Myrtle Beach's Palace Resort: Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Palace Resort, Myrtle Beach: My Dream Vacation… Well, Kinda Sorta
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea – the lukewarm, slightly over-brewed tea you might find at the breakfast buffet at the Palace Resort in Myrtle Beach. They’re promising “Your Dream Vacation Awaits!” and, well, let's just say I've returned, slightly sunburnt, with a mixed bag of opinions and a persistent urge to buy one of those giant, inflatable pool flamingos.
SEO & Metadata (Because, you know, algorithms):
- Title: Palace Resort Myrtle Beach Review: Sun, Sand, and…Surprises!
- Keywords: Palace Resort, Myrtle Beach, Hotel Review, Beach Vacation, Accessible Hotel, Family Friendly, Spa, Pool, Dining, Safety, Free Wi-Fi, Room Amenities, Things to Do, Oceanfront, South Carolina
- Description: Honest review of the Palace Resort in Myrtle Beach, covering everything from accessibility and amenities to food, safety, and overall experience. Discover the good, the bad, and the slightly-stained-beach-towel ugly of this Myrtle Beach gem (or not-so-gem).
Accessibility: Reaching the Beach…Eventually.
Okay, let's kick things off with the important stuff. The Palace Resort tries to be accessible. Now, "tries" is the operative word. The elevators, thankfully, were plentiful, which is a HUGE plus for a high-rise hotel. I saw plenty of wheelchair users navigating the public spaces, which made me feel a bit less guilty about my post-buffet carb coma. However, getting to the beach? That felt like a minor Everest expedition. The pathways weren’t always clearly marked, and the sand… well, sand and wheelchairs aren’t exactly best friends. So, shout out to the staff who readily help guests in need (Facilities for disabled guests). I also saw a few signs encouraging elevator use to the beach. They included things like, "Elevator goes to 2nd floor". The ramp was decent, but the distance was significant. Ultimately, not a perfect score, but definitely effort.
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 flamingos. (Minus points for sand-related accessibility issues.)
Rooms: My Sanctuary…or My Containment Unit?
My room (Available in all rooms) was, let's say, functional. Comfy. Air conditioning (Available in all rooms)? Thank the heavens. Myrtle Beach in August is a sauna. The bed (Extra long bed), had a nice, clean smell. Good reading light, great for the long nights of listening to ocean sounds (Available in all rooms).
- The Good: The view! Oceanfront rooms give you a stunning view (Window that opens). The balcony, which, let's be honest, is what you’re paying for. The in-room safe box (Available in all rooms) was handy for stashing valuables (like my emergency stash of gummy bears).
- The Not-So-Good: The décor felt… dated. Think "early 2000s seaside chic". The carpet (Carpeting) felt a bit worn. And the bathroom? Well, it was clean (Daily housekeeping), but the toiletries (Toiletries) were the hotel-generic kind. You know, the kind that leaves your hair feeling vaguely… dry. I'm not saying I expected gold-plated taps, but a little more pizzazz wouldn’t hurt.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 slightly-damp towels.
Internet: The Wi-Fi Saga
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Internet access – wireless) Yeah, that was my first thought. They really mean it. It was everywhere. I was in touch with my social accounts instantly. Fast also. My laptop workspace (Laptop workspace) was perfect for my business. But the speed? Well, let's just say streaming a movie on a rainy day (and there were a few), was a test of patience. I also saw Internet access – LAN. I didn't realize they had LAN internet as well, but who am I to judge? Also, Wi-Fi in public areas was great, and I was always connected.
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 buffering symbols.
Dining: Fueling the Fun… or the Frustration?
Now, let’s talk about food, shall we? Because a vacation without food is just… existential pondering.
