The Reef

Situated in a white and pale teal oceanfront building, this two-pearl property draws budget travelers seeking proximity to the beach. Large windows fill the high-ceilinged lobby with natural light, while a big mirror by a pleasant seating corner makes the space feel larger. Decor is a bit dated and lackluster. The lobby's patterned couches and armchairs don't quite pair with the gray tile flooring, floral rug, and large wrought-iron chandelier hanging above the reception desk. Green potted plants add some extra color. Mako's Bar and Grill, the hotel's casual dining spot, features bright colors like lime green, yellow, and orange, that make for a cheery and laidback atmosphere. Guests (mostly families) tend to have many complaints here, mainly focused on cleanliness and the worn and dated nature of the property. Slow elevators are another common complaint. 

The hotel occupies a beachfront location in an area that's home to many other hotels. There are several casual dining options (Dairy Queen, Subway, and a pancake house) lining the nearby South Kings Highway, about a seven-minute walk away. There are lots of family-friendly attractions in the area, such as Family Kingdom Amusement Park (four-minute drive), Ripley's Believe It or Not (eight-minute drive), the SkyWheel (eight-minute drive), and Broadway at the Beach (11-minute drive). The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which stretches for over a mile along the coast, is a six-minute drive from the property. Myrtle Beach International Airport is a seven-minute drive away.

Rooms are mostly worn and feature dated and unappealing decor, such as old patterned bedspreads and lackluster prints adorning neutral walls. The biggest room perk that all rooms have are the oceanfront private balconies furnished with plastic chairs and small tables, and offer lovely views over the water. All rooms also have pull-out sofas, plus most have separate living rooms. Other standard amenities include tube-style TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Many units also have kitchens, which are equipped with full fridges, stoves/ovens, microwaves, coffeemakers, toasters, and dishware; some have dishwashers. The largest unit is the Penthouse, which sleeps up to six people and comes with a full kitchen, dining rooms, living room with fireplace, and a large balcony. Bathrooms are small, bleak, and in need of updates and thorough cleaning. They're equipped with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and simple toiletries. Note that rooms mainly get bad reviews from past guests, who complain of cleanliness and maintenance issues, including bugs, stains, broken and worn items, and odors.

Features and location are the main reasons guests book this hotel. The large outdoor pool features a pool deck lined with plastic loungers, plus there's a kids' pool with a mushroom waterfall feature. There's also an indoor pool that overlooks the outdoor pool and two hot tubs. The casual restaurant, Mako's Bar and Grill, serves tasty fare like burgers and nachos as well as cocktails. It offers seasonal entertainment such as live music and happy hour specials. Other amenities include a game room with several arcade games, a business corner with a computer and printer, coin-operated laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi.