Sea Watch Resort

Sea Watch Resort offers a pleasant beach vacation for families (many are repeat guests) who want to spend most of their day at the beach or in the pool, returning to condo units with kitchens and clean bathrooms. The resort is divided between two towers of individually owned condos, surrounded by pools and with easy beach access. The lobby is a fairly simple affair with low ceilings and some potted plants and living room furniture to freshen things up -- large windows overlook the pool and beach beyond. Outdoors, the Tiki Bar is a fun spot with colorful stools and tiki masks decorating a weathered wood deck. Sun loungers are the old-school plastic kind. Overall, the resort is clean and well-maintained -- but this is a mid-range beach property with tons of families, so expect some wear and noise. 

The hotel occupies a prime beachfront location in North Myrtle Beach, near the Kingston Resorts complex, a group of properties situated within Kingston Plantation. Due to this, there's not much within immediate walking distance beyond other hotels and condos. There are also shopping options in the vicinity, including a Tanger Outlet (with stores like J. Crew, H&M, and Adidas) that's a five-minute drive from the hotel. There are several golf courses within a short drive of the property, including the Arcadian Shores Golf Club (four-minute drive), the Dunes Golf and Beach Club (10-minute drive), and the Barefoot Resort and Golf (16-minute drive). 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.

Choosing a condo at Sea Watch Resort can really be hit or miss. Since each unit is individually owned, they all have different decor and attention to maintenance levels. Oceanfront Studios are the most affordable and can sleep four people; these are located in the North Tower and feature a Murphy bed, sofa bed, bathroom, and a full kitchen. However, Studios would be a tight squeeze for more than two people, so we recommend upgrading to a One-Bedroom unit. These can have two double beds or a singular king bed, and provide a full bedroom for privacy. Amenities include two flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a kitchen with a full stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, sink, toaster, and coffeemaker. Living rooms generally have a sofa and armchair. Most bathrooms include a shower/tub combo and selection of toiletries, plus a wall-mounted hairdryer. For large groups, the Oceanfront Three-Bedroom sleeps up to 10 people, plus has a balcony with plastic furniture. All units have a direct or partial ocean view. Daily housekeeping is provided. 

Most guests choose Sea Watch Resort based solely on beach access and the pools. The hotel is built directly on a quiet stretch of North Myrtle Beach, and there are chairs to rent from the city. Families seem to prefer hanging out at the series of six pools, which include covered and heated pools for cooler weather, plus 10 whirlpools sprinkled throughout. There are also two lazy rivers. Entertainment is provided via an occasional DJ, scavenger hunts, and movies played by the pool -- though some of these activities are just in high season.For food, Captain's Cove serves a popular breakfast buffet (not included) with a made-to-order omelet station, plus serve-yourself eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, French toast, grits, fruit, and cereal. At lunch, the menu switches to a la carte sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas. Captain's Nook is open all day for specialty coffees, waffle cones, milkshakes, and bagels. The poolside Tiki Bar serves frozen alcoholic drinks and smoothies on a seasonal basis. There is a fitness center, but it's small and cramped with dated cardio equipment. When they're not in the water, kids can play in the indoor game room or outside on the playground equipment. There's a contemporary fire pit surrounded by white rocking chairs in a covered area. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and there's free outdoor parking. An event room is on-hand for meetings or celebrations.