The best hotels in Myrtle Beach

Amid the towering high rises, sprawling resorts, and international chains, character can be hard to find in Myrtle Beach. But with over half a century of history within its walls, this charming motel is perfect for anyone wanting something a little different without sacrificing standards.

Waikiki Village is one of the few properties in the region that's listed on the National Historic Registry, and although the resort and its 43 rooms exhibit a certain retro-chic feel, the amenities and fixtures are still thoroughly modern. The large rooms look as sleek as any urban boutique hotel with trendy wooden floors and funky, Hawaiian-themed wallpaper. They also come stocked with microwaves and fridges.

The outdoor pool was recently revamped, and there are barbecue areas with grills, a covered hot tub, and a natural sand bocce ball court. Stop into the small on-site store for basic supplies.

Trip Advisor ranking: 19 out of 191 hotels in Myrtle Beach

Booking.com ranking: 8.1 out of 10

Pros: The character and history of the property is a rarity in Myrtle Beach, making for memorable stays without sacrificing comfort.

Cons: There's no on-site restaurant, though the motel does provide free coffee.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and taking reservations while monitoring the situation closely and deploying specific policies, cleaning, and distancing protocols with guidance from the WHO, the CDC, and travel advisories.

This hotel doesn't have any dramatically different amenities or secret tricks to its success, it just does the basics very well, making it a regular favorite. It's also centrally located, placing everything within easy reach, including some of the most popular stretches of beach.

South Bay Inn & Suites offers guests spacious, clean rooms and suites with ocean views. The decor is simple, with primary colors and comfortable furniture, and best of all, full kitchens so dining in on is a viable option for those on a budget or seeking to socially distance. Most have small balconies with chairs, too.

One slightly special amenity is an indoor water park with slides and other water features that kids will love, and together with the outdoor pool and games room, there's plenty to enjoy when taking a day off from the beach.

A casual cafe, tiki bar and grill, and a coffee shop provide dining and snacking options.

Trip Advisor ranking: 1 out of 191 hotels in Myrtle Beach

Booking.com ranking: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: The hotel keeps it simple but maintains high standards and regularly tops the list of best local hotels. An indoor water park is a standout feature for families.

Cons: It's a very lively resort in a busy neighborhood, so don't expect high levels of tranquility.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and taking reservations. New policies include:

• Prior to arrivals, all rooms surfaces are cleaned and sanitized, with special attention to remote controls, door handles, countertops, and linens.
• All staff are ensuring that they meet the latest advice from the CDC and WHO on hygiene and sanitizing.
• Valet parking, daily housekeeping, and breakfast buffet services have been suspended.

Island Vista Resort is a good pick for a family resort with a beachfront location in a quieter part of Myrtle Beach. The property itself is also impressive, with thoughtful architecture and a refined feel.

The 150 rooms are tastefully decorated, which can be a rarity in this region, with light blues and greens evoking a subtle nautical theme. The views are among the best available, especially if you score a room or suite on the sixth floor and above. Book an Oceanfront Room for the most spectacular vistas.

There are three indoor and outdoor pools that give a sense of personal space, with themed areas and lazy rivers for kids, as well as hot tubs and tanning lawns, massage cabanas, and poolside tiki bars. Dining on-site includes is a sit-down restaurant, grab and go pizza, and snack bars.

Trip Advisor ranking: 8 out of 191 hotels in Myrtle Beach

Booking.com ranking: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: Thoughtful design and a relatively small number of rooms to maintain a feeling of relative exclusivity. Free DVD rentals for evening entertainment is a fun perk.

Cons: Couples or singles may find it noisy as it's mainly families that stay here.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and taking reservations. There's an extensive list of new policies on the hotel's website, including extended use of EPA-endorsed sanitizers and disinfectants, enhanced room cleaning protocols, and social distancing measures enforced around the public and pool areas.

This Hilton brand operates a few properties in Myrtle Beach, but this outpost is really the pick of them. It's set back from the sands a little and nestles nicely into the dining and entertainment complex, Broadway at the Beach, as reflected in the lengthy name.

The rooms are fairly standard, in line with the Hampton and Hilton brands, but are clean and contemporary with neutral colors. Some rooms overlook the manmade lake that the complex is organized around, and there is a good-looking indoor and outdoor pool complex, which are well maintained with loungers and a whirlpool. Complimentary hot breakfast is served every morning, though, COVID policies may impact this perk.

