Sandcastle Oceanfront Resort South Beach

The beach wasn't crowded, and there was plenty to do there, from jet skiing and parasailing to beach karaoke. We even found live crabs while walking along the shore. Food was awesome, and we're close to everything you'd want to do in Myrtle Beach. Helicopter rides are five minutes away and cost $29, which is a bargain. The state park is 2.5 miles away and is a must-see when you're here.

You don't find many places where you can watch dolphins from your room. We had a great sea view, a nice balcony, and a good-sized, quiet room, so it's a decent budget vacation spot. The bed was uncomfortable, though, and the headboard was nearly coming off. The shower was tiny and had lousy pressure.

We arrived at midnight to find no hot water in the unit. The TVs didn't work, the floor was dirty, and there was an awful smell. None of the pools or jacuzzis were working either. Inside and out, the place felt like a total dump, almost like a horror movie. The room was dusty and dated, nothing like the pictures. We left for a nearby resort. compass cove was highly recommended, with lots of amenities and rooms that were updated and so clean. Don't waste your money or time here.

The kitchenette was handy for saving money. We cooked breakfast and popped a pizza in the oven for lunch. I didn't like a stain in the bathroom that looked like blood when we arrived, but it was cleaned up. We stayed for a weekend in September with my family and liked the amenities: a lazy river, two outdoor pools, and one indoor pool. The gym was pretty spacious too, though the sauna didn't work. Overall, it was a nice property.