Bay View on the Boardwalk (also known as Bay View Resort) is a 20-floor, mid-range hotel that is set up more like a condo building than a true resort. The location on the beach and the direct ocean views from the rooms are its best features, while the lack of an outdoor pool and outdated furnishings in the rooms detract from the hotel’s appeal.

The lobby consists of the front desk, two DVD lending kiosks, and a coffee machine, but no sitting area or guest lounge. Though there is a Starbucks cafe on the ground floor and a number of dining options within walking distance along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the hotel lacks a full-service restaurant.

The beach can be easily accessed from the hotel, which is separated from the oceanfront by the boardwalk and a grassy area. Some guests may be disappointed by the lack of an outdoor pool. An indoor pool area features a small lazy river, tiny pool, and giant chessboard. However, the pool deck tends to get overcrowded during the summer, as do the elevators and the gym.

Situated near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, the Bay View on the Boardwalk is centrally located close to the beach, shops, and restaurants. The mile-long boardwalk runs along the beach from 14th Avenue to the 2nd Avenue Pier, which hosts several festivals and events during the summer tourist season. There’s a mini-golf attraction called Shark Attack Adventure Golf, which is located about two blocks north of the hotel. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and the SkyWheel are about five blocks north along the boardwalk. The Broadway at the Beach, another popular shopping and dining location, is a short car or bike ride away (2.5 miles).

All rooms at the Bay View on the Boardwalk have private balconies and are labeled either oceanfront (direct ocean views), ocean view (partial ocean view), or sunset view (street and town). Upgrading to a suite or condo-style room gets you more space (some have as many as four bedrooms), a washer/dryer, sleeper sofa, separate living room area, and a full-size kitchen with refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and utensils. Rooms with kitchens have dark granite countertops, black appliances, and wood cabinets. Decor in most rooms is in need of freshening up, as the floral pattern bedspreads and plain wood furnishings look tired and outdated. Bathrooms are small, but updated. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms, but can be slow.

The hotel charges a resort fee, but is somewhat lacking in amenities. It has a tiny main pool, a kids' pool with a waterfall, and a small lazy river -- all of which are housed inside and can get very crowded during the high season. There is a splash deck for kids outside, but no outdoor pool. DVDs can be borrowed at no charge from self-service kiosks in the lobby. A Starbucks is located on the ground floor, but there are no other dining options. There is a small gym with a few treadmills that can get quite crowded. Guests have access to an off-site spa located at the hotel’s sister location, North Beach Plantation. Parking is free, but the parking garage is located a few blocks away.