Ocean Reef Resort is a mega-sized property that attracts mostly families and some couples with its beachfront location and self-service units. The resort has a casual vibe. There are no communal areas in the lobby, so guests are drawn to the restaurant or poolside areas. Like many of the rooms, the restaurant is dated in design with dark carpet and blond wooden chairs and tables. The indoor section of the poolside bar is similar but instead of carpet, it has brown tiles. As far as the atmosphere goes, this isn’t the spot for quiet and tranquility due to the substantial number of kids exploring the many family-friendly features. There have been reports of bothersome odors in terms of cigarettes and marijuana. A grassy sun deck is available with stunning ocean views and wicker lounge chairs. 

If a beachfront location in Myrtle Beach is a top priority, Ocean Reef Resort definitely qualifies. However, it’s location on the northern edge of Myrtle Beach makes it a 14-minute drive from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade and 12 minutes by car from Broadway at the Beach. Close by, there are some casual seafood dining options within a five-minute walk and a few golf courses that take seven minutes to reach by car. Tanger Outlet Myrtle Beach Highway 71 is a 15-minute drive away. Myrtle Beach International Airport is a 22-minute drive. 

The units at the Ocean Reef Resort range in size and design. Rooms, Suites, and Efficiencies are far more contemporary in their design than the dated Condos, but we wouldn’t go as far as to call them “modern.” They offer brown carpet with light gray lines that complement the light gray bedding and soft blue statement walls. While white headboards and the blue and white curtains looks newish, the blond wooden tables and dressers are from another decade. The Condos are worse off in decor as the dark leaf-patterned floors don’t seem to match with the homey colorful bedding and light, old-fashioned furniture. Guests have noted cleanliness and maintenance issues among many different room types and reports of smoke (of all varieties) smells that linger in rooms and on the balconies. 

All rooms are outfitted with the basics: flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and safes. Standard Rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves, while Efficiencies, Suites, and Condos provide kitchenettes with refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, stoves, pots and pans, cutlery, and platter ware. Condos and Penthouses offer washers and dryers, too. Bathrooms are simple in design and have shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Keep in mind that not all rooms have full ocean views and daily housekeeping is limited to towel change and trash disposal. 

Ocean Reef Resort has a lot of amenities going for it beyond the sandy beach on which it sits. The indoor and outdoor water features are perhaps the most attractive features and include pools, hot tubs, lazy rivers, and water parks for kids of all ages. The pools are serviced by a poolside bar serving simple American snacks and meals for lunch. For something more substantial, there’s a restaurant with interior seating and a paid hot breakfast buffet. Dinner is sometimes available at the restaurant though times and availability change throughout the year. Room service is not offered. There’s plenty to keep kids entertained, like the indoor arcade and outdoor games such as giant chess and ping-pong. DVD rentals and a seasonal kids’ club are also available. The fitness center offers dated cardio and strength-training machines. Meetings and events are held in the hotel’s two meeting spaces which can be broken down into separate salons. The gift shop sells toiletries, clothes, snacks, and beach items. Wi-Fi and parking are covered in the mandatory daily resort fee.