La Quinta Inn by Wyndham North Myrtle Beach

Housed in a plain, yellow building with ample parking by the entrance and around the back of the property, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham North Myrtle Beach looks from the outside just like any other budget chain hotel in America. However, the property underwent extensive renovations starting in 2015 and rooms and common spaces feel contemporary -- albeit rather chain-like, with generic blond-wood furniture, hospitality-style carpets in brown hues with floral patterns, and purple accents on walls. Decorated with a couple of gray chairs, a table with some flyers, and some black-and-white photos, the lobby is plain and better suited for a quick check-in than for lounging. The outdoor area isn’t particularly exceptional either, but there is a pleasant seasonal pool with some seating around it. The vibe is generally quiet, as there isn’t much going on in the area and most guests spend the day out either at the beach, the golf courses, or shopping. La Quinta Inn is tucked behind another hotel, so road noise is not an issue despite being just off a major highway.Most guests here are either business travelers or families looking to save some cash by staying away from the beachfront area. Rates are competitive for North Myrtle Beach, especially due to the many great freebies included in the room price. After the renovations, the property is also one of the nicer options in this price range. Those traveling with pets may want to know that the property charges a nightly fee. 

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham North Myrtle Beach is located between Old Highway 17 North and the new Highway 17 North. Tucked behind a Quality Inn, the property is perhaps more easily accessed from the back, which is the area overlooking the old road, as it is difficult to spot from the main highway. The immediate neighborhood is quiet and mostly residential, and a car is needed to reach all of Myrtle Beach’s attractions. There is, however, a mall right across the highway, complete with supermarkets, nail salons, and a few clothing stores. The beach is a five-minute drive away, as are the nearest golf course, Surf Golf and Beach Club, and the Cherry Grove Fishing Pier. Family-friendly attractions such as Broadway on the Beach and SkyWheel Myrtle Beach can be reached in about 25 minutes by car. Myrtle Beach International Airport is a 35-minute drive away.

The hotel’s 80 rooms finished being renovated in late 2018 and feel fresh and contemporary. Some of the furniture -- including the generic wooden headboards and matching entertainment centers -- has been reused, but their older look is offset by more modern touches such as purple accent walls, black-and-white carpets, and patterned bed runners. While there is nothing quite outstanding about the chain-like design, rooms are comfortable and are nicer compared to most other budget properties in the area. Big windows let in lots of light, but guests should not expect pretty views, as there are only other buildings and parking lots around the hotel. Standard amenities are great for the price and include mini-fridges, air-conditioning, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the property, and all rooms have flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Irons and ironing boards are also available. Bathrooms were not fully renovated and are rather simple, with plain off-white tiles, gray walls, and tons of counter space. Most units have shower/tub combos with plastic curtains, but a few categories also have jetted tubs in the middle of the bedrooms. 

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham North Myrtle Beach is overall light on amenities but offers a couple of great perks for a hotel in this price range. Located by the main entrance, the pool is small but pleasant, and features a few loungers that guests can use free of charge. The gym is also small and basic but offers enough cardio machines and weights for a quick workout. Perhaps the best feature at La Quinta Inn, though, is the range of freebies covered by the room rate, which include a simple but tasty breakfast buffet with a few hot and cold options, such as waffles, fresh fruit, bagels, juices from concentrate, and pastries. The breakfast room is located right off the lobby and was expanded in the renovations. The hotel also offers ample free outdoor parking, and Wi-Fi is available free of charge throughout the property. Small pets are welcome for a nightly fee. There is no full restaurant on-site, but there are many within a short drive of the hotel.