Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort

This upper-middle-range chain hotel is part of a hotel and condo complex in the gated Kingston Plantation, a lovely community with walking paths and a few quiet gardens. The grounds are well maintained and guests tend to spend much of their time outside, either at the beach or enjoying one of the hotel's pools. Interiors  are predictably chainlike, but common spaces are pleasant, featuring contemporary decor and large windows that let in plenty of natural light and often offer pretty views over the beach. The atmosphere is inviting and lends itself to socializing, thanks in part to the hotel's initiatives such as the free daily evening receptions as well as free breakfast in the mornings.

The hotel occupies a prime beachfront location in North Myrtle Beach. It's part of the Kingston Resorts complex, a group of properties situated within Kingston Plantation. Due to this, there's not much in the immediate area beyond the other hotels and condos, though there are several golf courses within a short drive of the property, including the Arcadian Shores Golf Club (six-minute drive), the Dunes Golf and Beach Club (13-minute drive), the Barefoot Resort and Golf (15-minute drive), and the Grande Dunes Golf Club (16-minute drive). There are also shopping options in the vicinity, including a Tanger Outlet that's an eight-minute drive from the hotel. Central Myrtle Beach and all of its attractions, such as the Boardwalk and Promenade, Broadway at the Beach, and the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, are about a 25-minute drive from here. Myrtle Beach International Airport is about a half-hour drive away.

All 255 suites at the resort are spacious two-room units with separate living rooms equipped with sofa beds. The spaces feature a pleasant chainlike contemporary style with light neutral colors and simple wooden furniture. All units have wet bars with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs (both in bedrooms and living rooms) and Wi-Fi is covered in the resort fee. Premium Suites have extras like Keurig machines, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. Bathrooms are moderate in size and feature exterior sink vanities (many have double sinks) that are separate from the bath/toilet rooms. They're equipped with either shower/tub combos or showers, plus toiletries and hairdryers are provided. All units have balconies, some with lovely ocean views.

The resort offers a solid set of amenities aimed mainly at leisure travelers. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, including a lovely outdoor oceanfront pool with a pleasant sundeck lined with loungers. The indoor pool is equally attractive, with swimming lanes, a hot tub, and large windows overlooking the grounds, plus there's a kids' play area. Guests also have access to a water park with a lazy river. 

Wellness features include an impressive fitness center equipped with an array of modern cardio- and strength-training machines, plus there's a cafe selling healthy bites and drinks -- though guests should note that it's not on-site and requires a short walk. Yoga, kickboxing, and Zumba classes are available. The attractive Spa33 offers five treatment rooms and locker rooms with showers and steam rooms. A menu of treatments covers massages, facials, and nail services, plus there's a hair salon. 

The hotel offers several dining options. The casual Coastal Grill serves American fare for lunch and dinner. Vintage Twelve offers a more upscale dining experience that serves elegant local fare. There's also a cafe that serves Starbucks coffee as well as a poolside bar, plus room service is available. The hotel serves a free breakfast that includes hot items and cooked-to-order omelettes, and there's also a free evening happy hour held every night. Guests should note that both of these can get busy. 

Kids are catered to with the Atlantis Arcade, a game center with air hockey, a pool table, and other games. Other amenities include a small shop in the lobby that sells toiletries, tourist items, and trinkets, guest laundry facilities, and plenty of meeting/event space. A mandatory resort fee covers self-parking, Wi-Fi, activities, and use of the fitness complex. Valet parking is available for an additional fee.