Newbie mom of three needs help!

Could somone please help me...I have been on this board all morning and am so confused! I have 3 kids (15,13,8) and we are going to MB in July. I just do not know where to stay. I do not want to stay where it is super crowded and loud and crazy. But I do want to be close to some action. I would like a relaxing vacation close to some stuff for the kids. Is the driving really that horrific if I stay in the north end of MB? Should I stay in the City of North Myrtle Beach or the south end? I am from Michigan and so confused having NEVER been to SC. Are the Roxanne or Hampton Inn Oceanfront good choices? Is it too busy there? I am sooo sorry for all the questions but I really feel totally lost.

Newbie mom of three needs help!

Mind you this is all opinion.

You can break up Myrtle Beach into 4 sections.

The south end

Downtown Myrtle Beach

Residential Myrtle beach

North Myrtle Beach

They all have their pro%26#39;s and con%26#39;s - I will touch on briefly now and see if I can expand later.

1. The south End Properties - Such as the Landmark - This is the oldest area of Myrtle Beach and I liked the least - however many people have gone here for years and feel differently.

2. Downtown Myrtle Beach - This is my favorite with the three properties I recommend are the New Roxanne Towers, The Breakers PARADISE towers and The camelot - the Best thing about all three is that they are all relatively New And every single unit is DIRECT Oceanfront. Let%26#39;s face it the best thing about Myrtle Beach is your Room Facing the ocean. The Downtown area is a great place to stay because of the proximity to most of the ';Tourist Activities'; such as the Paviliion and the Boardwalk. Also, I feel the Beach Quality is best in downtown compared to the North Myrtle Beach area. Also you get to walk to everything. Driving in Myrtle Beach is Not real bad..... It is the Parking that is the problem, espcially downtown - that is why staying at one of those three resorts is good for many people.

However Some people find staying downtown is Not what they are looking for. This is because it is the most ';Active'; or action-filled place and if you are looking for more peace and quiet then consider staying North of downtown.

3. Residential Myrtle Beach - This is located about 2 miles north of Downtown - You find a quieter experience here and probably the best water park facilities. An example is the Long Bay and the Sands Properties (Excluding the one that is home to Ocean Annies) - If you are looking for great water park facilties and want to be further away from the Active Part of Myrtle Beach then this area would be my recommendation.

4. North Myrtle Beach. Myself, I do not like this area as much - it is about 4-5 miles (estimate) away from the downtown area - I feel the beaches up here are not as good as #2 %26amp; #3 described above. The properties however Look great (Avista, Baywatch) - So you can get a wonderful building way away from the action here.

I hope this Help is making your decision. I guess what I am trying to communicate is that Myrtle Beach is Kinda like Las Vegas as to where to stay - there is No ';Best'; place - it more of what are you are looking for in your vacation. I hope this helps.

Newbie mom of three needs help!

I have been going to Myrtle Beach for the last 25 years and tradermanny has explained it very, very well in the above form.

I have stayed at the Carribbean and had no problems.

I have stayed at the Baywatch and had no problems.

The new Roxanne Towers look nice.

lilygoo thanks both of you for answering my post. Tradermanny...you have described MB in a way I was looking for all day on the boards. And thank you EagleClawz for confirming!

Dear lilygoo:

Having just returned from MB last week with two kids, 12 %26amp; 8 I would suggest you stay somewhere central in MB proper. North MB requires a lot of driving although I preferred it when the kids were real young. It is quiet but away from the action which kids need such as amusements, malls, mini-golf etc. You must take the younger ones especially to Ripleys Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach, it%26#39;s awesome. Also there is a good Nascar go-cart track and the new mall, Coastal Grand is great too. Have a good trip and make time to just relax at the beach.

Safe trip.

George R.

Hampton Inn Oceanfront is a gorgeous hotel. Very clean room, wonderful staff, great breakfast, free internet, great pool area, you will not be dissapointed. Best hotel on the beach in my opinion. Suites are BEAUTIFUL!!

N. Myrtle is great, and that%26#39;s what I would recommend. It%26#39;s close enough to Myrtle if kids get bored with the beach. I like the condo route, and specifically Reflections. It%26#39;s 2 bed, 2 bath on inlet, 100 feet from beach. Easily sleeps 6, big kitchen, unit A7 is newly upgraded, new furn./carpet, BBQ. VERY reasonable. I just stayed there w/ my 2 kids and loved it. Rents through Elliott if interested.

We stay at Ocean Creek Resort and rent a 3 bedroom condo, the resort is beautiful, several outdoor pools, (no lazy river) our sons are 15,14,8, and 3 and we have a great time. I think a condo is the route to go. You can check out reviews on accommodations to the left of the screen. There is alot to do...We are never bored just relaxed...I hope this helps..This resort is across the street from Barefoot Landing (shops, entertainment and dining) and a short drive to Broadway At The Beach. Good Luck!

tradermanny, great explanation on MB. We are staying at the Kingston Plantation (I think), do you know which of the four areas it falls.

cat