Myrtle Beach's BEST Kept Secret? Patricia Grand Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the (not-so-secret anymore) world of the Patricia Grand Resort in Myrtle Beach. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs; this is going to be REAL. (And probably a little chaotic, just like my last beach vacation.)
Patricia Grand: The "Best Kept Secret" that… Well, Isn't Anymore (and That's Okay!)
First off, let's address the "best kept secret" thing. Honey, between Tripadvisor and my aunt Mildred's Facebook page, nothing stays secret anymore. But is it worth the hype? Let's find out!
Accessibility: Getting Around (and If You Can)
Okay, real talk. Accessibility is HUGE, and the Patricia Grand seems mostly on board. They’ve got elevators (thank the heavens!), which is vital. More importantly, getting around the building feels pretty comfy. While I didn't personally try out a wheelchair, I noticed things like ramps and accessible rooms were available. Bravo, Patricia Grand!
Accessibility Score: Solid B+. Could always be better, but it’s a good start and much better than some of the older, creakier hotels around.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Beach Bum within
Alright, let's talk food. Because a vacation without good eats is a tragedy. The Patricia Grand had a pretty impressive arsenal of dining options. They definitely tried!
- Restaurants & Bars: Multiple restaurants are on-site, which is fantastic for convenience. I personally devoured some killer breakfast at the restaurant with the buffet, which was a classic hotel buffet situation (scrambled eggs that tasted suspiciously like they came from a carton, but hey, it's what I wanted!). They had options for Asian and Western breakfasts, and even a vegetarian restaurant, which isn’t something I would need, but it’s a bonus! The pool-side bar was clutch for those afternoon cocktails.
- Room Service (24-hour!): This is a godsend. Especially when you want a pizza and a movie at 2 AM, which I definitely didn't do (wink, wink).
- Snacks: Convenient store for a quick grab-and-go.
- The Vibes: Overall, the atmosphere was relaxed and perfect for a beach vacation.
Foodie Verdict: A solid B. Nothing Michelin-starred, but the variety and convenience make up for any culinary shortcomings.
Ways to Relax: Finding Your Zen (or Pretending To)
Okay, this is where the Patricia Grand really shines.
- Pools Galore! Several outdoor pools, including a gorgeous pool with a view, were the heart of this place. Sunbathing, swimming, people-watching – it's all there.
- Spa & Wellness:
- The Spa: I had a massage, and it was bliss. Seriously, melted-into-the-table bliss. I walked in a stressed-out mess and floated out feeling like a new person. The sauna and steamroom were pretty delightful too, though I couldn’t handle the heat in the steamroom for very long.
- Fitness Center: Okay, I confess. I intended to use the fitness center. I even packed my workout clothes. But let's be honest, the beach and the pool bar were just too tempting. It looked well-equipped, though!
- Things to do: Plenty on-site, or close by. The ocean is a short walk from the pool area.
Relaxation Rating: An A. Between the spa, pools, and proximity to the beach, you're guaranteed to find your happy place.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and Hand Sanitizer)
Post-pandemic, we're all a little obsessed with cleanliness, right? The Patricia Grand seemed to take this seriously.
- Lots of Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere! (A+ for that.)
- Daily Disinfection: They were cleaning and disinfecting everything, which made me feel a lot more comfortable.
- Room Sanitization: They also had room sanitation options, which is definitely something to consider.
- Safe Dining setup: Everything was clean as a whistle.
- Staff Training: I saw staff taking precautions, which is always a good sign.
Safety Score: An A. They're doing everything right in this department.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (Yes, Please!)
This is where the Patricia Grand really impresses. They thought of everything!
- Front Desk (24-hour): Super helpful staff.
- Concierge: I didn’t use them, but it’s a great option to have there.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry Service: Crucial.
- Elevator: So much better than the stairs!
- On-site event hosting: If you're into that, they have setups available.
- Currency Exchange: Convenient for those traveling internationally.
- Convenience Store: For those late-night snack runs.
- Cash withdrawal: Easy access to a cash machine.
- Family-Friendly: They've got amenities for kids, which makes traveling with family a breeze.
Convenience Factor: A+. They really went above and beyond to make guests' lives easier.
