Checking In: Hampton Inn & Suites – Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

Myrtle Beach is world famous for spectacular sunrises over the ocean. So when visiting this seaside town consisting of 100 km of gorgeous beaches along the Atlantic Ocean called the Grand Strand, it is ideal to stay at a hotel near the beach.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort will make all your sunrise dreams come true, as it’s only a few steps from paradise. These few steps were walked daily before dawn from the ground floor elevator of our hotel, past the still pool and lighted palm trees, through the thick wooden gate, and over the soft wet sand towards the salty waves splashing against the shore. In one hand was my camera and in my other hand was the hand of my sleepy child not understanding why I was dragging him out of bed so early because “it’s not a school day!” The almost deserted beach is magical in the morning with a peaceful aurora that is not soon forgotten.

As the orange, pink and yellow hues began to peak above the horizon we were both in awe. I could have definitely stayed there for hours by my son insisted we get to the breakfast buffet. The compromise? Eating breakfast from the restaurant’s balcony overlooking the ocean.

Location:

Aside from being steps from the beach, the Hampton Inn is located right on a popular hotel strip and easily accessible by car. They are not far from the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk that includes shops, restaurants, and the Skywheel, water sports such as parasailing and boating, Broadway at the Beach, the Market Common, top entertainment complexes, and mini golf. The friendly hotel staff went above and beyond our expectations and was always around to give us directions to activities and even printed out maps for us so we wouldn’t get lost.

Dining:

A hot continental breakfast buffet is included for all guests each morning from 6am-10am. Aside from hot food dishes there is fresh fruit, a variety of cereals, breads, coffee, tea, and an assortments of juices. Throughout our stay the breakfast was always fresh and replenished quickly. There were plenty of tables available in multiple rooms both indoor and out. If you are in a rush to go exploring Myrtle Beach and don’t have time for a leisurely sit down meal you can grab one of their free “On the Run Breakfast Bags” Monday to Friday so you don’t go hungry. They are available at in the lobby, and so is unlimited tea and coffee for those afternoon pick me ups.

Rooms:

There are 228 guest rooms including spacious suites. Regular rooms come with the convenience of a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, flat screen TV, alarm clock, and high speed Internet is included. The ocean views are spectacular and your own private balcony comes with two white rocking chairs and is perfect for reading a book and sipping a morning coffee. We often brought our breakfast upstairs and enjoyed our meal looking out at the ocean.

Amenities:

For business travelers there is a complete business center including three computers, fax machine and printer. There is also a fitness room, coin laundry, safety deposit boxes, and complimentary newspaper. If you are traveling with small children you will be happy to know there are cribs, high chairs, and playpens available. The Hampton Inn boasts seven swimming pools including four indoor pools that are seasonally enclosed and three outdoor pools that are seasonally heated.

There are two awesome lazy rivers complete with large yellow tubes to float on at your leisure. Noah and I loved drifting along trying not to tip over, although with the hot sun beating down, the occasional tip was welcomed.

Insiders Tip:

• In the hotel lobby there are multiple large baskets filled with sand and pool toys, beach umbrellas, and boogie boards that guests can borrow to take to the beach. You may even get lucky and score some beach chairs. But if you purchase your own, pay it forward at the end of your trip and leave them in the basket for others to use.
• There is a complimentary airport shuttle service, just call the hotel when your flight lands and a smiling staff member will pick you up from the airport.

If You Go:

Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront is located at 1801 South Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Need help planning your trip to Myrtle Beach? Visit their website.

For reservations call (843) 946-6400 or emailinfo@hamptoninnoceanfront.com.

All photos by Miriam Porter

The writer was a guest of Myrtle Beach Area CVB, they did not review or approve this article.