Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center

This large condo resort is composed of three beachfront 18-story buildings, their facades studded with white and yellow balconies. Decor is decidedly average, with a dated and chainlike style, but interiors are clean. Guests tend to spend most of their time outside anyway, either at one of the multiple pools or on the beach. The property mainly attracts leisure tourists, particularly families with kids seeking larger units and the ability to self-cater. Some business travelers also stay here throughout the year, drawn by the extensive meeting and event space. Note that the condos here are individually owned and managed by several different companies, so the quality and experience varies.

The hotel is situated right on the sand in the quiet and largely residential North Myrtle Beach. There are several other hotels lining the shore, but there's not much here in terms of dining options. Downtown Central Myrtle Beach and its family-friendly attractions like Broadway at the Beach, the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and Ripley's Believe It or Not are about a half-hour drive away. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which stretches for over a mile along the coast, is also about a half-hour away. A popular destination for golfers, Myrtle Beach offers an array of courses to choose from, many of which are within a 10- to 20-minute drive of the hotel, including the Barefoot Resort and Golf (seven-minute drive) and the Grande Dunes Golf Club (20-minute drive). Myrtle Beach International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the resort. 

The hotel offers 270 rooms and suites, including studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. The units are individually owned and rented, so decor and style differs, though all units tend to be simple. Some rooms look fresher, while others could use an update, featuring outdated details like patterned bedspreads and lackluster prints on the walls. Cleanliness can also vary depending on the management company that guests book through. Nevertheless, the units are spacious and all have balconies, many with ocean views. Most also have sofa beds; suites have separate living rooms. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Suites add full kitchens equipped with stoves/ovens, dishwashers, full fridges, and dish-/cooking-ware, as well as washers and dryers. Bathrooms are plain and rather simple, equipped with shower/tub combos and wall-mounted hairdryers. Toiletries are provided. Some units have whirlpool tubs, and larger suites come with multiple bathrooms.

This large property offers an array of amenities and activities aimed at adding convenience to a stay and keeping kids entertained. There are several indoor and outdoor pools, including an outdoor lazy river, a kids' pool, hot tubs, and attractive beachfront pools with pleasant pool decks lined with loungers. There are three dining options: a casual bistro serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner; a sports bar and grill; and a beach bar that offers seasonal entertainment.

With 13 meeting rooms and a total of 6,500 square feet (604 square meters) of event space, the property attracts business travelers and other groups seeking function space. There's also a business center with computers and printers, while Wi-Fi is free throughout. The fitness center is small and doesn't offer many machines. There's a small gift shop selling clothes, toiletries, and beach gear. Other extras offers by the resort include free DVD rentals, guest laundry facilities, and a few common areas with couches. Parking is free in both covered and uncovered spaces.