Diplomat Motel

The room was bigger than I expected, with hot showers and a patio that had a block divider for privacy while keeping the ocean view open. I felt safe on the grounds and didn't see anything concerning. The place is right on the beach. But housekeeping needed to do a much better job. There were food spots on the walls, and the whole floor should be mopped, not just the walking paths. The cloth desk chair was torn and filthy, and should be burned, not just tossed out. They still use hard keys instead of electronic locks, which made me wonder how many copies have been made over the years and might still be out there. I know the small staff must get stretched thin when the place is full in peak season, but that cleaning isn't enough.

The room cost $140, and for all its problems I don't think it was worth more than $90. It smelled like old cigarette smoke, the WiFi didn't work, and there was no broom to sweep up beach sand. The ice machine didn't work, or perhaps it charged a quarter, but either way I couldn't get ice. The hotel is dated and needs basic updates. The shower pressure was awful, the tub tiny, and the bathroom light fixtures were chipped, broken, and had dead bugs inside. The staff were wonderful, especially the sweet, helpful woman at the front desk. A groundskeeper found my smartwatch and returned it, and I'd have tipped him if I had cash. On the plus side, the AC worked well, the fridge and coffee maker worked, the beds were comfortable, and the room stayed quiet and super dark, which helped our boys sleep longer than usual. The pools and elevators worked, and we appreciated the bellhops. We'd stay again if we had to.

The prime location is about the only good thing. The place is old, outdated, and smells, with mold everywhere, toilets and fridges that stay broken, and unreliable Wi-Fi. The pool was a joke, see the pictures. Garbage sat piled in a trailer for days. Room service was poor, and linens weren't changed. There are cameras everywhere watching when you leave so someone can enter without permission and search your personal things. Law enforcement is constantly around. They say places with ongoing guest complaints can be a nuisance to Myrtle Beach and face closure, and this one is a prime example. Parking was poor too, with so many cars without license tags that the lot looked like a used car lot. Disgusting, and nothing like it used to be. Run away. It needs to be torn down and taken over by respectable management. The two-star history is there for a reason. I wish zero stars were an option.

Filthy, rundown, and a horrible place overall. The owners don't care. It should be torn down, like the other slumlord motels that have been demolished. Stay away.