Available in all rooms: The Necessities (Plus Some Nice Extras)
The rooms themselves were pretty standard, but in a good way.
- Air Conditioning: Needed!
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Essential for that morning caffeine fix.
- Wi-Fi (Free!): Always a win.
- Mini Bar: I’m a sucker for a mini-bar.
- Desk: Good for getting some work done.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Great for getting clean!
- In-room safe box: Important
- Hair dryer: Another essential.
- Bathing Accessories: Everything you need.
Room Rating: A. Clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need.
For the Kids: Fun for the Whole Family
- Family/child friendly:
- Babysitting service:
- Kids meal: Great for all ages.
Kid-Friendly: A big thumbs up.
The Nitty-Gritty: What Really Happened
Okay, so I was there for a long weekend. I arrived stressed from a particularly hectic week, and I wanted to disconnect.
- The Arrival: Check-in was a breeze. The front desk staff was friendly and efficient. I got my key, zipped up to my room on the elevator, and the vacation began!
- My Room's "Charm": The room was clean, comfortable, and had a beautiful ocean view. The bed was comfy, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in.
- The Spa Experience: The massage truly made my day. I highly recommend getting a treatment!
- Pool Time: Spent hours lounging by the pool, reading a book, and sipping on cocktails. The service was excellent. There were plenty of people, but never too crowded.
- The Food: I had some delicious meals on-site! The convenience of having multiple restaurants was a huge bonus!
Final Verdict: Is the Patricia Grand Worth It?
Yes. Absolutely. The Patricia Grand is a solid choice for a Myrtle Beach vacation. It's not perfect, nobody is, but it offers a great combination of amenities, convenience, and relaxation. The spa alone is worth the price of admission, and the overall experience is a positive one. I’ll definitely be back – next time, I’ll actually use that gym. Maybe. 😉
Unbelievable Erie Getaway: Wingate by Wyndham Erie (PA)!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a glimpse into my Myrtle Beach experience at the Patricia Grand. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs, this is the raw, unfiltered truth, seasoned with a healthy dose of caffeine and existential dread (kidding! Mostly…).
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (aka "WHERE'S THE OCEAN?!")
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at the Patricia Grand. Okay, so it looks promising online. Bright colors, ocean views… but the reality? Well, let's just say the lobby smells vaguely of stale chlorine and regret. First impression: "Hmm, hope they have good AC."
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The woman behind the counter has a smile that seems surgically attached, and she rattles off information so fast, I swear I only understood the words "key", "elevator", and "parking." My inner monologue: "Did she mention the beach? Wait, is this even near the beach?!"
- 2:00 PM: Into my room! Whoa. Okay, the ocean view is… there! Tiny, but there. You know, if you lean way out the window and squint. The decor screams "80s beach explosion," complete with floral bedspreads and a mirror that probably reflects a lot of bad hair days. Still, a bed is a bed, and I'm exhausted from the drive.
- 2:30 PM: Unpack. Successfully avoided a mental breakdown (so far). Found the mini-fridge! Score!
- 3:00 PM: Beach time! (FINALLY!) The walk to the beach is… slightly longer than advertised. Turns out, the "ocean view" promised is more "ocean glimpse." But hey, the sand is HOT. Like, burn-your-feet hot. I find my spot, plop my towel, and immediately feel like I'm supposed to be doing something else. I spent like fifteen minutes agonizing over what to read and whether to apply more sunscreen.
- 4:00 PM: First swim. The Atlantic? COLD. Shockingly, bone-chillingly cold! Took about 10 minutes to actually submerge myself. But the waves are pretty awesome, and I spent a good chunk of time just letting them roll over me.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a seafood shack. "Sea Captain's House" - classic tourist trap, but the hush puppies were on point. Also, I may have spent the entire meal eavesdropping on the table next to me, which was having a very dramatic family argument. People-watching is the best part of any vacation, am I right?
- 8:00 PM: Walk along the boardwalk. The neon lights, the cheesy music, the aggressive hawkers… it's sensory overload. I love it. I buy a ridiculously overpriced souvenir and a giant bag of saltwater taffy. No regrets.
