Best Western Ocean Sands Beach Resort

The Best Western is a mid-range hotel with dated decor on a beautiful beach. It is actually split between several different buildings, including the oceanfront Beach Villa Annex. The main parking lot is small and many guests find the overflow parking down the street inconvenient. With over 100 guest rooms, the free breakfast gets crowded, though there are outdoor seating areas that can help with the overflow (weather permitting). There can be a wait for the elevator in the tower building. The hallways can feel a bit gloomy and the machine stucco walls could use an update.

The hotel is located on the beach in North Myrtle Beach, in a quiet, suburban area with houses nearby. It's less crowded than downtown, but there are still shopping and dining options in the area. Beyond the restaurants within walking distance, Barefoot Landing, where House of Blues, Joe’s Crab Shack and Dick’s Last Resort are located, is an 11-minute drive away.

Rooms vary; while some have microwaves and mini-fridges, others have full kitchenettes. Rooms are average size and decor is run of the mill (think: yellow bed skirts, coral bed runners, plain wood furniture). Flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers are in the rooms and there is free Wi-Fi. Most guests really enjoy the view from the higher-floor ocean-view rooms with balconies.

The hotel sits in front of a beautiful, flat sandy beach. There is an indoor pool and hot tub if the weather isn’t accommodating, as well as an outdoor pool and a lazy river. Drinks are served at a tiki bar by the outdoor pool, but there is no full restaurant on the property. The hotel offers free breakfast with hot items, though the breakfast room can get crowded (there is also outdoor seating, and guests can take food to their rooms). Parking is also free, although it can be an inconvenient two blocks away depending on how full the lots are. Family movies are shown three times a week during the summer, and there is a small fitness center.