Myrtle Beach

[David in Manassas]

We have been lucky to be able to get in to Hilton Head in the summer for the last 3 times we tried (we own at OKW). I'd like to take the kids to Myrtle Beach this summer because of the different entertainment options (I do think Hilton Head is so much quiter and attractive). It would also cut down on our ride from Virginia (but not too much).

Of the various DVC trade options at Myrtle Beach..which would be the number one choice. I understand that none of them would be as nice as Disney, but this might be the vacation we can afford this year. I notice Marriott is building in Myrtle Beach. Any thoughts on whether this will be added or if it would be good as it will be brand new and a lot of facilities might not be open...Dean?

Thanks,

David in Manassas VA

 

[July]

David have you ever thought of banking your points for the vacation after next. And then looking for a timeshare rental
in Myrtle Beach there are so many you would not believe. And
the $ you save will make you happy. And just think the year
after twice as long at HH or OKW..
Ask Dean for directions on how to look at the rental boards on Tug..
JMO

July

 

[ripleysmom]

I can give you specifics about the area but can't give you information about the resorts themselves. You want to look for a resort that has an even numbered address on Ocean Blvd.

You might want to join the Timeshare Users Group www.tug2.net and access their resort reviews database. Members offer their own reviews of the properties. I think the dues are $15 per year but it would be money well spent to feel comfortabel with your resort choice.

Check out the amenities that the resorts have to offer if you can. Most of the better resorts have nice pools and a lazy river as well as some children's programming.

 

[NCRedding]

I've stayed at Shorecrest. It really isn't DVC caliber. It is nice, but the pools are very small (by Myrtle Beach standards). There is an indoor pool, and outdoor pool and a very small lazy river. It is very convenient to Barefoot Landing and to the northern part of Myrtle, but you'd have to fight a good bit of traffic to get to Broadway. If you go this route, be sure that the option you get is oceanfront. There is a second section to the resort that is across the street from the first, and has NO view.

Yachtsman is more hotel-like. In fact, it is a converted hotel. I've never stayed there, but have toured the facilities which I find to be nicer than Shorecrest. It's location is nearer to the center of Myrtle, closer to Broadway, farther from Barefoot.

I've stopped by Schooner, but it may have been the first, not the II which is offered in DVC. I wouldn't stay here--old and dingy, but again, it may not have been the one offered.

I don't know about the remainder, except to advise to check. Some of the new timeshares are not built on the ocean, so you would want to insure that they had some way of getting you to the beach. In the summer months, it is very difficult to get to the ocean if you aren't staying near--limited parking, etc.

 

[spiceycat]

the Marriott will be part of DVC - all the Marriott are

most of the timeshares in Myrtle beach are converted hotels - I might give up a studio for one - but nothing higher.

there are very few 2-bedrooms there period - I don't think the Marriott is completely - but call MS and see if they can get you in this one.

It will be the best on Myrtle Beach.

my Westgate had no problem trading into this in the summer.
(I didn't go - it was for my brother and his family)

Also go list on the DVC rental/trade and see if someone won't trade with you. You can also look in the potenial exchange and see if you can't find something there. don't offer a week to these exchanges - only offer Sun-thurs

 

[David in Manassas]

Thank you all for your replies. I would definitely NOT want to spend my vacation in a "hotel like" condo, so it looks like my best option would be the Marriott....

David

 

[ClarabelleCow]

For three years we rented a privately owned condo at the Fairfield Seawatch Resort in North Myrtle Beach, we love it, a 3 bedroom for 1200.00 for the week (end of August), but this is renting, you can also rent in the timeshare area, just check TUG for rentals, remember its a Fairfield resort, so you can find alot, or find point owners willing to rent like we rent points with DVC. Not really up to DVC standards, but very, very nice, right on the beach, a few pools, lazy river, parking garage, restaurant on site, just remember, if you rent a privately owned condo, you get your keys offsite and if you have a problem, you contact them, not the resort. The website for the resort is: Seawatch Resort - North Myrtle Beach

 

[Lisa P.]

The resort mentioned in the post above by ClarabelleCow is actually a shared resort property. It has a limited number of full ownership condos in one building and the rest of the resort is the Fairfield timeshare resort. If this interests you, please consider the thread I've posted on the Rent/Trade forum. TUG's Classified section is another good source of direct owner trades!

FWIW, all of the Fairfield resorts in the Myrtle Beach area are "purpose built" timeshare resorts, built by Fairfield. None were converted from other structures.

Also, here is the webpage about the new Marriott timeshare that's being built in Myrtle Beach. The first phase is scheduled to open in June 2004, including the first pool area. The beach bar is scheduled to open in 2006 and other amenities in 2008 & 2010. HTH.