The main reason for this hotel's inclusion in our list, though, is that it's one of the better options for couples and singles who might want a quieter trip, while still staying close to nightlife. Families tend to stay at the larger resorts on the seafront, but here, there's a more adult, relaxed atmosphere.

Trip Advisor ranking: 6 out of 191 hotels in Myrtle Beach

Booking.com ranking: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: A haven for couples and singles, located away from most of the family-focused resorts, and close to dining and nightlife.

Cons: The hotel is set back from the beach, so access and views are more restricted.

COVID status and policies: The hotel is currently open and taking reservations with new policies in line with Hilton Hotels CleanStay program that includes:

• Digital check-in, check-out, and room key access are available via the Hilton Honors mobile app.
• Disinfecting stations with wipes and hand sanitizer are placed throughout the properties.
• Hourly maintenance of high-touch areas like elevators and bathrooms, and other public amenities and staff areas are cleaned at scheduled or frequent intervals.
• Housekeeping room protocol includes removal of all used items from the room such as bedding and towels; vacuuming the carpet, mopping floors, and wiping down all surfaces and bathroom fixtures with hospital-grade cleaners; and additional disinfecting sweep with Lysol products on all switches and electronic controls, handles and knobs, the safe, the remote control, and more; replacement of linens; inspection.
• Additional linens and toiletries are delivered in protective packaging and left at the door.
• Spacing of tables and chairs encourage social distancing.
• Biodegradable, disposable dishware and flatware are on request.
• Grab & Go, pre-plated, and individually portioned options replace open breakfast and buffet service. Where in-room dining is provided, contactless deliveries replace rolling cart deliveries.
• Guests are encouraged to take advantage of contactless food delivery with designated pick-up spots at each property.

Classic elegance isn't really a style that's prevalent in the Myrtle Beach hotel portfolio, so this resort with its relative sophistication stands out. Instead of being an oceanfront property, it's tastefully set back from the throngs next to the greenery of the Grand Dunes Golf Club. The beach is a five-minute drive away, but the hotel does offer a free shuttle.

The decor is also a cut above many of its peers, with polished marble lobbies and chandeliers that add a touch of class. Rustic burned orange tones elevate the 200 rooms, which enjoy a casual, contemporary Mediterranean feel and include furnished private balconies. Suites come with kitchenettes and laundry facilities.

The signature restaurant, Waterscapes, serves a daily a la carte breakfast as well as international menus for lunch and dinner, and there are a lobby bar and coffee shop. Pools with jacuzzis, tennis courts, and use of the golf course complete the country club-like experience.

Trip Advisor ranking: 4 out of 191 hotels in Myrtle Beach

Booking.com ranking: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: Excellent amenities with use of the adjacent golf course for guests that contribute to an elevated sense of refinement.

Cons: Located away from the main dining and entertainment district, and a five-minute drive to the beach, some may consider it too far.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and taking reservations with new policies that include:

• Enhanced sanitation and social distancing policies, with additional cleaning procedures reinforced in all areas.
• Installing sanitizing stations by elevators and restaurants, and providing sanitary wipes at the front desk.
• Consistently monitoring the current situation and assisting with guest awareness.

This range of condo-like, two-bedroom villas holds lots of appeal for families. The accommodations, which are split between ocean and garden views, all have two bedrooms, with a master bedroom, a twin Queen-sized bed in the second bedroom, and a fold-out sofa in the living room. Functional, contemporary living and dining areas, plus a kitchenette make dining in an easy option, and the balcony areas provide even more space to spread out.

The three towers surround an extensive pool complex split across two levels, both with lounge areas, and the location slightly north of the main drag means that it's a little more peaceful than other resorts in the thick of things.

Dining includes an on-site mini-market and coffee shop, complemented by indoor and poolside casual restaurants, plus picnic and barbecue grills for al fresco dining.

Trip Advisor ranking: 3 out of 191 hotels in Myrtle Beach

Booking.com ranking: 9.5 out of 10

Pros: Large, condo-like villas provide plenty of room for families with multiple bedrooms, in a peaceful location.

