DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

Situated along Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Boulevard, Springmaid Beach Resort’s three main buildings are spread out across 30 acres on the quieter south end of the beach. Originally built in the late 1940s, the hotel has weathered several hurricanes, and the Springmaid Pier -- one of Myrtle Beach’s longest, stretching more than 1,000 feet with a 110-foot “T” at its peak -- has been destroyed by storms and rebuilt twice. The current pier was constructed in 1989 and is a popular spot for tourists and fisherman, with the hotel hosting special events and happy hour specials there as well. During the summer tourist season, the staff throws a weekly Hawaiian luau and fire show, featuring a tropical dinner buffet and Polynesian fire dancers.

While it looks like an older six-story building from the outside, the hotel housing the lobby has been updated on the inside. There’s a dark wood check-in desk with multiple kiosks, a computer area for guests, and a corner sitting space with brightly colored art work.

Springmaid Beach Resort is located south of the SkyWheel and main tourist area on Myrtle Beach. While it offers a little more privacy and seclusion than other hotels, Springmaid isn’t located within walking distance to the most popular restaurants and shops. Since the hotel is so close to the airport (less than three miles), there are low flying planes that can be somewhat noisy at times. Still, Myrtle Beach State Park and the chain restaurant Damon’s Grill are both only a short walk away. Many guests take cabs to and from the Grand Strand Plaza Shopping Center, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, SkyWheel, and other restaurants on the main drag.

At Springmaid, rooms range from standard studios to three-bedroom suites in three different building categories. While they vary in decor, all rooms have updated furniture and appliances -- they're average and a bit generic for mid-range hotel, but above the bar for Myrtle Beach. The bedding here is white and fresh, with blue or red pillow accents -- a far cry from the tacky patterned bedspreads found at other mid-range properties in the area. Rooms have ocean views with private balconies, full-sized refrigerators, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. Because amenities vary depending on room selection, guests should request specifics to ensure they get what they want. Rates are typically competitively priced for Central Myrtle Beach.

The resort has six pools, two lazy rivers, an arcade, and a gym. Guests also have free access to the hotel’s own Harbor Oaks Miniature Golf Course. The highlight of the property however is the Springmaid Pier, which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and provides a seaside place to walk or watch the sunrise.

There are two on-site restaurants: Marlin’s Buffet (hours are seasonal) and BARnacles on the pier (serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner). A popular spot for fisherman as well, the hotel has its own bait and tackle shop called The Tackle Box. For business travelers, Springmaid offers a large oceanfront conference center as well as spaces for exhibitions and banquets.