Looking for an oceanfront escape with space for your kids, heated indoor pools and fun outdoor ones, and a calmer vibe than the busy boardwalk hotels? Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, a Tapestry by Hilton hotel, is a great option for families. Our family enjoyed how clean and cozy the hotel felt, and we think that it would be great for families that need a beach trip because of its affordability. Whether you’re heading there for summer fun or a peaceful off-season getaway during the holidays, it makes a great home base for exploration.
Special thanks to the Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, Tapestry by Hilton for providing lodging in exchange for this review.
An Oceanfront Location That’s Still Close to the Action
We appreciated that the Ellie Beach Resort sits just south of the busiest part of Myrtle Beach, because we love to stay at places that are close to fun stuff to do, but not so close (if you know what I mean).
You’ll be right on the beach and only a short drive from The Market Common, Myrtle Beach State Park, and several grocery stores to fill up your fridge for a weekend stay. Plus, Springmaid Pier is literally within view, which is one of the perks if you’re looking for fun activities like fishing clinics and to see the longest pier in SC. And, if you’re looking to check out Brookgreen Gardens or Huntington Beach State Park, they are only a half hour away.
Rooms That Really Work for Families
The rooms at Ellie Beach Resort were nicely designed, and my husband and I loved that our younger kids had their own space, and the kids were super excited. They spent all of their time in the room hiding out on the top bunk, watching movies, and playing.
Some of the resort units include a front sleeping area with bunk beds, plus a separate bedroom with a king bed that faces the ocean. They have a couple of other room designs to choose from as well. All of the decor is modern and simplistic, and everything feels clean and cared for, not fancy, but definitely comfy.
There’s space for your crew to spread out and watch TV, and our room includes a small kitchenette with a full-size fridge/freezer, microwave, and sink, so you can toss together breakfast or lunch without leaving the room. We visited during the off-season, but we were still able to hang out on the balcony and watch the waves roll in, and the birds fill up the beach shore. I am sure it is an even better view during the warmer months, because you can watch the pool crowd, kids going down the water slides, and visitors of the pier right from the balcony.
Just know that this hotel is an open-air layout, meaning that the hallways to the rooms are all out in the open rather than enclosed. It can get a little chilly going from the elevators to the rooms, so make sure you are prepared if you’re visiting during the off-season.
Pools for Every Season (Even Warm Ones!)
No matter when you visit, there are some excellent pools to play in. In the off-season, families can enjoy a heated indoor pool right on the Ellie Beach Resort property. The indoor pool was comfortably warm, and we spent a lot of our time hanging out there swimming. It does get chilly going from the pool back to the room, so bring extra towels and robes (pro tip!).
If that’s not enough, guests also get access to another indoor pool at the DoubleTree Hilton on the premises. That pool is also warm, and goes from an indoor to outdoor style in a mini lazy river layout with floats.
The warm pools were a big selling point for our visit during December, and they did not disappoint!
When the weather warms up, the outdoor pool area comes to life. There are several outdoor pools, including a kiddie pool and splash zone for little ones, plus triple water slides would be a big hit with older kids. Lounge chairs are available throughout the deck, and many rooms look right out over the pools and the ocean.
Dining Made Simple
While we stayed at the Ellie Beach Resort, we decided to have dinner on our first night at the Ocean Blue, which is located near the check-in lobby. There are several other dining options and a lobby bar as well. My husband ordered steak and potatoes, which were delicious, while I decided to grab a burger. The burger was perfectly cooked, and we were super happy with our meals and the service. Our kids are a little picky, but they liked the cheese pizza here, and of course, were pleased with the fries.
In the surrounding area, families can find pizza, burgers, tacos, coffee shops, and even a grocery store close by. You could easily choose to stock the fridge with snacks and takeout, and there is a Walmart Marketplace right down the street.
Off-Season Perks: Holiday Magic + Lower Prices
Visiting Ellie Beach Resort during the off-season is not just about saving money (though you will save by alot). It’s also about enjoying a different kind of beach trip, slower, quieter, and a little less stressful. We prioritized family time, shelling on the beach, spending time at the indoor pool, and checking out some of the Christmas lights throughout town (including the beautiful tree at Broadway).
At Ellie Beach Resort during the holidays, they host Yuletide by the Sea, a fun seasonal celebration that includes crafts, kid-friendly activities, and appearances from Santa. Many local attractions stay open, and you can explore without long lines or heat exhaustion. You’ll be close by (only a 20-minute drive) to major events like Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens and the MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights in Murrell’s Inlet, making the hotel the perfect home base for exploring.
The event coordinator at Ellie Beach Resort even led us on to some fun holiday events nearby, including the lights in Conway, an epic holiday wrapped Bojangles in Conway, and let us know where we could find some cute holiday ornaments for our kids’ keepsakes (The Christmas Mouse is less than a mile away)
What to Know Before Booking
- The Ellie Beach Resort is close to the Myrtle Beach International Airport, so you’ll hear and see commercial planes flying over as they land. This might bother some people, but our kids absolutely LOVED it, it was actually really cool watching the planes come in over the ocean. We didn’t have any issues at night or in our room, but if you’re sensitive to sound, it’s a good idea to bring a sound machine.
- The open-air layout of the resort also means you may want to pack a bit more intentionally. Bring robes and extra towels from home, and if possible, toss in an extra swimsuit to switch into. It can get pretty chilly in the colder months when you’re walking from the pool back to your room.
- And definitely make time for a visit to the pier, the longest in South Carolina! They offer fishing clinics year-round, and it’s an easy, fun stop for families.
How to Book
If your family wants oceanfront fun, multiple pools, and a more peaceful vibe, Ellie Beach Resort is a solid choice. It may not have the flashy extras of a mega-resort, but what it does offer, clean rooms, family-friendly layouts, and flexible pricing, makes it a great value, especially for larger families.
And if you’re traveling during the holidays or off-season? Even better. You’ll get lower rates, less stress, and a whole lot of festive fun on the coast. Rates start around $123 per night in the off-season, making for a sweet deal.
Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach
3200 S Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC
843.315.7100
Erin Gorges
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