Myrtle Beach. There are many great entertainment venues here that are nationally known. Broadway at the Beach also offers some of the best shopping for miles around.

The rooms at this hotel are spacious and well-furnished. There is nothing at all shopworn about the facility. Guests have the option of a free Continental breakfast; the use of a heated outdoor pool with a whirlpool; free shuttle service to the Broadway on the Beach performances; same day dry cleaning and other perks including dial up internet connections.

If you don’t have to be on the beach and want to enjoy the country music shows and have handy theaters and shopping nearby, this hotel is an excellent choice.

Highly Recommended.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Broadway
1350 PARADISE CIRCLE Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 444-8097

Entance off of Ocean Blvd
Ocean Creek Resort is the one place we wanted to get to, but we did not have time to stay there. We did drive up to it and spoke to a manager but have only impressions about the resort. It appears to be a really nice place. It is a gated community, and unless you are staying there you are not going to have access to the place.

We learned there are two separate tower facilities on the beach: the Towers and the Beach Club. Both are fine looking structures with completely modern rooms that are finely furnished. They sit on a 57-acre complex that offers true privacy from non guests. The pools were large and clean and looked inviting.

The real charm of this resort for me lies in the Greens which offer two and three bedroom accommodations with putting surfaces in the front yard so you can practice putting right next to your front door. The Villas and the Garden Homes offer nice out of the way accommodations that are luxurious while offering a true sense of privacy.

Finally there are the Tennis Villas located next to the tennis complex. These villas offer a high standard of living for those interested in improving their tennis stroke while taking advantage of all the other things North Myrtle Beach has to offer.

This resort is not for those looking for budget accommodations, but for what it offers, you get a lot for your money. Location, eating accommodations, fine furnished units, privacy, beachfront, a private environment, and a fine standard of living are all part of the Ocean Creek Resort.

Highly recommended!

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Ocean Creek Resort
10600 N Kings Hwy Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29572
(843) 272-7724

Springmaid BeachBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Springmaid Beach Resort"

Heart of the Resort
The Springmaid Beach Resort and Conference Center is a huge complex consisting of 500 rooms, multiple pools (six), two lazy rivers, a pair of fitness centers, a miniature golf course, one restaurant, and its very own fishing pier. Privacy is ensured by the isolation of this resort from the other establishments located along South Ocean Boulevard. This should appeal to many as Myrtle Beach swings into high gear and there are wall to wall people in the hot spots along the beach and activity centers along the main drag.

The Palmetto building is the newest renovated portion of Springmaid and offers only ocean view room with balconies. Cypress offers only standard rooms, has balconies, and no elevators. Live Oak offers standard and two bedroom rooms with balconies. The pools open at 9am and close at 10pm with the exception of the Cypress Inn whose pool closes at eight.

Prices are seasonal and are cheapest in the winter. Standard rooms at Cypress that can accommodate four run from a winter low of $40 to a high of $132 per night in season. In the other two buildings which are higher priced, four room accommodations run from a winter low of $50 to $96. Those same rooms in season from 4 June through 21 August cost from $105 to $178. Two and three bedroom accommodations which can house 6 to 10 persons range from $85 to $192 in the winter to $220 to $294 during the season. Often up to three families band together to share expenses in the larger rooms in the summer, and by sharing expenses, they can afford the best the resort has to offer.

Springmaid is a nice family oriented place to stay, and the restaurant offers moderately priced meals with free meals for tots three and below.

The fishing pier opens from six in the morning and closes at midnight. The pier offers complimentary access to strollers and appears to be about a quarter of a mile long. There is an excellent tackle shop at the beginning of the pier, and snacks and refreshments are available for purchase.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Springmaid Beach
3200 SOUTH OCEAN BOULEVARD Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
843-315-7100

One of the Three Towers
The Bay Watch Resort and Conference Center is very convenient to the Alabama Theater, House of Blues, Barefoot Landing, and Tanger Outlets. This resort offers more features than any of the other Patricia Group Resorts. It boasts a game room, a fitness center, its own 6,500 square foot meeting, exhibit space, and banquet hall. There are private oceanfront balcony rooms, studio rooms, and two, three, and four room suites. This resort has two dining areas, a beachfront bar by the pool, a lounge and sports bar, swimming pools, and a lazy river pool.