- 9:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Watched a terrible movie on TV and fell asleep before the credits rolled.
Day 2: The Rollercoaster of Arcade Adventures and Deep Fried Everything (and I mean EVERYTHING!)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up with a crick in my neck. The bed isn’t exactly what you'd call luxurious. Coffee is lukewarm. Sigh.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Standard buffet fare. The only real highlight was the waffle maker. I may or may not have gone back for seconds… and thirds… and maybe even fourths…
- 11:00 AM: Arcade Apocalypse. We're talking the Myrtle Beach Arcade. I went in thinking, “Oh, I’ll play a couple of rounds.” I emerged three hours later, clutching a mountain of tickets, a bruised ego (those claw machines are rigged, I tell you!), and a sugar rush that could power a small city. The air smells like stale popcorn and pure, unadulterated joy (and a hint of desperation). I played Skee-Ball with the passion of a thousand suns, and for a glorious moment, forgot all about the world's problems, including the fact that I'm terrible at Skee-Ball.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Deep-fried everything! Again, I am here! The greasy goodness is almost a character itself.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to relax. I decide to lounge by the pool. Until a gaggle of screaming kids took over. Okay, time to pivot.
- 4:00 PM: The Great Souvenir Hunt. I need a cheesy t-shirt and a seashell wind chime. The pressure is on.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. This time it's at a restaurant that specializes in… wait for it… seafood! The crab legs were delicious, but the waitress was… a character. She kept calling everyone "sugar" and dispensing unsolicited relationship advice. I secretly loved her.
- 8:00 PM: Evening stroll and watch the sunset. The orange and pink skies over the ocean are a beautiful sight.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Attempted early bedtime.
Day 3: Rollercoaster of Emotions (and a Minor Meltdown)
- 8:00 AM: Sun, more lukewarm coffee, and a nagging feeling of not having done enough. I could have been more adventurous. More spontaneous. More… something. This is the moment when the travel blues struck a little extra hard.
- 9:00 AM: Decided that enough was enough. Time for an activity! Decided to go kayaking.
- 11:30 AM: Kayaked. It was beautiful. The tranquility of the water, the birds, the sunshine… I almost cried (happy tears!). I discovered a part of myself I'd forgotten about. I was, at least, momentarily, at peace.
- 2:00 PM: Some more relaxation. Reading on the beach.
- 4:00 PM: The dreaded pack. My suitcase looks like it's swallowed a small country. Regret this the most.
- 6:00 PM: Last dinner. I ate at a place with "the best ribs in Myrtle Beach." They were okay. Nothing to write home about.
- 7:00 PM: One last walk on the beach. Sadness, nostalgia, and a weird sense of relief all crammed into one sunset.
- 9:00 PM: Final night. Packed my bags, and prepared myself for the departure.
Day 4: Goodbye, Myrtle Beach (and the Start of the Real Me)
- 7:00 AM: Check-out. Said goodbye to the hotel.
- 8:00 AM: Driving home. Reflection.
- 9:00 AM: And I'm off. It was a messy, imperfect, and sometimes slightly bonkers trip. But it was my trip. And despite the questionable decor, the lukewarm coffee, and the fact that I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds, I had a pretty damn good time. And isn't that what it's all about? Right. Maybe. Who knows. See ya, Myrtle Beach. Until next time.
Okay, so, Patricia Grand. Best Kept Secret? Seriously?
Alright, alright, let's unpack this. Calling the Patricia Grand a "best-kept secret" in Myrtle Beach? Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on how much you *like* secrets being spilled. Look, I've been going to Myrtle Beach since, like, dinosaurs roamed the earth (okay, just since I was a kid). And the Patricia Grand… it’s got a certain *je ne sais quoi*. It's not the flashing neon, the screaming crowds of Spring Break, or the "luxury" with the air of slightly-used furniture found at some of the other resorts. The Patricia Grand is… well, it’s comfortable. Like a favorite old pair of jeans. And let's be honest, for the price point, you're getting a seriously good deal. I mean, you're not gonna get a Michelin star meal on-site or anything, but you ARE going to be directly on the ocean. And that, my friends, is gold. Pure, salty, glorious gold.
What's the WORST thing about the Patricia Grand? Lay it on me.
