Why HH?

[FreeTime]

Next summer we are planning on going to Myrtle Beach. Tell me why you prefer HH over MB? Having never been too either, I believe that MB is more commercialized with lots of water parks, amusements, etc. I am debating going to HH now though because I like the idea of knowing that I will be staying in someplace that is nice and safe. If we chose HH is it a hassle because it isn't oceanfront? I am completely lost on planning a beach vacation! Maybe we should go to Vero (we didn't really want to travel that far, but I am open for suggestions.) So can someone tell me about both? Which do you prefer and why? Any suggestions on nice resorts at Myrtle Beach? Thanks

 

[raparker13]

They really are very different places, so you need to decide what you want. The resort part isn't the real issue. There are plenty of nice resorts at MB, and of course the DVC HHI resort is very nice and will be familiar to you if you stayed at other DVC resorts (in terms of basic layout, etc.).

As you said, MB has much more in the way of entertainment, such as shows, water parks, bars, etc. And this is spread out over a fairly large area.

HHI has a very nice beach, and resturants, some historical sites, and plenty of golf courses (as does MB, of course). Consider if the proximity to historic Savannah and/or Charleston is an issue.

I would use a good travel book to compare the two places.

 

[mickeys#1fan]

Our family has been to Myrtle Beach one time. That's the last time we'll ever go. It's very commercial - like the 192/Maingate area with a beach. We couldn't find a nice place to stay in oceanfront.

HHI not being oceanfront isn't much of a hassle, unless you just like hearing the surf at night. The marshland views at HHI are just as scenic as any oceanfront. The sunsets can be breathtaking. The beachhouse is less than a five minute drive from the main resort - no big thing. If you have kids, they'll like the slide at HHI just as well as any water park. Plus the staff plays pool games with the kids, and there are all kinds of things to do around HHI. If you like riding bikes, you can ride safely just about anywhere on the island. Couldn't say the same of MB.

If quiet is your thing, HHI is still the best choice. Myrtle Beach is crowded and loud, especially during the season. HHI is serene and idyllic. I think the local ordinance states that buildings can't rise above the treeline. While also very commercial, HHI hasn't allowed commercialism to overwhelm nature.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have fun!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

The difference is like night and day.

We won't ever go back to MB but will go to HHI whenever we can find some time. MB is over the top commercial. HHI was planned in such a way as to allow commercial activity but not take away from the natural beauty of the Island.

HBC

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I grew up going to MB and it has changed to a huge commercial nightmare. The traffic is so bad we rarely go there.

If you want to stay close enough to MB to go the the amusement parks, consider the south side, like Garden City or Pawley's Island. You can rent a nice ocean front house in Garden City and really relax. There are wonderful restuarants in Murrill's Inlet. (These are all in SC)

PM me if you want anymore info. I can recommend an excellent rental agency for a house.

 

[Don & June]

We are planning on HHI in Feb 2005 (reservations pending at 7 month point) just so we can relax and be away from the parks and crowds.

 

[canda]

There are some nice condos outside of MB, but the hotels are not nice. Even the big chains that have some there are not up to the usual standard. There is even a restuarant there where the waiters yell at you, throw your food on the table, and act like total.....Dick's Last Resort is the name of the place.

Here are some offical themed weeks that are put on through out the year at MB. these include thousands of extra people that would normally be at the beach for the week. they tend to get rowdy and can cause traffic problems.

Other than your typical mullet heads that go the the Redneck Riveira, here are some other groups that could draw a big crowd.

Spring Break---Lots of High School Kids
Harley Davidson Week
Biker Week--this is when the crotch rocket style bikers come
Black Biker Week. Same as above, but a larger event.
Grad Week--again, drunk high school kids.
Canadian Week. THey decend is such great numbers MB will even exchange in Canadian Dollars.