Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort

We had a kitchenette with an induction cooktop, a small sink, pots, and utensils in our room. It was spacious and clean, and the oceanfront view was great, especially for watching the sunrise. There are several heated pools for winter, though they can get crowded during the day. Parking is free in a separate building across the road, and the private beach access is handy.

The price is right, and for some families this is a good option. The rooms were clean, there were no bugs, and the hotel sits right on the beach. Even with outdoor temperatures in the 20s and 30s during the coldest part of the year, the heated pools felt comfortable and the water was remarkably clear. Our room's layout was awkward, though. You enter through the bedroom, while the Murphy bed is at the far end by the ocean view. Older kids coming back after the pool closes would walk through the area where you're trying to relax or sleep to get to their beds.

The ocean view from our extended balcony on the 14th floor was extraordinary. We woke up to the water each morning and could hear it as we fell asleep. Four of us were very comfortable in the suite, which had a large bedroom, a living room with a Murphy bed, two TVs, and a full kitchen supplied with dishes and cooking utensils, though there was no dishwasher or oven. The kids and I were sad to leave, but so grateful we got to have the experience. There are heated pools, jacuzzis, and a lazy river, so it's lovely in any season. The check-in gentleman was nice, though he could have been a little more helpful. Housekeeping, security, and concierge staff were all great. We'll be back!

We had a great time staying right on the beach, and you can walk to a lot of places along the boulevard. Depending on the season, walking is probably the quickest way to get around. We spent our honeymoon here in 2012, and the rooms have been updated since then. The nightly off-season price looks good until checkout, when the resort fees and taxes are added. In my opinion, a $65.00 nightly rate shouldn't turn into $170.00. We paid it for the beachfront stay, but those extra charges felt excessive.