The Inlet Sports Lodge

The Inlet Sports Lodge has a homey lobby, featuring brown leather loveseats, patterned rugs, and fishing-inspired touches such as hanging marlins and paintings of boats. The smell of wood permeates the hallways, which have hand-carved mahogany doors. At the center of the property is a brick-lined courtyard with a bar area, wood dining tables, a barbecue grill, and bursts of greenery. There's also a popular third-floor widow’s walk that overlooks the marsh and has seating for guests. Thanks to its “Good Night’s Rest” policy from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., the hotel is quiet and peaceful. This hotel attracts a wide variety of travelers -- including couples, golfers, and fisherman -- with its cozy furnishings and competitive room rates. However, aside from the seasonal outdoor pool, amenities aren’t particularly appealing to families with children. 

The hotel is located in a secluded residential area of Murrells Inlet with fishing, water-sports rentals, and boat charters available. Shops and restaurants on the beautiful MarshWalk are about a 15-minute walk away. The outdoor sights of Huntington Beach State Park, Litchfield Beach, and Brookgreen Gardens can be reached in 10 minutes by car. Cyclists can bike to the Waccamaw Neck Bike Trail in 30 minutes. The bustling Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade -- with amusement rides, shops, and eateries -- is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. The Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and the True Blue Golf Club, which are associated with the hotel, are a 20-minute drive away. Myrtle Beach International Airport is a 25-minute drive. The free outdoor parking lot can accommodate 25-foot boats and trailers. 

There are 34 air-conditioned studios and suites at the hotel, all decorated in similar warm furnishings. The rooms' hand-carved doors open to light-blue accent walls, wainscoting, hardwood floors, crown molding, and classic furniture. The brown couches and striped headboards that match the bedskirts are dated, but they create a homey atmosphere. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iHome docking stations, free Wi-Fi, safes, and ironing facilities. Modern bathrooms have granite counters, showers/tub combos, hairdryers, robes, and a range of toiletries. Deluxe Studios have open layouts with sofa beds in sitting areas and kitchenettes that feature microwaves, full-size refrigerators, dishwashers, stovetops, and coffeemakers. There aren’t any ovens, but dishes and cups with Inlet Sports logos are provided. Luxury Suites -- fitting up to six people -- have the same features as studios, but also include additional adjoining rooms with sitting areas, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, microwaves, and second bathrooms. Daily housekeeping is provided.

While it has some amenities, the Lodge offers fewer features than the often packed and touristy Myrtle Beach properties. Geared toward the many fisherman guests, there's a fish-preparation area with freezer storage for fresh catch. Next to the parking lot is a small outdoor pool that’s open seasonally and is surrounded by lounge chairs, dining tables, and a barbecue grill. Two laundry rooms and a gift shop are also available for guests. The outdoor courtyard and clubhouse can accommodate meetings and weddings of up to 75 people with optional catering. This isn’t an ideal business locale, but the hotel has a business center with two computers in the lobby.The hotel serves a free continental breakfast of pastries, fruit, cereal, coffee, juice, and more. Additionally, Costa Coastal Kitchen & Bar next door serves seafood and pasta dishes that get rave reviews from guests.