Vacation Review: Dayton House, Myrtle Beach, SC

Hotel/Resort

Wendy Dawn, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 30, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

I've stayed everywhere from the very best resorts, to some pretty sleazy hotels. Most of my traveling is on a budget, but having been spoiled by luxurious accommodations, I usually look for the best place, at an affordable rate. My latest trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina landed me in the Dayton House Hotel Resort.

The hotel is on the beach. It is a nice, well maintained, and a clean, family oriented hotel. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. Amenities include two pools, a sauna, and two hot-tubs. Wrist bands are required at all times at the pools. I consider this an advantage, since it keeps the pool from overcrowding with people who wander up from the public beach. If you come looking for the lazy river featured in their advertising, take note, there is not one.

One pool is a walk-in overflowing pool, which is nice. The pools are maintained with salts and minerals, rather than chlorine. This is better for your hair and skin. It also makes the pool safer for children.

The room I had is considered a suite. It is one room with two beds and a kitchenette. The term "suite" is a misnomer. It was much too small to be considered a suite. Think in terms of an average hotel room, if you consider booking reservations.

Coffee is complementary, and the kitchenette is stocked with a handful of eating utensils. The bedding is clean and comfortable, which is my number one concern. I didn't think the air conditioner kept the room cool enough. It was loud and the thermometer erratic, which meant the T.V volume had to be adjusted constantly.

I'm always concerned with hotel bathrooms. They have to be clean. ( I always carry my own Clorox Clean-Up, just in case.) This bathroom was clean, and the bath linens were fresh. There were plenty of towels and washcloths. Any place I don't have to call housekeeping for extras, I consider it a blessing. The bathroom, however, is too small. The vanity is just outside the bathroom. There's barely enough room to change in the bathroom, and the door doesn't lock. If you need privacy, you don't want to stay here.

Built in the 1960's the hotel is not as modern as some of the newer developments, and the rooms are smaller. It has been well kept and doesn't look that old. The bonuses of the Dayton House are a lounging lobby in every building, a gym, covered parking, and inside access only. For safety, inside access is extremely important to me. Security monitors the facilities around the clock, patrolling the parking lots and pool areas at night. Parking is limited on the premises, and one general complaint I heard was that most parking was across the street. That didn't bother me, but if you are traveling with young children or senior you may want to take that into consideration. The grounds are well groomed, and the outdoor facilities are cleaned and maintained daily.

If you need computer access, WiFi is available. The downside is that you have to be in the main lobby or the lobby of the north tower for reception. I considered that an inconvenience, but was appreciative of the service. Starbucks and a Breyer's ice cream shop were within walking distance, and both had public access to the net. I can't complain when I have great coffee, great ice cream, and net access that close by.

I think they've over-named themselves in claiming to be a resort. The only food and drinks on the premises are in vending machines, or the The C-Treasures Gift Shop. The gift shop is small, overpriced, and often closed by 2pm. When it is open, they have limited snacks and Good Humor Ice Cream. At least the soda machines offer a choice of Pepsi or Coke products.

Some of the country's best golf clubs are in Myrtle Beach, but this "resort" doesn't offer golf, or any other recreation. They have four outdated video games in a small room called an arcade. In my opinion, none of the amenities are worthy of the title "Resort." I expect much nicer facilities; larger, modern rooms; and at least one restaurant and/or bar in a resort.

For a moderately priced hotel this is a nice place to stay. It just isn't a resort. It is excellent for families, and traveler's on a budget. If you are looking for clean rooms and clean pools, with beach access and rooms with a view, I recommend Dayton Beach House. I'd give it an overall rating of "B," for moderately priced accommodations at Myrtle Beach.

Published by Wendy Dawn

Wendy Dawn enjoys research and writing on various topics. Her areas of professional expertise include history, teaching, and fitness. Wendy's passions include health, fitness, wellness, and weight loss. She... View profile