- Breakfast Buffets & Bafflements: (Breakfast [buffet]) The breakfast buffet was, well, a buffet. A large buffet. I started my day with a massive plate of scrambled eggs and bacon, and maybe a waffle or two. I also remember feeling as if everyone else was doing the same. The Asian options! The Asian breakfast was also very tempting. However, my advice: don’t arrive too late. Things start getting a little… picked-over. The coffee (Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop) was passable.
- Other Dining Options: The Palace Resort has several restaurants (Restaurants). Some with views (Pool with view). I had one amazing meal at the restaurant with a view of the ocean (Pool with view) (International cuisine in restaurant) . Other options include a poolside bar (Poolside bar) for a quick drink and snack bar (Snack bar). There's even room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver when you’re battling a serious case of sun fatigue.
- The Good: The variety! (Alternative meal arrangement)
- The Not-So-Good: The food, at times, felt mass-produced. The quality was inconsistent. The service could be a bit slow.
- Rating: 3 out of 5 slightly-stale croissants.
Things to Do: Beyond the Beach
Okay, so you’re not just here to eat and stare at the ocean (although, tbh, that’s a perfectly valid vacation plan). The Palace Resort offers a decent array of activities. A good gym/fitness (Fitness center) is available. There are also ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Jacuzzi, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. So, you can find plenty of choices.
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathing Easy (ish)
In these pandemic times, safety is paramount. The Palace Resort seemed to be taking things seriously, though I'm not some kind of hygiene expert (and here, the messier the better, right?). I saw visible efforts like:
- Hand sanitizer dispensers (Hand sanitizer) were everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol (Staff trained in safety protocol).
- Daily disinfection in common areas (Daily disinfection in common areas)
- Rooms sanitized between stays (Rooms sanitized between stays).
- Safe dining setup (Safe dining setup).
- Cashless payment service (Cashless payment service)
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (Physical distancing of at least 1 meter)
The hotel also included Anti-viral cleaning products (Anti-viral cleaning products).
Let's just say I felt relatively comfortable.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 clean hands.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things
- Convenience is key: The elevators worked well, the concierge (Concierge) was helpful, and the doorman (Doorman) was friendly.
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning (Dry cleaning) service was available, and the laundry (Laundry service) service was great.
- The gift/souvenir shop: They have a gift/souvenir shop! (Gift/souvenir shop) I bought a miniature pirate ship, because, you know, Myrtle Beach. And an umbrella (Umbrella). Always need an umbrella.
- Facilities for disabled guests: (Facilities for disabled guests) The Palace resort included quite a few of them.
- Business facilities: The Palace Resort had a Business facilities. They also had Meetings (Meetings). Also, they had Meeting/banquet facilities (Meeting/banquet facilities).
- Other services: On-site event hosting (On-site event hosting) was also available. This was also great.
Family-Friendly Fun: For the Kiddos!
The Palace Resort is definitely family-friendly (Family/child friendly). I've seen Babysitting service (Babysitting service) availability. They also had Kids facilities (Kids facilities), which sounds super cool.
Final Verdict:
Look, the Palace Resort isn't perfect. It has its quirks, its minor annoyances, and its moments of "meh." But it’s also got a fantastic location, a wealth of amenities, and a certain charm that makes it a decent choice for a Myrtle Beach vacation.
Would I go back? Maybe. Especially if they promise to have more than two vegetarian (Vegetarian restaurant) options. Oh, and if they throw in a free inflatable flamingo.
- Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 slightly-salty breezes.
Further Ramblings (Because why not?):
- The View: Seriously, the ocean views from the balconies are worth the price of admission alone. Watching the sunrise over the ocean with a cup of coffee is pure bliss.
- The Staff: For the most part,
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into my supposedly "relaxing" beach vacay at the Palace Resort in Myrtle Beach. Warning: May contain sandy toes, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta sunscreen.
