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Destination Guides
Where To Stay
Once you decide to visit the Myrtle Beach area, you won't be sorry. You may, however, have a difficult time deciding where to stay. There are literally hundreds of places of all descriptions on the beach, at golf courses, on the rivers, and at quieter places away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches.
The busiest times of the year are traditionally November, and then March all the way through the first two weeks of September. Most of the 'Snowbirds,' as the winter visitors from northern states are called, arrive shortly after Thanksgiving and stay through March. Golfers swarm to the area in November and then again in March. Of course, prices skyrocket during the busiest months, especially the summer.
April and May are somewhat quieter, but by far the most beautiful months. Everywhere you look are azaleas bursting with purple, pink, red and white flowers including Bradford pear trees with delicate, white flowers; herons, egrets and sandpipers are also prancing about. You may even see an alligator or two, but they become more adventuresome during the warm summer months.
Helpful Hints for Making Reservations
Many places, large and small, commercial and independent, have similar names with the words 'ocean', 'oceanfront', 'sands', and 'beach' in them, so be careful to choose the one you really want. Also, make your reservations very early. Many families and golfers who return to the area every year make their reservations for the following year while they are here.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach stretches from Little River to the Briarcliffe Acres community, and includes the four very small communities of Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill.
You won't find as many huge hotels in North Myrtle Beach as in Myrtle Beach, but there are still plenty of places from which to choose on its nine miles of beaches, including hotels, motels, efficiencies, cottages, and condos.
If you prefer, you can get away from the beach and stay on the Intercoastal Waterway. A little difficult to find but with quieter surroundings, the Hampton Inn Harbourgate is adjacent to the Intercoastal Waterway and offers marina privileges at Harbourgate Marina.
If you can afford it, the spectacular Barefoot Resort North Tower is very beautiful. Away from the beach, it is located across the Intercoastal Waterway from Barefoot Landing, a popular place with shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is surrounded by are four golf courses and 700 acres of wetlands. Barefoot Resort was previously presented with the first-ever award from South Carolina's Governor Jim Hodges for preserving the environment while developing the resort.
Myrtle Beach
As expected, most places to stay in Myrtle Beach are on or very close to the ocean. The number of choices is overwhelming as is the variety — condos, villas, rooms, suites, efficiencies, efficiency suites, cottages — you name it. For a longer stay in a cottage or condo, there are many condo and real estate offices in the area, too.
Hotel and Motel Chains
Nearly all of the big hotel and motel chains are represented in Myrtle Beach.
The Courtyard Myrtle Beach-Barefoot Landing is actually located in between North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach on Highway 17. It is near 'Restaurant Row' and not far from Barefoot Landing, Veteran's Highway (Route 22), Walmart, and many golf courses.
A Fairfield Inn and a Hampton Inn are at Broadway at the Beach in the heart of Myrtle Beach, although not on the ocean. There are many restaurants, shops, attractions, and live entertainment venues in this area. These inns are also close to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and BB&T Coastal Field where the Pelicans baseball team plays.
Holiday Inn is well represented on the Grand Strand with a Holiday Express in Restaurant Row and three inns in Myrtle Beach, one in Surfside Beach and one in Murrells Inlet. The Holiday Inn Oceanfront Resort Hotel is a favorite with families as it is near the Myrtle Beach Pavilion and other popular attractions.
Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach at Kingston Plantation is in between North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach 13 miles from the Myrtle Beach airport and near Restaurant Row. You would never know that you’re in the bustling Myrtle Beach, though. Secluded by 145 landscaped acres, every suite offers an ocean view.
Other Places to Stay
The independent hotels are equally nice and offer the same amenities as the chains.
One of the most popular spots is the Breakers Resort Hotel & North Tower. On the beach but centrally located, this 70-year-old resort offers a 10% discount for weekly stays, AAA members and Senior Citizens. It also has organized activities for the children (in season).
Even if you do not check in at Landmark Resort, pay a visit. It is a huge complex with the 'largest resort indoor pool complex in America'. There are five whirlpools, two 300-ft. Lazy Rivers (indoors and outdoors), a huge indoor pool with a fountain in the middle of it, and, for the young ones, an Indoor Kiddy Pool, a Kiddy Fun Pool and a Kiddy Lazy River.
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Where To Stay
