We booked the Carolina Grande through a timeshare exchange. Since it was off-season, we were delighted to get a three bedroom with an unobstructed ocean view (across the street, high rises on either side of the view) on one of the higher floors. The Carolina is very centrally located in one of the better sections of the main street along the ocean. There were no major elevator slowness issues since it was off season, but it was very windy in the open air area while waiting for the elevator.

Two other couples stayed with us in the condo, as we were there for a New Year's reunion with them and four other couples who used to hang out together until retirement/relocations caused some to move away from New England.

The condo was cleverly built to include everything you needed for your stay in a compact space. It was clean, well decorated, and the beds were comfortable. There was a large table for dining and a breakfast bar. Two of the bedrooms had king beds, and one had doubles (or twins, not sure). Three complete baths! One of our friends is handicapped and in a wheelchair, so to watch the Patriots game in the compact living room we had to move some furniture around a bit, but it worked. Another friend had to do some work on his laptop while there, and he found the internet connection to be somewhat problematic at first, and a little pricy. Free wireless would have been nice!

We arrived early, but could not check in before the regular time. When we first registered, there was a little time share pressure, but when we made it clear we would be very busy and were not interested, they left us alone for the remainder of the stay. They were happy to recommend a breakfast place that was pleasant, cheap, and literally steps away, The Magnolia.

One couple who lives in the area (Murrell's Inlet) arranged all of our golf, entertainment, touring, and other activities. We went on a Palmetto Carriage tour of Charleston (less than two hours away) which was very enjoyable. We played golf at two very nice courses (Blackmoor was excellent). We ate in all kinds of restaurants to experience low country specialities--especially enjoying Flo's in Murrell's inlet--the waitress was fun and so was the atmosphere and view. We went to Brookgreen Gardens---highly recommended in any season. On New Year's Eve we went to The Crab House for dinner, followed by a spectacular holiday show at the Alabama Theatre. And as an unexpected bonus, the weather cooperated for our entire stay--60's and 70's every day, with little or no rain.

We look forward to our next visit to Myrtle Beach, which has something for everyone, and would happily stay at the Carolina Grande again.

My husband and I along with some friends decided to get away for the weekend and chose to stay at the Carolina Grande. We had a three bedroom suite on the 17th floor that was equipped with all the comforts of home including a washer/dryer, stereo, DVD player. The master bedroom, living room and balcony faced the ocean, and even though the hotel is not directly on the beach there is no obstruction to block the beautiful view of the ocean. The only complaint I have is the previous guests were obviously smokers because the suite had a strong odor, and we were not able to switch to another one. The location was ideal. It was a short walk to Starbucks and a short drive to restaurants and the shopping outlet. We would stay there again without question.

I go to the Black Bikers Rally EVERY year. Last year, my homeboy stayed in the Grande and I just fell in LOVE with the resort!! Becasue of the EXTRA LARGE rooms and space in the 3 BR suite, I just KNEW I was gonna stay this year. AND I DID!!! The only things is they dont have a lot of those rooms avaoilable for calling straight to the resort & paying 1 nights rent until arriving. If you go on line, though, there are rooms avail but you have to pay for it all at once. The other thing is the elevator, but We got over that cuz we took the stairs sometimes also. I would recommend this place to ANYBODY. It's really like a home away from home! LOVED IT!!!!!!

We booked with Blue Green.

On the plus side.
Ocean view (18th floor). perfect with exception of Best Western view that was right on the beach accross from us.
Very clean !
Decent new furnishing/carpet. ceramic tiles in the kitchen living area. nice decoration.
free parking. plenty of indoor space.
balcony was safe as we could lock access for our 2 years old.
good size and very comfortable bed. very clean 'new' sheets
good location. accross from a very nice beach. some restaurants.Some.
long, thin, decent size condo. stayed in one bedroom.
all new Kitchen ustensils. clean.
plenty of towels and bath supply. nice size bath.
were not bothered for a sales pitch that we turned down at sign in.

on the disapointing side:
thin walls in the living room. could hear the other 'guest' talking. might be because the unit was separated by a door that allow multiple unit booking.
no free internet for our laptop. had to pay fee for non wireless internet.bad location of internet hookup. Had to stand up next to kitchen sink. They have one busy internet access PC downstairs. Wait in line.
Loud crass Time share salesmen taking loud breaks or walking potential customers/'victims' to the elevators for a visit. sales area right at bottom of elevators. A constant turn off.
Pool very small and outdated, open air on windy 6th floor, very small. They Closed without notification. was told that we could use it (have 3 children) but found that it was closed for the entire weekand so were the activities. We were allowed to go acrross the busy street to the Best Western but who wants to freeze in a windy street back and forth. they need to update their pool. need to be more competitive.
small tv in the living room.
Very busy street to cross to the beach.
PS. bring your own salt and peper.

Summary. would stay there again, clean, efficient but not for a week vacation. ok if no other choice. not bad but not great.