Myrtle Beach Mess-tinerary: Palace Resort Edition
(Cue dramatic music…or maybe just the sound of seagulls fighting over a discarded French fry.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Sunscreen Fail
- 3:00 PM: Arrival and Check-In - Triumph! (Mostly)
- Okay, so the drive from… well, let’s just say "not Myrtle Beach"…was brutal. Kids screaming, GPS mocking me, the whole nine yards. But! We made it! The Palace Resort… it's… well, it's definitely palatial. Or at least, the lobby is. Think slightly dated opulence. Think… fancy curtains, but with a faint scent of chlorine. Still, the lady at the front desk was super sweet, and my room key actually worked on the first try (a win!).
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Suit Up…Or Don’t. The Great Sunscreen Debacle Commences
- First order of business: hit the beach! Except… I totally forgot to pack the good sunscreen. The expensive stuff with the high SPF. You know, the one that doesn't leave you looking like a lobster. I found a sad, half-used, expired bottle in my bag, tried to convince myself it was okay, and then (because in my head, I'm always super prepared) decided to skip it altogether. Genius! I thought.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach Bliss (and Mild Regret)
- The beach! Sand! Ocean! Bliss! The kids were squealing, building sandcastles (more like sand piles), and I, well, I attempted to read a book. Key word: attempted. Real life? I spent most of the time dodging rogue waves, rescuing a screaming toddler from the clutches of a crab, and, yup… feeling my skin start to… tingle. Oh, the regret. The inevitable, fiery regret.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner Debacle at the Resort Restaurant.
- We had a reservation at the resort's main restaurant, which was supposed to be a fancy, relaxing experience. Well… let's say it was a scene. The waitress, bless her heart, looked like she was running a marathon. Our appetizers arrived after the entrees, and my perfectly medium-rare steak looked more like a hockey puck. The kids were fighting over chicken nuggets, and I swear I saw a kid throw a french fry at his dad. At least the ocean view was nice, even through my hazy sunburn-induced vision. Did I mention the sunburn?
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Pool Time With a Side of Pain & Sleep
- Post-dinner, the kids wanted to hit the pool. "Great idea," I thought. Sunburnt skin and chlorine? What could go wrong? I spent about 20 minutes bobbing in the water, trying to avoid the screaming children, and then finally decided to call it a night. The kids were asleep before their heads hit the pillows. I’m pretty sure I was asleep before I even got to the pillow.
Day 2: Sunburn, Seafood, and the Quest for Shade
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast and the Sun's Wrath
- Breakfast: Quick, cheap, and mostly edible. The real problem? The sun. It was a fiery, vengeful god today. And I, alas, was a lobster-hued sacrifice.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Shade Scramble
- Okay, I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. Sunscreen! I made a mad dash to the gift shop, purchased the highest SPF, and slathered myself in what felt like a protective, white cocoon. Then came the critical task: finding shade on the beach. This was a battle. People were hoarding beach umbrellas like they were gold. Finally, I found a (slightly crooked) spot under a palm tree.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a Tourist Trap (and a surprisingly decent burger)
- We ventured off-resort for lunch, stumbling on a restaurant right on the main drag. It had all the classic Myrtle Beach vibes: neon signs, a gift shop filled with shell tchotchkes, and an extremely aggressive parrot in a cage. I expected the food to be awful, but surprisingly, the burger was pretty dang good.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: More Beach, More Drama
- Back to the beach (after a much-needed change of clothes and more lathering of sunscreen). The kids are… well, they're kids. There was the constant sand-in-everything situation. The squabbles over toys. The never-ending requests for snacks. And then, a rogue wave almost swept away the beach umbrella and, with it, my sanity.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Great Hotel Room Escape
- We retreated to the hotel room for a much-needed break, and a shower. The best damn shower of my life.
