Central Myrtle Beach, United States
Located directly on the beach
Near Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and 2nd Avenue Pier
Exterior and public areas feature modern architecture and decor
Some rooms completely renovated with full-kitchens and expansive ocean views
Freebies include Wi-Fi and self-parking
Indoor and outdoor pools, plus a kids' play area
On-site fitness center
No on-site restaurants or bars
Rooms vary greatly; some are updated and some aren't
Guests have to wear wristbands to hang out at pool
Overly crowded pool deck at times
Parking located across the street
Staff has a hard time enforcing "no smoking" rule
Complaints of noisy hallways
The Sandy Beach Resort is a 228-room condo-style hotel with an excellent location just south of Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, next to the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Although the hotel advertises itself as an "ultra-luxury" resort, it's more of a mid-range property, lacking an on-site restaurant and luxury amenities. Still, the rooms are among the nicest for the price in Myrtle Beach, with modern bedding and, in many, updated kitchens -- though the Magnolia Tower could use a bit of TLC. Guests may also want compare rates with the Anderson Ocean Club, though it's a bit farther from the boardwalk action.
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Scene
Mid-range beachfront hotel with ocean access and modern, streamlined architecture
Sandy Beach Resort’s website describes the property as an “ultra-luxury hotel,” which is a giant stretch even considering its renovations and streamlined structure. The hotel exterior features modern architecture with lots of big windows and clean lines. Guests can unload their belongings in a wide covered driveway. Once inside, a staircase leads to the second-floor lobby, which features dual check-in desks and vibrant beach paintings. The modern beachy decor continues throughout the hotel’s public areas. An expansive outdoor pool deck overlooks the beach, which can get crowded and noisy during the tourist season.
Location
Located directly on the beach, but a significant walk to main attractions when compared to other hotels
Located a few blocks south of Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Sandy Beach Resort offers a direct gateway to the sea. The Family Kingdom Amusement Park is only a block away, with 2nd Avenue Pier nearby as well. Still, other shopping and dining options along with the SkyWheel are located farther up the beach and can be a long walk for some guests. For visitors who want to take advantage of in-room kitchens, there’s a Food Lion grocery store a short drive away.
Rooms
Rooms vary -- from updated suites to studios that need some TLC
The Sandy Beach Resort consists of two different wings: the Palmetto and Magnolia towers. The Palmetto is a 150-room addition to the older 78-room Magnolia, with an array of room sizes available. Rooms vary, and some have dated furniture, older kitchen appliances, and chunky TV sets, while others have somewhat updated furniture, kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and flat-screen TVs. Most are decidedly above average for Myrtle Beach, and every unit we saw had modern bedding. Some rooms have balconies and expansive views of the ocean. Guests should inquire specifically about room decor and related views beforehand.
Features
Resort-style pool deck that faces the beach with indoor swimming areas as well
The best amenities at Sandy Beach Resort include beach access and multiple pools. The main outdoor pool, which can get crowded during the tourist season, faces the ocean and is flanked by striped lounge chairs. The indoor children’s play area features a bright yellow mini-submarine and colorful mushroom-shaped waterfalls. For the colder months, there’s a small indoor pool with no sitting area and a small lazy river with a fake palm tree in the center. There are no on-site restaurants or bars. There is a gym featuring cardio machines that face two floor-to-ceiling windows.
