Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort is one of the best-value water-park hotels on the Grand Strand, an aparthotel tower of fifteen floors and 287 units at 803 South Ocean Boulevard, right on the beach. The big draw is the water. There are two indoor pools, a seasonal outdoor pool, a children's pool, indoor and outdoor lazy rivers, a waterslide and a children's water park, all included without an extra fee, plus two hot tubs and a poolside bar. For families with younger children, that package means a wet day is easy to fill without leaving the property. Rooms range from tower oceanfront king efficiencies of about 350 square feet that sleep three to oceanview suites of about 475 square feet that sleep up to seven, with kitchens in the efficiency rooms and some balconies. Dining is casual, with Beach Java Cafe for coffee and breakfast sandwiches, Malibu Beach Bar, a snack bar and deli, and a cooked-to-order breakfast for a fee. There is also a mini-mart and gift shop. Guests rate it 8.0 out of 10 across more than 5,800 reviews, with cleanliness the highest score, and the property class is three. Family Kingdom Amusement Park is about a six-minute walk, and the boardwalk is about thirteen.
Who it suits
Families with children, budget-conscious groups and anyone who wants a water-park setting on the sand without paying resort prices. The efficiency rooms with kitchens help families cut costs on meals, and the mix of room sizes covers couples, small families and larger parties. Children up to sixteen stay free using existing beds with a parent or guardian, which helps with the budget. The minimum check-in age is twenty-one, so it is not the right base for a younger group traveling without an adult.
Practical details
Check-in starts at four in the afternoon and guests are asked to contact the property at least forty-eight hours before arrival to arrange it. A government photo ID and a credit card are required, and a deposit is paid at the property. Parking is free but limited to one space per unit, with height restrictions.
Pets are not allowed other than service animals, and smoking is not allowed. The outdoor pool is seasonal, but the indoor pools, lazy river and water park make it a strong choice for cooler months and rainy days. Cooked breakfast is optional and priced per person.
The location
The resort sits on the south end of central Myrtle Beach, a short walk from Family Kingdom and about three minutes by car from Ripley's Believe It or Not. The SkyWheel and Myrtle Beach State Park are within a few miles, and Broadway at the Beach and WonderWorks are a bit farther. The airport is about ten minutes away, which is among the shortest airport transfers of any oceanfront hotel. The trade-off is a more traditional, busier beach neighborhood than the quiet northern end, so expect crowds in summer and a lively atmosphere.
Why stay here
- ✓Oceanfront tower with 287 units
- ✓Indoor and outdoor lazy rivers
- ✓Waterslide and children water park
- ✓Two indoor pools and seasonal outdoor pool
- ✓Efficiencies with kitchens
- ✓Beach Java Cafe and poolside bar
- ✓Free parking, one space per unit
- ✓Walk to Family Kingdom
Good questions
Is the water park included?+
Yes. The lazy rivers, waterslide and children's water park are free to guests, and there are indoor pools for cooler weather.
How close is Family Kingdom?+
About a six-minute walk. The boardwalk is about thirteen minutes on foot.
Is parking free?+
Yes, but it is limited to one space per unit and height restrictions apply. Confirm details when you book.