Golf packages are available with access to the more than 100 golf courses in the area with substantial savings during the cooler winter months. Accommodations range from seasonal lows for a studio of only $49 to $179 during the high season in midsummer. Four room suites that can accommodate up to ten persons range from a seasonal low of $114 to a seasonal high of $359.

The restaurants offer simple fare but good solid food for the money. There are three towers at this resort, and they range in age from just over 3 years old to just over one-year-old. There are studios here with limited views as well as others that are balconied with oceanfront views. It is obvious that the staff works overtime to keep this resort as pristine as possible.

North Myrtle Beach is a different animal than Myrtle Beach and is less busy but has a great deal to offer a golfer or a family. I liked this resort a great deal and recommend it very highly to anyone who wants to get away from the cares of everyday life. The resort can definitely be described as luxury and has something for everyone.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Bay Watch Resort and Conference Center
2701 S. Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29582
(866) 229-9282

Ocean Plaza MotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Ocean Plaza"

View from the Bulevard
The Ocean Plaza is another facility that I am too old to frequent. It is one of the oldest motels on the Myrtle Beach strand. It does have an oceanfront swimming pool that is 8 feet deep equipped with a sun deck. The indoor pool is located on the fourth floor. The indoor pool area was so warm it could have doubled as a sauna. The hotel has a very old, albeit serviceable elevator, and golf packages are available. It must be stated that the rates are very low.

The staff maintains that this is a family oriented motel run much like a mom and pop operation. I could see this as more likely a place where students on a limited budget that do not plan to spend a lot of time in their rooms might frequent.

It is certainly not luxury, but it is located in a convenient location to many tourist attractions and dining along the busiest part of the strip. It has a few handicap rooms, and all rooms are equipped with a mini-frig, cable television, in room safes, oceanfront private balconies.

It too has a toll free number for Germany, Japan, and the UK. That number is 1-800-322-2166.

I would not stay at this location and would not recommend it to my friends.

  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Ocean Plaza Motel
1005 S Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 448-7191

Exterior View
The Ocean Park Resort offers a lot for the money! The resort provides a free Continental Breakfast, ocean front balconies, large swimming pools, spas, a tot’s pool, a large oceanfront sundeck, a fitness center, sauna, a game room for children, an on-site guest laundry, and discount packages at more than 100 golf courses.

The resort has both oceanview and oceanfront rooms. The oceanview rooms are the least expensive in the Patricia Resorts inventory. Prices range for a one room oceanview from as low as $37 during the winter to a high of $119 during the height of the summer season. Oceanfront rates for a one bedroom efficiency range from a low of $42 to a high of $139.

There are moderately priced two and three room suites and deluxe suites with the largest suite being the four room oceanfront suites ranging from a low of $90 to a summer high of $309. Many families like to rent these larger rooms for mini reunions and get-togethers.

TIP: Ask about their golf packages. There is the four night National Package with oceanfront accommodations and four discounted rounds of golf and a fifth round for free for only $156 per person. Other less ambitious packages include the Wild Witch package (3 nights, 4 rounds of golf) from $132 per person; the Grand Classic Package ( 3 nights, 4 rounds of golf) for $138 per person; and the Membership Package which includes 1 night and 1 round of golf for $30 per person. These packages include oceanfront rooms, a free deluxe breakfast, and a free golf towel.

Highly Reccommended.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Ocean Park Resort
1905 S OCEAN BLVD Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
843-448-1915

View from the Bulevard
The Atlantic Paradise Inn located at 1401 S. Ocean Blvd. cannot be described as a luxury facility. It does represent good value for the money for those on a limited budget. The motel has one and two bedroom units that have the advantage of offering fully furnished accommodations, with color TVs hooked to cable. The air conditioning units are controlled by the guest and the baths feature tile layouts. Most units have private balconies and the location is in the heart of the strip of Myrtle Beach.