- 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at Pier 14 and a Whirlwind of Wonders
- Off we went to Pier 14 Restaurant. And as the sun set, the pier lit up with a glorious glow. And I dove into the most incredible, flavorful, mouth-watering seafood platter. And watched the waves crash as I experienced a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. The kids were surprisingly well-behaved, the food was divine, and the ocean was beautiful. I felt happy. Really, truly happy.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Arcade Night and Bedtime Bliss
- The arcade. It was chaos. Flashing lights. The sounds of electronic warfare. The smell of stale pizza. But the kids loved it. We played a few games (I may or may not have gotten slightly competitive), and then, finally, it was bedtime.
Day 3: Reflections, Shopping, and the Bitter-Sweet Farewell
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast and a Reality Check
- Breakfast: Cereal, bagels, and a heavy dose of reflection. I surveyed my sunburn. It wasn’t pretty, but wasn’t a total disaster either!
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Shopping Spree (aka, souvenir crisis)
- I hit the souvenir shops. Myrtle Beach is a sensory overload of plastic, trinkets, and airbrushed t-shirts. I needed a Myrtle Beach t-shirt. And a "World's Best Dad" mug. And maybe a tiny, plastic shark.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: "Final" Lunch - (You guessed it: seafood)
- One last seafood feast. Because… why not?
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Beach Time Again… (but with a plan!)
- Beach time again, but with a new attitude:
- Sunscreen: Check.
- Umbrella: Check.
- Chill vibes: Check.
- Actually managing to RELAX: Check!
- Beach time again, but with a new attitude:
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Packing and the Emotional Rollercoaster
- Packing. The detested, most dreaded duty. And with that, the emotions begin to creep in. I'm ready to go home, but I'm also… sad to leave.
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Resort Check-Out
- Check out was a breeze. Everything was fine.
- 4:00 PM: Departure - (Until Next Time, Myrtle Beach!)
- Goodbye, Palace Resort. Goodbye, Myrtle Beach. Until next time, where, I promise, I'll remember the darn sunscreen! I think. Probably. Maybe.
So, there you have it. My Myrtle Beach adventure. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t always pretty. There were moments of pure frustration. But you know what? It was real. And, amidst the sunburn, the chaos, and the questionable food choices… it was pretty darn good. Now, onto the long drive home… Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'll need it.
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Palace Resort Myrtle Beach: Let's Ditch the Brochure and Get Real!
Okay, So... Palace Resort. Is It Actually Palace-y? Like, Really Fancy? (Or Just, You Know, Hotel-ish?)
Alright, let's be real for a second. The name "Palace" sets the bar HIGH. My first time walking in, I was half expecting to see actual royalty, or at least a butler named Jeeves. Nope. What you get is a SOLID, well-maintained resort. Think more "comfortably upscale" than Versailles. The lobby is nice, the views are usually stunning (oceanfront is the WAY to go!), and the amenities are pretty decent. But... it's not Buckingham Palace. Trust me, the name is aspirational.
I once saw a kid, maybe 6 years old, *genuinely* disappointed about the lack of a throne. He kept pointing at the elevators, yelling, "Where's the throne room, Mommy?" Bless his heart. Made me chuckle. So, manage your expectations. "Palace" is a stretch. Good, solid resort? Absolutely. Royal family? Not a chance. Unless you count the screaming toddlers as royalty...which, on vacation, sometimes feels accurate.
Beach, Baby, Beach! How's the Beach *Actually* At The Palace Resort? Sand Quality? Crowds? Seagull Terror?
Okay, THIS is where the Palace Resort shines! The beach access is fantastic. You're literally steps away from the sand, which is a HUGE win. The sand itself? Pretty good. It's not super powdery like, say, the Caribbean, but it's soft enough for building sandcastles (important!) and definitely enjoyable for lounging and sunbathing.
Crowds? Well, Myrtle Beach in general gets *busy*. During peak season, expect to share the sand. But the Palace Resort tends to have a decent section, especially if you snag a spot early. And the seagulls? Ah, those feathered fiends. They're everywhere! Be prepared for some aerial acrobatics. Keep a firm grip on your snacks, because those birds are *ruthless*. I've seen them steal a whole pizza slice right off a person's plate! It was both horrifying and hilarious. Seriously, guard your food with your life.
