OverviewLocated across the street from the beach and about a 12-minute drive from Myrtle Beach's city centre, Ocean Forest Plaza is geared towards travellers who prefer a hotel with extended kitchen amenities and easy beach access.
This hotel features one-bedroom apartments, each offering free Wi-Fi, two cable TVs (one in the bedroom), a coffeemaker, a full kitchen, a patio, a living area with a sofabed, a dining area and a hair dryer.
Hotel amenities include an indoor pool, an outdoor splash pool, a sauna, a hot tub, two bars, banquet space, a business centre, guest laundry and free parking. On-site dining is offered at Ocean Forest Cafe, which serves breakfast daily. Pets are not permitted and the hotel does not offer wheelchair-accessible rooms. Activities for children are also available.
Complimentary access to the hotel's sister property, located 2 miles away, is offered and includes their fitness and pool facilities. A mandatory resort fee equal to 11.10% of the room rate is applicable.
Broadway at the Beach and the Myrtle Beach Convention Center are both about a 10-minute drive southwestward, while Pine Lakes Country Club is roughly a 4-minute drive northwest of the hotel. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is a 17-minute drive southwest. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Verified with a front desk agent: Free Wi-Fi, free parking, pets not permitted, not wheelchair accessible. (Call Date: July 3, 2013)
The GoodThe majority of the reviews sourced for this analysis were positive, with praise going to the hotel's location, staff and rooms.
The hotel's location was praised by several guests. They found it to be close to the beach, golfing, Kings Highway, Broadway at the Beach, shopping, restaurants and Barefoot Landing.
Many reviewers were pleased with the level of customer service they received, and characterized the staff as efficient, helpful and friendly.
Several lodgers enjoyed the hotel's accommodations. They described their rooms as clean, well equipped, spacious and quiet, with great ocean views. It should be noted, however, that some guests had complaints about their rooms (see below).
The Bad
While the majority of reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, there were some common complaints about the parking, rooms and outdoor pool.
Some reviewers had complaints about the hotel's parking. They found the parking garage to be too small, especially for larger vehicles, with limited spots and tight spaces.
While the majority of guests were pleased with their rooms, and felt they were spacious and well furnished, some reviewers had complaints. They reported outdated decor, furniture and appliances, as well as some cleaning issues.
The hotel's outdoor pool was also a source of complaint for some lodgers, who found it to be too small and too hot.
Expedia.ca guest reviews rated the hotel 3.6 out of 5 with a 72% recommendation rate from 265 reviews.
Hotels.com guest reviews rated the hotel 3.4 out of 5 from 121 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviews ranked the hotel #24 of 30 specialty lodging in Myrtle Beach with a 3 out of 5 average rating from 82 reviews.
The author called the hotel on July 3, 2013 to verify some information.
