We are going to Myrtle Beach in 2.5 weeks for my daughter's dance finals. I CANNOT WAIT!!
The hotel we booked through the studio is right on the beach and only two blocks from the Convention Center where they will perform. However, it is $267 per night! We've booked the week and paid one night in advance. So if we go and stay the whole week, we owe another $1600. That's killing me.
I found a townhouse that is 17 miles away for $859 for the week. MUCH better price. However, it's not right on the beach and obviously we'd have to drive to the Convention Center. I have never been to Myrtle Beach before, but I keep hearing nightmares about the traffic.
What option would you take?
Personally I like hotels over town house rentals.
I LIKE not being able to cook/wash dishes while I'm on vacation, and I like room service and I like a hotel with a pool and non smoking rooms.
If I'm doing most of the chores I do at home, it's no vacation for me!
You are in prime time beach season right now and prices will go up with proximity to the beach.
Our personal choice would be hotel. Yes, it cost more but we prefer the convenience, etc.
Either way, I hope you have a great time!
Personally, I prefer town home rentals over hotels -- more space, more flexibility. You have to pick what your priorities are -- rank the most important features -- beach? transportation? cost? space? You can research traffic and parking before you go and figure out how difficult it will be. Personally, the townhouse is less than half the cost and probably more than twice the space. A 20 minute drive doesn't bother me one bit, as long as parking and traffic isn't going to be a bear. And I like being able to stock the fridge with things the family likes for snacks and light breakfasts (I enjoy restaurants, but not for every meal -- too much food, iffy quality, and too expensive!)
It all depends on what you want out this trip. If you will ONLY be at the convention center, then go with the townhouse. But if this is also a vacay and you want great family memories then go with the hotel on the beach. We splurged on a vacay last year and it was the best decision we have ever made!
One night has already been paid. I would stay there one night and use the beach access to the hilt.
Then, I would drive my family to the townhouse for the rest of the week. Vacation is not as much fun if you are broke! Use all that extra money to take the family to do things you wouldn't have been able to afford.
Plan to drive during off peak times of day.
I haven't been to MB in a long time, but it couldn't have changed much cause traffic was a bear then! You don't want to be that far away! When you're driving to your designated hotel on the "strip"(beachside road) notice that every hotel/motel has 'Vacancy/No vacancy' signs. If any look desireable just stop in and ask. Do this before checking in, even if you spend 1/2 week in $267 place and move later I'm sure you could save big bucks! I used to go with the girls every other weekend. We stayed across the road from the beach for cheap. My standards are a little higher now, but I'm all for using $ you save on a room for entertainment and good food.
Stay near the beach. On the West Coast, $267/night on the beach would be a steal! You'll appreciate the convenience of being right where you need to be.
The townhouse and leave early. You're going to be at the Convention Center, not the beach. Are there any other nearby options that are affordable? Bed and breakfasts?
Will you be driving? Public transportation doesn't sound reliable: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g54359-s303/Myrtle-Beac...
Good luck!
When we traveled in the UK last year, I loved the times we had apartments - cook our own food, have everyone together, have some space to spread out. We much prefer renting condos or houses over hotels, but it is really up to you what you prefer. Is it more important to be right there at the convention center or is it more important to have some down time? Do you mind cooking?
I'm not a good one to ask about traffic because DC has ruined my perception of "good" traffic. Is it as bad as 495 at rush hour? I don't know.
For me, personally, money would be a big factor. Not only is $1600 a lot of money, you're also paying for food (unless it's a suite you may not have the ability to keep food in the room). With a townhouse, you can stock up and eat at home more nights (or more mornings - what kind of breakfast does the hotel offer?). How much would you leave the convention center? Does the center offer any parking specials? Can you buy a pass for the week?
You need to make a list and figure out what you want out of this trip and what is most important.
I agree with the others who say to stay at the beach!
Driving back and forth every day, dealing with traffic and parking, it just doesn't sound much like a vacation to me. And with the cost of gas and parking that townhouse may end up being more expensive than you think. And a week of daily housekeeping (someone else making the beds? fresh towels every day?) is worth it! I'm sure you work hard, you should relax and enjoy yourself. You can always keep a small cooler in the room to save money on drinks and snacks, and even breakfast (we usually have bagels/cream cheese, granola bars, fruit, juice, etc.)
Have fun!!!
