Top 10 Resorts in Myrtle Beach in 2027

1. Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

This ranks first because it pairs the strongest spa in the Grand Strand with a quieter stretch of beach north of the main strip. The pool deck runs fire pits and plush loungers, and the surrounding Grande Dunes area keeps foot traffic well below central Myrtle. Nightly rates land at $250-$450, rising to $500-$700 in peak summer. A pool concierge holds reserved seating for a $5-$10 daily tip.

This one suits couples and travelers who want polish without leaving South Carolina. What it trades away is walkability: you are north of the boardwalk and SkyWheel, so plan on a car or a $10-$20 rideshare to reach central attractions. The on-site Cafe breakfast buffet runs $20 per person and dinner entrees hit $30-$50. Sea Crest below costs less but delivers nothing close on quiet.

2. Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort

Second place goes to the best pool-per-dollar ratio in Myrtle Beach. This long-running beachfront complex stacks multiple oceanfront pools, lazy rivers, hot tubs, and a kids' splash area into one property in the heart of the city. Rooms run from standard units up to multi-bedroom suites with kitchens at $150-$350 per night, climbing to $350-$500 for oceanfront rooms in peak summer.

Families on a budget get the most here, especially with the boardwalk and SkyWheel minutes away. The trade is atmosphere: it packs out in peak summer and the decor is functional rather than fancy. The on-site Sea Crest Oceanfront Restaurant handles breakfast well at $12-$15 but is worth skipping at dinner. Against the Marriott above, you swap calm and spa service for twice the water features.

3. Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes

Third because no other Grande Dunes property gives groups this much square footage. Two-bedroom villas come with full kitchens and views of either the Atlantic or landscaped gardens, backed by both indoor and outdoor pools. Rates run $300-$550 per night, and villa-style properties reach $350-$700 in peak season. A two-bedroom villa typically costs less than booking two separate hotel rooms.

Large groups and multi-generational families booking longer stays get the most out of it, particularly if they cook in and skip $30-$50 resort dinners. Two catches: timeshare-style inventory limits availability, and the north location means the same car-or-rideshare tax as the Marriott spa property. Compared to Sea Crest, you gain kitchens and bedrooms but lose the lazy rivers and the walk to the boardwalk.

4. Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort

Fourth on the strength of its rooftop lounge, which carries some of the best views on the Strand. The property sits inside the gated Kingston Resort area in Arcadian Shores, with a swim-up bar pool and rooms angled for ocean-breeze views. Nightly rates run $250-$450. Kids-stay-free promotions surface here during the March-May and September-October shoulder seasons.

Couples who want a rooftop scene in a quieter setting are the real audience. The trade is cost creep: resort fees of $25-$45 per night and separate parking at $15-$30 per night add $100-$200 to a driving week. Against the Marriott at Grande Dunes, you give up the spa program and get a livelier bar scene at a similar nightly number.

5. Embassy Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

Fifth because it is the best all-suite value on the list. Every room is a two-room suite, and the rate includes cooked-to-order breakfast plus an evening happy hour, which removes two paid meals from a family's daily budget. Indoor and outdoor pools cover both weather scenarios. Rates run $250-$450 per night inside the same gated Kingston Resort grounds as the Hilton.

Families who want included breakfast and separation between adults and kids at night benefit most. The trade is scale: it is a large property that fills fast in summer, so book 3-6 months ahead for June through August. Compared to the Hilton next door at the same price band, you swap the rooftop lounge and swim-up bar for suites and free food.

6. Caribbean Resort & Villas

Sixth because its water park outsizes what most Myrtle Beach properties offer, with slides and a pirate-themed splash area. It sits south of the boardwalk, putting the SkyWheel and downtown attractions within easy reach without the northern car dependency. Expect roughly $200-$400 per night for a suite with a kitchenette, which is the configuration that actually saves money on a family week.

Families with children roughly ages 2 to 10 are the clear fit. The trade is noise and crowding: a property built around a water park is not where couples find quiet. Confirm pool heating before booking spring or fall dates, since many Grand Strand pools run unheated. Against Sea Crest above, you get a bigger water park but a less established pool-and-lazy-river spread.

7. The Breakers Resort

Seventh for having an adults-only pool and a rooftop bar in a south-of-the-boardwalk location, a combination most central Myrtle properties do not offer. Rates fall in the $200-$400 range typical of couple-focused Grand Strand oceanfront properties. Position matters here: you get walkable proximity to downtown attractions without booking into a resort organized around slides and splash zones.

Couples and solo travelers who want the boardwalk close but the pool deck calm are the audience. What it trades away is spa depth and villa space, so groups needing kitchens should look at OceanWatch instead. Compared with the Hilton above, you keep the rooftop bar and adult pool concept while moving closer to downtown, and you give up the gated Kingston setting.

8. Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel

Eighth because it is the strongest walkable-downtown pick, not the strongest beach pick. This high-rise sits by the convention center within walking distance of the boardwalk, SkyWheel, and Broadway at the Beach, with an indoor-outdoor pool and a fitness center. Rates run $150-$350 per night, and it delivers reliable Marriott points value for anyone burning or earning loyalty currency.

Business travelers, convention attendees, and anyone who would rather walk than drive get real use from it. The trade is direct: the beach is a short walk away rather than out the back door, so it is not oceanfront. Against Sea Crest at overlapping rates, you swap multiple pools and lazy rivers for a location where you can leave the car parked all week.

9. Landmark Resort

Ninth on the strength of a massive indoor pool complex and a free kids' activity schedule, both of which matter in shoulder and off-peak months when outdoor pools go cold. The central Myrtle location keeps attractions close. Budget around $200-$400 per night for a suite with a kitchenette in season, with shoulder-season rates for value properties starting nearer $100-$200.

Budget-conscious families traveling outside peak summer benefit most, since the indoor complex holds up when November-February rates drop to $80-$150. The trade is finish quality and crowding at a large, older property. Against Caribbean Resort & Villas above, the outdoor water park is smaller, but the free activity schedule and indoor pools make it the better bad-weather booking.

10. Ocean Reef Resort

Tenth because it delivers a genuinely quieter beachfront on a smaller footprint north of the strip, which is scarce at its price. Rates sit in the $200-$400 band shared by couple-oriented Grand Strand properties. The smaller scale is the product: fewer rooms means less pool-chair competition than the 8 AM chair race that governs the larger resorts on this list.

Couples and solo travelers who value calm over amenity count are the fit. What it trades away is breadth — no lazy river network, no water park, no spa program at Marriott's level — and the northern position adds the same rideshare cost to reach the boardwalk. Against The Breakers above, you gain quiet and lose the rooftop bar and downtown walkability.

How we ranked these

Rankings weighted what a stay actually costs and delivers: nightly rate bands across peak, shoulder, and off-peak; mandatory resort fees ($25-$45) and separate parking ($15-$30); pool and lazy-river count and whether water is heated; suite and villa configurations with real kitchens; beach frontage versus a walk; and distance to the boardwalk, SkyWheel, and Broadway at the Beach.

Deliberately ignored: star ratings, brand loyalty points, and aggregate review scores that average a February guest against an August one. Also skipped were lobby renovations, spa menus, and "luxury" labeling that changes nothing about your week. Myrtle Beach resorts are bought for pools, square footage, and location — decor rarely survives contact with three kids and a cooler, so it was not scored.

What to look for

The decision is group shape, not resort quality. Couples want Marriott Grande Dunes or Hilton's rooftop and should avoid water-park properties entirely. Families with kids under ten want Sea Crest, Caribbean Resort & Villas, or Landmark for pool volume plus a kitchenette. Multi-generational groups want OceanWatch villas or a three-bedroom condo, where one unit beats two hotel rooms on price and food.

The common mistake is booking on nightly rate alone. A $180 room with a $40 resort fee and $25 parking is $245, and a week of that is real money. The second mistake is paying 30-50% extra for oceanfront when oceanview costs less and you will be on the sand anyway. Call the property directly, ask about package rates and waived fees, and shift to Sunday-Thursday.

Related questions

Which Myrtle Beach resort is best overall?

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes takes the top spot. It sits north of the main strip in the upscale Grande Dunes area with a strong regional spa, a pool deck with fire pits, and a quieter beach than central Myrtle. Rates run $250-$450 nightly. The trade-off is distance from the boardwalk and main attractions.

What is the best value resort for a family?

Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort is the smartest family spend. It is a long-running beachfront complex in the heart of Myrtle Beach with multiple oceanfront pools, lazy rivers, hot tubs, and a kids' splash area. Rooms run from standard units to multi-bedroom suites with kitchens at $150-$350. It gets crowded in peak summer and the decor is functional.

Which resort works best for a large group?

Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes delivers spacious two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, ocean or garden views, and indoor and outdoor pools at $300-$550 nightly. The Strand at Myrtle Beach offers three-bedroom condos with private balconies. Ocean Lakes Family Campground rents full-amenity homes sleeping up to twelve with direct beach access.

Is Grande Dunes worth staying north of the strip?

Yes, if you want a quieter, more upscale setting with less foot traffic and better beach access. Grande Dunes delivers polished amenities and a relaxed pace. The cost is mobility: you will need a car or rideshare to reach the boardwalk, SkyWheel, and central attractions, with Uber and Lyft fares running roughly $10-$20 each way.

What does a Myrtle Beach resort fee actually cover?

Most properties charge a mandatory resort fee of $25 to $45 per night covering pool access, Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and sometimes beach chairs or parking. Parking is frequently billed separately at $15 to $30 nightly, especially oceanfront. Some resorts add a daily amenity fee for in-room safes, local calls, or bottled water. Ask before you book.

Which resort is best for a couple wanting nightlife?

Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort in the gated Kingston Resort area at Arcadian Shores has a swim-up bar pool and a rooftop lounge with some of the best views on the Strand, at $250-$450 nightly. The Breakers Resort south of the boardwalk offers an adults-only pool and rooftop bar. Both charge resort fees and parking.

Can you stay downtown and still walk to attractions?

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel is the walkable downtown option. It is a high-rise near the convention center with an indoor-outdoor pool and fitness center, within walking distance of the boardwalk, SkyWheel, and Broadway at the Beach. Rates run $150-$350. The beach is a short walk rather than directly out your door.

Where do budget travelers get the most for the money?

Sea Crest and Landmark Resort lead on shoulder-season value at $100-$200 nightly, and Crown Reef Beach Resort & Water Park bundles a water park pass into the room rate. North Myrtle Beach stretches a budget further: Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort in Cherry Grove or Ocean Drive starts at $80-$150 off-peak with quieter sand.

FAQ

What is the best time of year to visit for lower rates?

Late spring in May and early fall from September into early October offer the best balance of weather and price. Expect rates 20 to 40 percent below peak summer with thinner crowds and still-warm ocean temperatures. Peak summer runs June through mid-August; off-peak spans November through February at the lowest rates but with reduced amenities.

How far ahead should I book a Myrtle Beach resort?

For peak summer between June and August, book three to six months ahead to secure preferred room types and dates. Spring and fall generally need only one to three months. Last-minute deals can surface within two to four weeks of travel, though your choice of suite configuration and oceanfront exposure narrows considerably at that point.

Do Myrtle Beach resorts offer all-inclusive packages?

No. True all-inclusive packages are rare on the Grand Strand. Most properties are room-only or include a basic breakfast, with dining, activities, and amenities billed separately. Embassy Suites is the notable exception on food, offering complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and an evening happy hour as part of the rate.

How much does a mid-range oceanfront resort cost?

A mid-range oceanfront resort typically runs $150 to $350 per night depending on season and room type. Budget options start near $100. Luxury properties in Grande Dunes range $250 to $450 and can reach $500-$700 in peak summer. Mid-tier resorts like Sea Crest jump to $350-$500 during June through mid-August.

Are off-peak rates worth it if pools close?

It depends on what you came for. Off-peak rates drop to $80-$150, but many pools and lazy rivers are closed or unheated, and some on-site restaurants keep limited hours. If pool time drives your trip, shoulder season at $150-$300 is the better buy. Always confirm heating before booking spring or fall.

Is booking direct better than using Expedia or Booking.com?

Usually yes. Direct booking often includes perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, or waived resort fees, and third-party sites rarely surface mandatory fees in the displayed base rate. Call the property before finalizing and ask about package rates bundling room, parking, and activities. Third-party bookings may also lack flexible cancellation.

Should I worry about hurricane season?

Myrtle Beach hurricane season runs June through November, and a named storm can cancel a trip outright. Most resorts offer flexible cancellation within 48 hours, but third-party bookings frequently do not. Travel insurance is worth considering for peak summer and early fall stays, when your booking window overlaps the highest storm probability.

How do I get a good pool chair?

Arrive by 8:00 AM to claim prime spots near the pool or lazy river. Where a pool concierge exists, as at Marriott Grande Dunes, tip $5-$10 daily for reserved seating. On the beach, check whether complimentary chairs and umbrellas come with your stay; if not, rent from a beach vendor at $30-$50 daily rather than the resort desk.

How do families cut food costs at these resorts?

Book a unit with a kitchenette or full kitchen and shop at The Fresh Market or Lowes Foods; resort convenience stores mark up 50 to 100 percent. Ask at check-in about dinner packages that include on-site dining credit, and look for kids-eat-free programs. Off-property options like The Grumpy Monk run under $20 versus $30-$50 resort entrees.

What are check-in and checkout really like in peak season?

Check-in is typically 4:00 PM, but register around 11 AM and many resorts will text when your room is ready, freeing the afternoon for the pool. Checkout is usually 11:00 AM, with late checkout running $30-$50 or free luggage storage as an alternative. Avoid Sunday-morning checkout in summer; front desk lines hit 30 minutes.

Sources

• https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/HotelsNear-g54359-Myrtle_Beach_South_Carolina.html
• https://travel.usnews.com/hotels/myrtle_beach_sc/
• https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-myrtle-beach
• https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/myrsp-marriott-myrtle-beach-resort-and-spa-at-grande-dunes/overview/
• https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/myrmbhh-hilton-myrtle-beach-resort/
• https://www.seacrestmyrtlebeach.com/
• https://www.expedia.com/Myrtle-Beach-Hotels.d6054439.Travel-Guide-Hotels
• https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/

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