Pools and Water Fun: What's the Deal? Are They Overcrowded? Good for Kids?
The pools are a definite highlight. They usually have a few options: indoor, outdoor, kiddie pools – something for everyone. They’re well-maintained and offer a decent alternative to the ocean when the waves are rough or the sun's just too brutal. The lazy river is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a relaxing float.
Overcrowding is a potential issue, especially during the afternoons. I remember one time, trying to find a single empty chair felt like searching for the Holy Grail. My advice? Get there early! Before the sun fully beats down and the screaming children descend. Seriously, stake your claim on a chair, and maybe even put down a towel... It's war out there, folks. Bring a small umbrella for added sun protection, since the resort has pretty limited shaded areas by the water.
As for kids? They'll love it. The kiddie pools are great, and there are usually lifeguards on duty. So, you can relax a little (though still keep an eye on them, obviously!).
Dining In The Palace Resort: Restaurants? Food Quality? Pricey?
The dining options at The Palace Resort are... varied. They have a restaurant or two on-site, which is super convenient. The food quality... well, let's say it's generally "resort quality." Meaning it's decent, but you're not getting a Michelin-star experience. There's usually a buffet or a casual dining spot.
Price-wise? Expect to pay resort prices, which means they're probably going to be a bit higher than what you'd pay off-site. I've had some surprisingly good meals there and some… less memorable ones. I once ordered the grilled fish and it was dry as the desert. Seriously, it felt like I was chewing on cardboard. Another time, though, the crab legs were AMAZING. It's a gamble! But the convenience factor is a huge plus. My advice: check reviews, read menus carefully, and don't be afraid to venture out! Myrtle Beach has a ton of fantastic restaurants!
Parking: Nightmare or Manageable?
Parking? Oh boy. This can be a bit of a pain, honest. The Palace Resort, like many places in Myrtle Beach, has limited parking. During peak season, it's like a real-life Hunger Games of parking spots. Be prepared to walk a bit. And by "a bit," I mean potentially a city block.
The parking decks can get crowded. My tip: get there early, especially if you have a lot of luggage or a car full of kids. There may be a valet service, that might be a good option, just a bit pricey. Just mentally prepare yourself for the parking situation. It's rarely as smooth as you'd like. But hey, think of it as extra exercise, right? (That's what I tell myself after circling the parking garage for 20 minutes...)
Rooms and Suites: What Should I Expect? Cleanliness? Views?
The rooms! Okay, the rooms are generally pretty standard for a beach resort. They're usually clean, which is a HUGE plus. Nothing worse than arriving and finding a questionable stain on the carpet. The Palace usually does a decent job of keeping things tidy.
The views? That's where things get interesting! Oceanfront rooms are worth EVERY penny, in my opinion. Waking up to that sunrise... pure bliss. The side view rooms are OK. And those parking lot views? Well, those aren't as magical. Book oceanfront if you can swing it. Honestly, that ocean view makes the whole trip. Seriously. I've had a rough year, and just sitting on the balcony watching the waves is more relaxing than any spa treatment I've ever had. Remember to pack binoculars because the views are just *that good*. Double-check your room's amenities: some have kitchens and laundry machines – a massive win, especially with kids. It's like a small apartment in a giant, fun hotel.
Is the Palace Resort Kid-Friendly? (Or is it a Parent-Friendly Nightmare?)
Kid-friendly? Absolutely. Parent-friendly? Well, that depends on your definition of "friendly." The Palace Resort has tons of amenities that kids will adore: pools, water slides, the beach right outside, arcade games... You're practically guaranteed to keep them entertained. Trust me, I've been there. I had to drag mine back to reality at the end of our stay, kicking and screaming.
The flip side? Well, with tons of kids come the sound ofCheap Hotel Search
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