Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

The Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes is a large hotel with lovely interiors and an upscale atmosphere. The large tan building is accentuated with palm trees and clean-cut pool decks with ocean views. Inside, the lobby feels grand with a dark wooden front desk and ceiling beams, and a large focal sitting area decorated in turquoise tones and lovely iron chandeliers. The dark wood elements, turquoise tones, and iron lattice work are also seen in the hotel’s bar. The space is additionally decorated with wood floors topped with charming printed rugs and a mix of red and turquoise furniture. Iron lattice work decorative pieces on the walls brings the design elements together. While the hotel’s restaurant is touted as fine dining, the design feels slightly more dated and simple compared to the bar, as it features blue carpeting and blond wooden tables and chairs. Guests are a mix of families, couples, and business travelers attracted to this chain brand for a classier stay than what's usually offered at dated properties along the beachfront.

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes has a beachfront location away from the hubbub of Central Myrtle Beach. In fact, it’s about a 15-minute drive from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. There are some casual dining options and chain shops at the Northwood Plaza Shopping Center about a 14-minute walk away. For better shopping selection, the Tanger Outlets is a 10-minue drive from the hotel. Nearby is the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, a 23-minute walk away. Alligator Adventures takes 13 minutes to reach by car. It’s a 23-minute drive to Myrtle Beach International Airport.

The 405 rooms at this Marriott are spacious and smart in design. Dark taupe carpets are made more interesting with cream wavy lines, while the cherry wooden furniture is modern and sleek. Art work and fancy mirrors on the walls add a stylish flair, as do the turquoise work desk chairs. Amenities are modern and include flat-screen TVs, single-cup coffeemakers, mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bed configurations come in one king-size bed or two queen-size beds. Marble bathrooms have spacious sink vanities, glass showers with rainfall showerheads, Thann aromatherapy toiletries, and hairdryers. Though many units have balconies (or Juliet balconies), most rooms don’t have full oceanfront views, and some even lack partial ocean views altogether. Guests are greeted with a welcome gift.

Like any good upscale hotel, the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes has plenty of features to keep its clientele happy. First, the beach is just a few steps from the hotel. There's also a large pool complex with an indoor pool, two outdoor pools, a hot tub, and a seasonal waterslide. Kids' activities are available in the high season. There’s a poolside bar with finger foods and drinks for lunch and dinner. For fine dining, the hotel offers an American restaurant and a cocktail bar with light bites. A hot breakfast buffet is available for a fee.
Wellness options include a modern fitness center with LifeFitness cardio and weight machines. The Hibiscus Spa is located adjacent to the fitness center and is an elegant spot for relaxing with facials, massages, and scrubs. The spa's gift shop sells candles, robes, and beauty products. Business travelers can take advantage of 11 fully-equipped meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi. There is a business center, but it costs a fee to use. Kid-friendly amenities include a video game room and outdoor ping-pong table. Self- and valet-parking cost a fee. Expect to pay a daily resort fee.