The Strand a Boutique Resort

Originally the North Tower of The Breakers, The Strand is now a cute boutique hotel that was remodeled in 2014 with a cool blue and mint green color scheme from the common areas to the guest rooms. The open-floor plan on the lobby level of the hotel has an inviting feel with contemporary armchairs and a sofa placed in front of self-serve coffee and a DVD kiosk. The hotel has an intimate and relaxing vibe. This is a quieter and more affordable resort compared to some of the surrounding hotels. The Strand tends to cater to couples and small families looking for a tranquil and relaxing vacation without spending too much money. Those looking for all the bells and whistles of a massive resort might consider Captain’s Quarters Resort with a bowling alley and arcade, 15 water amenities, and three restaurants -- at a slightly lower price. 

Situated on Ocean Boulevard in the heart of Myrtle Beach, The Strand A Boutique Hotel has a prime location on the beach and is within easy walking distance of popular restaurants, like a pancake house and a sub shop. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade is six-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the hotel. Kids might enjoy the Family Kingdom Amusement Park, an eight-minute drive away from The Strand. There are lots of popular shopping destinations in the surrounding area. The Coastal Grand Mall, a huge mall with indoor and outdoor shopping options, is a 10-minute drive. The chic Market Common is a 15-minute drive and features a movie theater, shops, and cute boutique cafes. There are are two Tanger Outlets -- the Highway 17 location is a 20-minute drive, while the Highway 501 location is a 15-minute drive.Called the Golf Capital of the World, Myrtle Beach is home to around 100 courses. Some of the more notable courses are: Pawley’s Plantation Golf and Country Club (a 45-minute drive), Grande Dunes Golf Club (a 20-minute drive), and Tidewater Golf Club (a 30-minute drive). Travelers looking for more outdoor activities can head to Myrtle Beach State Park, a 25-minute drive away from the hotel. The park is located on the beach and features several miles of hiking trails, fishing, and camping. The Myrtle Beach International Airport is a 14-minute drive away from The Strand.

There are 141 rooms and all of them are spacious, ranging in size from standard hotel rooms to larger suites with separate sitting areas. The color scheme in the rooms matches the rest of the resort, with mint green and gray or beige walls trimmed in white. Like many hotels in the area, rooms tend to be renovated in small batches during the low season, so some rooms are newer and better looking than others -- which some guests have complained about. The majority of the rooms are updated with newer furniture and freshly painted walls, but there are still a few rooms which have furniture that is a bit worn out and could use an update. Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Some of the larger rooms come with laundry facilities, full kitchens, multiple balconies, and a dining table. Bathrooms range in size. Some are spacious, while others are tiny, but are painted gray or beige with speckle stone colored vanity counters. Bathrooms come with a fair amount of vanity space, shower/tub combos, and Paya toiletries. All rooms have a private furnished balcony. Travelers should note that Ocean View Rooms don’t have direct views of the Atlantic, only Ocean Front Rooms do. 

As a boutique property, The Strand has a limited number of amenities, but the outdoor pool deck, restaurant and bar, and beachfront location make for a nice list of features for the whole family. The Strand is located beachfront to Myrtle Beach, and like all hotels in the area, umbrellas and chairs are rented through the city -- though guests may bring their own. There is a moderately sized pool and sundeck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The pool deck features a small kiddy pool, hot tub, and kidney-shaped pool; as well as a few lounge chairs. The sun deck is a grassy common area in front of the pool deck with a few wooden tables and chairs, umbrellas, and lounge chairs. The Strand Bar is the hotel’s restaurant and bar. It serves a light lunch and dinner from mid-day until evening. The restaurant features a small bar area with stools and a full bar. Guests should note that the restaurant isn’t open everyday, especially during low season. A daily, free breakfast of hot and cold items is served every morning in a small cafe at the back of the hotel. Coffee is available throughout the day in the lobby, as is the DVDNow machine -- where guests can borrow DVDs for free.There is a small, but modern fitness center located next to the pool deck. The fitness center only has a handful of machines, but the room is air-conditioned and there is a flat-screen TV. The open-floor business center is located in the restaurant area, and features a high-top table with plenty of tablets available for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.  A small parking garage is located across Ocean Boulevard, and parking is free for guests. Some travelers have complained the garage is narrow and can be difficult to navigate.