Cons: The hotel is located slightly away from the main downtown area's nightlife and entertainment district, which can be a pro or con, depending on how you look at it.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and taking reservations with new policies in accordance with Marriott Bonvoy 'Global Cleanliness Council.' Specifically at this property, that also means reduced pool deck seating capacity and some amenities may be closed or restricted to comply with CDC guidelines. All additional guidelines adhere to Marriott policy and will include the following:

• New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers that allow for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes, along with and new regimen changes.
• In public spaces, the company has required that surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and that this cleaning is done with increased frequency.
• In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
• Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
• Marriott will remove or re-arrange furniture to allow more space for distancing.
• The company is planning to add partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates and is working with supply chain partners to make masks and gloves available.
• You'll see more hand sanitizing stations around Marriott's hotels particularly near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks, fitness areas, and meeting spaces.
• In more than 3,200 of the company's hotels, guests can choose to use their phones to check-in, access their rooms, make special requests, and order room service that will be specially packaged and delivered right to the door without contact. These "touchless" services can all be done quickly via Marriott's mobile app.

Larger families may struggle to find suitably spacious accommodations in Myrtle Beach, but rooms at this tower-style hotel are among the most capacious in town and come in two- and three-bedroom varieties.

Modern furniture and colorful, patterned bedding are complemented by home conveniences such as full kitchens and washing machines, plus two full bathrooms and three televisions. Most of the apartment-style rooms also include ocean-facing balconies.

In the resort, there is a spacious, oceanfront pool area, enclosed but offering views and it's heated during the colder, off-season months. There's also a wading pool for smaller kids, as well as whirlpools for the adults. Fitness fans will welcome the exercise room and there's a large, 'social sauna' facility that can hold up to 60 people, but COVID policies may impact operation.

The hotel is a little out of the way from the main drag, but it's facing the ocean, and the towers are arguably the best place for groups or families with more than two or three children.

Trip Advisor ranking: 14 out of 191 hotels in Myrtle Beach

Booking.com ranking: 8.6 out of 10

Pros: Large rooms with great amenities for families that are unmatched.

Cons: Surprisingly, there's no on-site dining available, so guests must bring their own food and drinks or dine out.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and taking reservations with new policies that include:

• Enhanced protocols in sanitizing, including luggage carts and all common area surfaces.
• Once a week, the hotel uses an electrostatic disinfectant through the entire common area, including the elevators.
• In compliance with city and state regulations, they are limiting the number of persons in the lobby and in elevators, and are asking guests to wear masks in the common areas.

This is very much a hotel for those seeking to maximize their time in the water, as the most striking feature of this centrally-located resort is the plethora of pools and water features. Thankfully, the resort is also much easier to navigate than its mouthful of a name, and the amenities will appeal to guests of all ages.

There are 405 rooms split between ocean and resort views, with decor landing on a neutral and contemporary look. Standard rooms include enough space for a family of four, who will no doubt spent most of their time exploring the pool areas, which are large enough for guests to spread out, and includes a whirlpool and water slide.

The Hibiscus Spa has an alluring array of beauty and massage treatments as well as a steam room, and there are four food and beverage outlets including the flagship Ocean's on 82nd (it's a street, not a floor number), which has a surprisingly varied menu with healthy options.

Trip Advisor ranking: 16 out of 191 hotels in Myrtle Beach

Booking.com ranking: 9.1 out of 10

Pros: The pool and dining amenities are so good that it's easy to spend all day at the resort and never need to leave.

Cons: Given the number of rooms and guests, there's a fair amount of competition for the best loungers, which can mean crowds.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open and taking reservations with new policies in accordance with Marriott Bonvoy 'Global Cleanliness Council' that includes:

• New cleaning technologies that include electrostatic sprayers that allow for touchless disinfecting capabilities and cleaning processes, along with and new regimen changes.
• In public spaces, the company has required that surfaces are treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and that this cleaning is done with increased frequency.
• In guest rooms, Marriott has added detailed cleaning practices, requiring all surfaces be thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. The company will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests' personal use.
• Signage in lobbies will remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols.
• Marriott will remove or re-arrange furniture to allow more space for distancing.
• The company is planning to add partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution for guests and associates and is working with supply chain partners to make masks and gloves available.
• You'll see more hand sanitizing stations around Marriott's hotels particularly near the entrances and front desks, elevator banks, fitness areas, and meeting spaces.
• In more than 3,200 of the company's hotels, guests can choose to use their phones to check-in, access their rooms, make special requests, and order room service that will be specially packaged and delivered right to the door without contact. These "touchless" services can all be done quickly via Marriott's mobile app.