Guests don’t seem to mind that the mid-range Hampton Inn Myrtle Beach - Broadway at the Beach is a 30-minute walk from the Myrtle Beach beachfront. Most are happy the hotel is in the Broadway at the Beach complex, packed with dining and entertainment options, which is great since the hotel lacks a restaurant and bar. It helps that the hotel offers a free hot breakfast buffet and indoor and outdoor pools. The 141 rooms were updated in 2016 and are equipped with microwaves and mini-fridges. For those who like chain brand names and a beachfront location, the Best Western Plus Grand Strand Inn & Suites offers both, but the rooms aren’t as updated. 

The Roxanne Towers consists of 72 condo-style rooms that are individually owned but rented out like a hotel. Rooms have oceanfront balconies and full-size kitchens, but leave much to be desired in the way of decor. Furnishings appear outdated and, although the building opened in 2004, both the interior and the exterior look like they’re stuck in the 1970s. The best part about the property is its location right on the beach and proximity to tourist attractions like the SkyWheel.

Picture a classic Myrtle Beach hotel, and chances are it looks a lot like the budget-friendly Beach Colony Resort. With direct ocean access and a convenient Central Myrtle Beach location (a bit north of the boardwalk), there are plenty of reasons to choose this hotel -- not the least of which are the condominium-style hotel rooms that are perfect for families. Still, the hotel could use some updating, especially in public spaces. The rooms themselves run the gamut in terms of decor, since each is owned by individual owners and rented out through the hotel.

For a family getaway in Myrtle Beach, the mid-range Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort offers a long list of amenities for families. There's a water park, eight pool features, and an outdoor beach bar that serves food and drinks. The gym is dated and a full breakfast buffet isn’t offered, but there is a coffee shop providing Starbucks coffee and some light breakfast options. Of the 248 rooms, many are Efficiencies with kitchens, making it easy for travelers to prepare their own meals, though perhaps the same can be said of Standard Rooms which have mini-fridges and microwaves. Take note that the decor is dated in the rooms and cleanliness complaints have occurred. Dunes Village Resort is a good alternative that offers restaurants and a breakfast buffet.

The mostly contemporary but slightly dated decor at the cheerful Grande Shores Ocean Resort doesn’t stop families from visiting and having a great time. With 11 water features, a rooftop pool, a small gym, kids’ club, and American restaurant with a hot breakfast buffet, guests are kept well entertained -- which is great since the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade take 14 minutes to reach by car. The 231 rooms offer coffeemakers and mini-fridges, while efficiencies and condos add kitchens into the mix for a self-sufficient stay. Free DVD rentals and a laundry room are nice extras for families. Captain’s Quarters Resort is much closer to the Myrtle Beach action and also has a bowling alley, seasonal beach shack, and pool with a play pirate ship. 

This mid-range Holiday Inn is conveniently situated right by the beach and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, plus it's close to dining options and shops. Though interiors are outdated and chainlike, they're clean, and all of the 138 guest rooms have private balconies (with either ocean vistas or unattractive parking lot views) as well as flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Many units have kitchens. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools, including an indoor lazy river, plus there's a seasonal poolside bar. Other features include modest fitness facilities and a free continental breakfast, though it gets mixed reviews from guests. Captain's Quarters Resort is a comparable alternative with more dining options and a bowling alley, but it's also a dated property.

The Strand A Boutique Resort, is located in downtown Myrtle Beach and is within easy walking distance of many popular restaurants and shops. The mid-range beachfront hotel draws families and couples with an outdoor pool, hot tub, and kiddy pool. A free hot breakfast is served each morning, and the bar and restaurant offer lunch and dinner. The overall look is contemporary and inspired by the beach location with splashes of blues and greens. All 141 rooms are spacious, and come with flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes (some full kitchens), and balconies. Free garage parking and free Wi-Fi add value to a stay. Travelers looking for a little more action might consider the sister resort, Compass Cove, which has a 23 water amenities for the kids and two restaurants at a similar price.