There is an outdoor pool, a kiddie pool and a nicely done indoor Jacuzzi. Winter time rates are as low as $18 for a sideview room that goes as low as $70 during the high season. There are a variety of room prices, but the oceanfront two room units are only $28 during the winter and only $155 during the most expensive portion of the season.

This is a popular motel with a lot of repeat customers that like to save their room money for food and tourist activities. In order to make reservations and take advantage of special deals go online to atlanticparadise.com. I would certainly not go expecting to find a room available there in season without advance reservations. The motel does offer AAA discounts as well as the online ones. Golf packages are also available. Interestingly enough, this motel offers a toll free line for the UK, Germany, or Japan which is 1-800-992-0269.

I would be very reluctant to steer family or friends to this venue.

  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Atlantic Paradise Inn
1401 S Ocean Blvd Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 444-0346

Days Inn on the OceanBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Days Inn on the Ocean & Sailfish Resort"

Exterior View
The Days Inn on the Ocean & Sailfish Resort are located at 2104 N. Ocean Blvd. The two are side by side on the front beach and share clients with another Days Inn just across the street. All three are well situated to provide easy access to Myrtle Beach strip activities. The Sailfish and Days Inn on the Ocean have adequate parking, and although the Days Inn on the Ocean shares rental space with the Days Inn West Building across the street, most of the rooms are indeed oceanfront or oceanview.

Current prices which are the highest of the year run from $99 a night across the street, to $129 for an oceanview room on the beach to $144 for oceanfront. One and two bedroom units on the beach side run from $179 to $229 a night. These units have a fully furnished kitchen and multiple TV sets.

If you are a cash paying guest, you must pay a $20 deposit to activate your phone for local use, and local calls are fifty cents apiece. On the plus side there is a hot tub and indoor pool located at the Sailfish Resort. The Days Inn has an outdoor pool on the ocean side. Irons and ironing boards may be checked out of the Days Inn lobby but require a $10 deposit.

In my opinion none of the three facilities constitute luxury accommodations. I would recommend the two ocean front facilities for those on a budget but not highly.

  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Days Inn on the Ocean
2104 N OCEAN BLVD Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
843-448-1776

Exterior view of the Tower
The Monterey Bay Suites is a former member of the Patricia Group of managed hotels, but still maintains a good standard of value for the money. The resort is strictly a suites hotel with shotgun room suites up to a four bedroom layout.

The lobby is friendly and spacious and comfortable enough so that a guest might actually want to linger there browsing through the newspaper or reading a book.

Every suite has a full-sized refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, a private balcony, and two color cable connected TVs. There are indoor and outdoor whirlpools, a rooftop pool with sundeck, a lazy river and kiddie pool, plus a guest laundry. A special added goody is a full complimentary free full breakfast and a nightly dessert. The restaurant offers good value for the dollar.

The resort offers golf packages and is very convenient to all of the exciting activities offered by Myrtle Beach. I would not hesitate to stay here or recommend it for family or friends.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Monterey Bay Suites
6804 N OCEAN BLVD Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29572
843-449-4833

Long Bay ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Long Bay Resort"

Indoor Pool
The Long Bay Resort is located in North Myrtle Beach and is another great place for a family to stay. If you go to Myrtle Beach in the winter, you should take a long look at this resort’s entertainment packages. You can get an oceanfront suite for three days and nights plus a free show ticket for only $86 for a single person.

The resort itself is huge and filled with fun activities. There is a restaurant on the premises that provides a decent range of choices for the money. There is an indoor pool with Jacuzzi, an oceanfront pool and Jacuzzi, a workout room, a video arcade, guest laundry, color TVs with cable access, a microwave, a 250-foot long lazy river, golf packages, and the previously mentioned entertainment deals.

North Myrtle Beach is a quieter area than Myrtle Beach but has a lot of new building going on. Until a lot more of the new stuff is completed, I prefer the North Myrtle Beach venues. The Alabama Theater, Dixie Stampede, the Carolina Opry, Legends in Concert, Spirit of the Dance, and the Palace Theater at Myrtle are all close by and easy to access by car from the Long Bay.

The rooms are well equipped and every three or two room suite is oceanfront with its own balcony. There are oceanfronts as well as oceanview efficiencies and single rooms to boot.