Ugh. Okay. Okay, brace yourselves. I *hate* to say it, but... elevators. THE ELEVATORS. They're... a crapshoot. Sometimes they're smooth sailing, whisking you up and down with the ease of a seasoned magician. Other times? They're a slow, creaky, stop-and-start panic attack waiting to happen. I swear, I once spent a solid fifteen minutes stuck between floors with a screaming toddler and a guy wearing a Hawaiian shirt that was, frankly, too small. Pure. Hotel. Hell. Make sure you're ready to use stairs. Just in case.
Are the rooms actually... nice?
"Nice" is relative, yeah? Don't go expecting a brand-new, freshly Instagrammed minimalist paradise. They're… functional. Clean. Spacious enough. You'll find a kitchenette (bonus!), a balcony (double bonus for ocean views, which are worth their weight in, well, ocean views), and… well, let's just say they've seen a few spring breaks. But here's the thing: The rooms *work*. The beds are comfy enough to collapse into after a full day of sun and sand. And honestly, are you really *in* your room that much when you're at the beach? I spend more time on the beach than the room. Besides, the ocean views can make up for a lot of sins. Like, a LOT.
The pools! Are they kid-friendly?
Yes! The pools are definitely kid-friendly. There's an indoor pool (a lifesaver on those rare rainy days) and an outdoor pool, and they usually have a lazy river. My kids? They practically live in the pools. I mean, sometimes I feel more like a lifeguard than a parent. But it's awesome because they tire themselves out. And maybe, just maybe, I get to read *one whole chapter* of my book without interruption. Victory!
Food! Is there any good food near the Patricia Grand? (Besides the ocean, obvi.)
Okay, let's be real. Fine dining? Not exactly the area's forte. But! There are some decent options. Dirty Don’s is a solid casual place. And, if you're willing to venture out a bit, there are some fantastic restaurants a short drive away. I personally love stopping for fresh seafood. Otherwise, you're going to be cooking in your kitchenette. But hey, grocery stores are just a short drive as well. And let's be honest, sometimes a simple grilled cheese sandwich on the balcony, with an ocean view? Perfection.
Beach Access: How's the walk to the beach?
Oh, it's glorious. You walk right out of the resort, step onto the boardwalk, and BOOM! Sand. That's like the best part. Beach access is a dream. You're practically *on* the beach. Makes loading up all the beach gear a breeze. No long walks dragging beach chairs, coolers, and screaming children. Just a quick hop, skip, and a jump, and you're there. I mean, the whole point of going to Myrtle Beach is the beach, right? And the Patricia Grand gets that. It's a huge plus.
What's the deal with parking?
Parking... okay. It's manageable. There's usually a garage. It's not always the *easiest* to navigate during peak season (again, the elevators!), but you'll (eventually) find a spot. Be patient. Breath. Remember, you are on vacation. And maybe, just maybe, walk up the stairs when you can. It's good exercise. Plus, you can avoid elevator drama.
Is the staff friendly?
Generally, yes. The staff at the Patricia Grand are friendly. Always. And helpful. They're used to dealing with vacationers, the good, the bad, and the, well, let's say "eccentric." I've had some great experiences. One time, my kid lost his favorite stuffed alligator (don't ask) and the housekeeping staff went above and beyond to find it. Seriously, they are life savers. Good people.
The best time/season to go?
This is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly, it depends on what you're after. Summer's hot, crowded, and lively. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are a sweet spot: good weather, fewer crowds. Winter? Quiet, chilly, and some attractions are closed. But you can't beat those off-season prices. And maybe... just maybe... that's when the "best-kept secret" really shines.
Okay, you've convinced me. Any inside tips?
Alright, alright, here's the inside scoop from a seasoned veteran:
* **Request a high-floor oceanfront room.** Trust me, the view is worth it.
* **Pack snacks! Lots of them!** Because kids. And because, vacation.
* **Be patient with the elevators.** Deep breaths.
* **Don't expect perfection.** It's not a luxury resort. It's a comfortable,Ocean View Inn
Patricia Grand Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach (SC) United States
Patricia Grand Resort Hotel Myrtle Beach (SC) United States
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