Ocean Reef Resort is a family-friendly oceanfront resort at 7100 North Ocean Boulevard, in the quieter stretch north of the central strip, and its calling card is choice. The property lists twenty-nine room types, from oceanfront rooms with two queens or a king to efficiencies, parlor suites, junior executive suites and one-, two- and three-bedroom condos in the North and South Towers, sleeping from two to eight guests. In-room features include balconies, mini fridges, microwaves, free WiFi and deep soaking tubs. There is an indoor pool, an outdoor pool and a children's pool or splash pad, plus a hot tub, a sauna and an arcade. A restaurant, a poolside bar and a bar are on site, with a buffet breakfast available for a fee. Guests rate it 8.0 out of 10 across about 2,100 reviews, praising the breakfast, the beach location, clean rooms and friendly staff, while complaints mention elevator problems, room-key trouble and smoking on balconies, which are worth keeping in mind. The property class is three. Self parking is free and no resort fee is listed, which keeps the total cost predictable, and pets are not allowed. The beach is about a minute's walk from the building.
Who it suits
Families who want a choice of suite sizes, groups who need adjoining or nearby units and couples who prefer an oceanfront king room with a soaking tub. The wide range of rooms makes it easy to match the budget: a simple oceanfront room for two works as well as a three-bedroom penthouse for a group of eight.
The indoor pool, sauna and hot tub also make it a decent choice for off-season trips when the outdoor pool is less inviting. Guests who need quiet should ask for a unit away from the elevators.
Practical details
Check-in is from four in the afternoon until midnight and check-out is at eleven. Free cancellation is available on select room rates, so check the rate type. Buffet breakfast carries a surcharge, and free in-room WiFi covers connectivity. Dry cleaning and laundry service and a limo or town car service are offered, which suits a longer stay.
Because guests have reported elevator outages and cleanliness issues in some elevators, it is worth calling ahead if mobility is a concern and asking which tower and floor are best for you. Smoking on balconies has also been reported, so request a non-smoking floor.
The neighborhood
This part of North Ocean Boulevard is calmer than the central boardwalk area but still close to the things families want. Jungle Safari Mini Golf is about a seven-minute walk, Deephead Swash is close by, and the Dunes Golf and Beach Club and Grand Strand Medical Center are within a couple of miles.
Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing are both a short drive, and the airport is about twenty-three minutes away by car. The restaurant choice on foot is limited to a handful of casual spots, so a car helps for varied dining.
Why stay here
- ✓Oceanfront with 29 room types
- ✓Rooms to three-bedroom penthouses
- ✓Indoor and outdoor pools
- ✓Children pool and splash pad
- ✓Hot tub and sauna
- ✓On-site restaurant and poolside bar
- ✓Arcade and game room
- ✓Free parking and free WiFi
Good questions
What room types does Ocean Reef offer?+
Twenty-nine types, from oceanfront rooms and efficiencies to suites and one- to three-bedroom condos that sleep up to eight.
Is parking free?+
Yes. Self parking is free and no resort fee is listed, though a buffet breakfast carries a surcharge.
Is it good for families?+
Yes. It has an indoor and outdoor pool, a children's pool or splash pad, an arcade and Jungle Safari Mini Golf about a seven-minute walk away.