In conclusion the Long Bay Resort is an outstanding place for a young couple, a single person, or a family looking for a really nice place to stay and enjoy the best of what both Myrtle Beaches are about. I recommend it and plan to take advantage of some of the winter entertainment packages in the future.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Long Bay Resort
7200 North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29572
(843) 449-3361

Caravelle ResortBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "The Caravelle Resort"

Decorative Fountain
The Caravelle Resort offers a full range of amenities and choices in which to stay. The choices range from cozy efficiencies to expansive condos. The accommodations can be described as deluxe and fully equipped.

Amenities offered include indoor and heated outdoor swimming pools with accompanying Jacuzzis, a kiddie pool, a seasonal children’s activity program, an acceptable in house restaurant, a lazy river pool, a fitness room, an icecream shop, a video game room, and a seasonally operated bar and grill. The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet that is worth waking up and enjoying.

Interestingly enough, the resort consists of nine different buildings which constitute a wide variety of choices in which to stay. The Caravelle is the resort hotel, and the other complexes contain the condominiums that are available.

The Caravelle has made a concerted effort to maintain the quality of furniture in the rooms, and a guest could easily imagine that he was at home during some part of his stay. I would not hesitate to recommend this resort to anyone. They offer weekly rates throughout the year, and I think their golf and entertainment packages are as good as or better than just about anyone at the beach.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 6, 2004

Caravelle Resort
6900 North Ocean Blvd. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(800) 507-9145

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Coquina HarborBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Coquina Harbor"

We arrived in the rain.
The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Coquina Harbor is a fine facility. It offers rooms, one-and two-bedroom suites, and a whole list of amenities.

Before I get to that part of my observations about the accommodations, let me advise you that for me the best thing about staying here is the harbor and the boats at the marina. It is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the beach and is a quiet corner of restful serenity. It was raining when we arrived, but that did not stop me from appreciating the quiet cove that is called Coquina Harbor. It turns out that you can even arrive by boat, and for a fee of $1.25 a foot you can keep your boat at the docks while resting up at the Inn. You qualify for a 25% discount if you are a member of US Boats.

The Holiday Inn was nice and pristine and offered what you would expect from a nice motel/hotel. There are hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, one day cleaning service, a coin operated laundry, a wet bar, a free newspaper for Priority Club members, and a happy hour every evening. There is a fine outdoor pool, a workout room, and a whirlpool. There are whirlpools in every suite.

The in-house restaurant offers breakfast and dinner and prices for dinner meals begin at only $7 for an adult meal.

Standard rooms range from $99 to $124 depending on the season. Standard suites range from $145 to $169, and two bedroom suites are from $200 to $269.

The motel had only one vacancy the day we were there and reservations are highly recommended. The facility is near the attractions of North Myrtle Beach, and Little River is a far quieter place than either Myrtle or North Myrtle Beach.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 8, 2004

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Coquina Harbor
722 Highway 17 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29566
(888) 333-2686

La Quinta Myrtle BeachBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "La Quinta Inn & Suites"

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The La Quinta Inn is a comfortable, conveniently located place for families or business oriented visitors to Myrtle Beach. It has free high speed internet access. It is a few blocks from the beach, and maybe most attractive to some is the fact that it is across the street from Broadway at the Beach, which features specialty shops, restaurants, and entertainment. There are sixteen movie screens there and an IMAX theater.

During peak season the prices are in the following ranges: standard room costs $169, a king room is $179, and a suite is $234. There is a complimentary Continental breakfast, an outdoor heated pool, and a fitness center. Pets are welcome here which is a big plus for pet lovers when they travel.

The La Quinta Inn is an attractive Inn with a lovely area to relax by the pool. It is not luxury, but it would be acceptable for most travelers, especially for those that do not require beachfront but who like proximity to the beach without being elbow to elbow with crowds of people in bathing suits.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by marcopolo on July 9, 2004

La Quinta Myrtle Beach
1561 21ST AVE NORTH Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
843-916-8801

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marcopolo
marcopolo
Savannah, Georgia

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