Sun N Sand Resort

Though not really a resort in much more than name, the Sun N Sand is an older property that appeals to families keen on an oceanfront setting. The 16-story, cream-colored building is fringed by hedges and palm trees. Inside, the high-ceilinged lobby is bright and spacious but undeniably dated. A white textured accent wall flanks the wood reception desk, and there’s a mix of gray-and-beige-checkered and wood-paneled flooring. There are also black leather sofas, and a fairly elegant curved staircase leads up to an internal balcony -- but the space still feels rather sparsely decorated overall. Likewise, the wood-paneled, beach-facing deck out back is pleasant but seems a tad neglected. 

Surrounded by other high-rise resorts and smaller budget hotels at the southern end of Myrtle Beach, the Sun N Sand has direct access to the beach but is a drive from most of the area’s popular attractions.- Five minutes to Whispering Pines Golf Course by car (29 minutes by public transportation)

• Seven minutes to Family Kingdom Water Park by car (nine minutes by public transportation)
• Seven minutes to Coastal Grand Mall by car (41 minutes by public transportation)
• Eight minutes to Myrtle Beach International Airport by car
• Eight minutes to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk by car (14 minutes by public transportation)
• Nine minutes to SkyWheel Myrtle Beach by car (13 minutes by public transportation)
• 10 minutes to Children’s Museum of South Carolina by car (26 minutes by public transportation)
• 11 minutes to Brookgreen Gardens by car (29 minutes by public transportation)
• 13 minutes to Myrtle Waves Water Park by car (43 minutes by public transportation)
• 21 minutes to Waccatee Zoo by car
• 26 minutes to Myrtle Beach Mall by car

Rooms are decent across the board, but decor is undeniably on the dated side (not uncommon in Myrtle Beach hotels). Walls are done out in cream-yellow, and there’s checkered-pattern carpet in reds, greens and browns, and dark-wood bed frames and headboards. Small desks, like some other furniture, show signs of wear and tear. Pricier suites have small and fairly well-equipped kitchenettes with stoves, sinks, dishwashers, and a limited selection of crockery -- plus attractive separate living rooms feature sofas and simple four-seater dining tables. Amenities include air-conditioning, 39-inch cable TVs, phones, free Wi-Fi, full-size refrigerators, microwaves, coffee- and tea-making facilities, hairdryers, and irons and ironing boards -- but no safes. Note that many rooms have two double beds, rather than queen-size beds. There are also reports of housekeeping and maintenance issues, and we noticed musty smells in some rooms. Accessible rooms are available (though these lack balconies).Bathrooms feature pale cream walls, off-white floor tiling, and large built-in marble-effect vanities with submerged sinks. Shower/tub combos have fixed showerheads, and there are miniature toiletries. Balconies are on the grimy side, and fairly sparsely furnished (though those in suites are bigger). Ocean View rooms have only partial views, mostly facing lower-level balconies and neighboring buildings. However, the unobstructed beach views from Ocean Front rooms are impressive.

Facilities are nice for a budget hotel, and include a pleasant outdoor pool and hot tub with a few sunbeds, plus an equally nice indoor pool. However, both are on the small side given the size of the hotel. There’s also a bright and modern gym with cardio equipment. The restaurant serves breakfast (not included), plus light meals and drinks until late evening, but only in the high season. The business center has internet terminals and a printer, and there’s a small arcade room. The ballroom that can accommodate 600 guests. Wi-Fi and parking are both free, but there’s a daily resort fee.