Sandcastle Oceanfront Resort at the Pavilion has been in operation for over 30 years and it shows. Though the hotel has been slowly working  to make updates in 2017, it’s still struggling against dated decor, cleanliness issues, and so-so front desk interactions. Yet, people continue to book here, mostly for the large selection of water activities and a beachfront location. Still, no amount of colorful walls in the lobby can hide the fact that the tiled floors and wooden furniture are dated and it’s the only public space beyond the pool area. Families and couples are the main clientele here, and those that leave happy, arrive with little expectation in terms of amenities, don’t mind that the only ice machine is on the first floor, and can look past some dirt and grime. 

The one thing that continues to bring travelers here is the beachfront location surrounded by dining options. The Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel and Ripley’s Believe it or Not are just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It’s a six-minute drive to Broadway at the Beach or Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Myrtle Beach International Airport takes 15 minutes to reach by car. 

The style in the rooms is slightly contemporary with brown carpet and old-fashioned cream furniture, with just a hint of a beachy vibe in the sea foam-colored chairs and bed runners and green statement wall. The style is pleasant and fairly new, as the rooms were renovated in 2017. And yet, despite this, guests note cleanliness issues, damp carpets or beds, and unpleasant odors. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free spotty Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are functional versus stylistically interesting with shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some rooms feature balconies and full ocean views. 

Despite using the word “resort” in its name, this property doesn’t have half the amenities expected with the title. For instance, there’s no restaurant, gym, or even breakfast on-site. The cabana bar is open seasonally, and even then, there’s reports of inconsistent hours. The best features by far are the hotel’s many pools and hot tubs. There’s an indoor hot tub and pool, as well as an outdoor hot tub and pool that’s complemented by a lazy river. However, note that these have received some cleanliness complaints, and guests can’t bring their own cooler or alcohol in the pool areas. There’s a DVD rental kiosk in the lobby that incurs a charge. Parking is free but limited. Similarly, Wi-Fi is free but with a reportedly slow signal throughout the property.