The 149-room La Quinta Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach at 48th Avenue is a pet-friendly budget hotel near the beach. Standard Rooms have chain decor and come with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and light-wood furniture while Executive Rooms have perks such as mini-fridges, microwaves, and wet bars. Parking, Wi-Fi, and hot breakfast are free and there's a seasonal pool, a small fitness room, and a big business center. While rooms are pleasant enough, there have been past complaints of noise in rooms, primarily emanating from the hallways. 

This hotel has the features expected of a budget-friendly hotel in Myrtle Beach, but it's a bit north of the main boardwalk action and feels more secluded and intimate than some competitors. Still, Forest Dunes Resort is close enough to attractions like Broadway at the Beach and the SkyWheel to make it a good choice for families. Just be aware: quality of rooms may vary as different units are managed by different companies. Also, the hotel isn't right on the sand -- but it's just across the street.

The 540-room Caravelle Resort is like many hotels in Myrtle Beach -- it's right on the beach, there are numerous pools, and it's always crowded. The bedroom decor is a bit more up-to-date than at some nearby hotels, but several of the kitchens showed wear and tear and the elevators move slowly, especially considering the hoards of people in line to use them. Overall, the hotel is a good value -- with freebies like free Wi-Fi and free parking -- but it doesn't offer much more than you would expect in Myrtle Beach (although the fitness center is on the ground level with floor-to-ceiling windows, unlike the many basement fitness centers in the area).

Located on the beach, the two-and-a-half pearl Breakers Resort has beachy one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos and suites with kitchenettes, located across seven different towers. Facilities include a fitness center, several indoor and outdoor water parks, a lazy river and a pirate ship-themed children’s pool. The hotel serves a free continental breakfast buffet that gets mixed reviews. Visitors may want to compare rates with the similarly priced Crown Reef at South Beach Resort, a mid-range, oceanfront hotel with two water slides, a lazy river, and an indoor splash area.

The lower-middle-range Aqua Beach Inn is a no-fuss property in downtown Myrtle Beach. It's situated just a four-minute walk from the boardwalk, beach, and SkyWheel, along with numerous nearby restaurants, bars, and shops. The 60 guest rooms are spacious with standard decor, flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, private balconies, and free Wi-Fi. Only the higher level rooms have sea views. As the units are self-catering there are no on-site dining facilities available -- only a small shop selling basic conveniences. There's an outdoor swimming pool with adjacent hot tub and barbecue facilities. Travelers looking for more features can also consider Captain's Quarters Resort with a beachfront location, several pools, two lazy rivers, bowling alley, and dining facilities (for similar rates).

Occupying a beachfront location that's within a five- to 10-minute drive of most of Myrtle Beach's top attractions, this mid-range resort offers traditional hotel rooms and multi-bedroom condos. It's dated and some guests complain of cleanliness issues, but it offers a good value, especially for families who want to self-cater. All rooms have balconies, while larger units have full kitchens and laundry facilities. The resort offers both indoor and outdoor pools, including two lazy rivers and a kids' pool, plus there's a poolside bar and an ice cream shack. Breakfast is available at the neighboring seafood restaurant, plus there's a Starbucks and a Ben & Jerry's. Other features include a small fitness room, game room, and free Wi-Fi and parking. Travelers might want to compare rates with Breakers Resort, which offers similar amenities, plus free breakfast.

The Ocean Park Resort is a 125-room, 12-story property located on a stretch of sand lined by similar-looking high-rises. Though the beachfront location is a highlight, Ocean Park falls into the value hotel category and is not what you would expect from a property that calls itself a resort. It does have two pools (inside and outside), but there are no on-site restaurants and the rooms are a bit plain (though they're nicer than those at some competing hotels).

The budget Windsurfer Hotel is conveniently located near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and 2nd Avenue Pier, about a 10-minute walk to the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Many of its 69 rooms, including Suites, have balconies with oceanfront views, and cable TV; some have whirlpool tubs. But rooms are dated  -- tiles, curtains, and furnishings could use an upgrade -- and some have a musty smell. There's an indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpool, as well as a small outdoor pool and children’s pool. Parking is free, but it can be difficult to find a space. Guests might want to compare rates with the Best Western Plus Grand Strand Inn & Suites, an upper-middle range property with a free breakfast buffet and outdoor barbecue area, that's about a six-minute drive south from the Windsurfer.