Value Getaway

I%26#39;ve been to Myrtle Beach some 20 years ago, and my wife%26#39;s never been. We%26#39;re looking for a short (3,4,5 nights) getaway to play some golf in Myrtle Beach.

Any recommendations for a value vacation?

We%26#39;re not extremely fussy about a place or view, (and we%26#39;re not cheap either - henece we%26#39;re looking for value) but would prefer something on or near the main drag. Something with a Kitchenette would be ideal. As for expectations, anything with at least the cleanliness of a major inexpensive chain would be just fine. (ie. Quality Inns)

We%26#39;re certainly not great golfers either. Is it worth reviewing the offers by the various golf sites %26amp; e-mails that include a round of golf, accomodations, %26amp; b-fast, or is it better to go and book tee-offs while there and look for a separate hotel deal? Also, is there a particular time period where the prices jump up due to US holidays that we should avoid.

Last time there, I did manage to find a %26#39;tower%26#39; with a Kitchen for some ridiculously low price - I probably hit the off season then.

Appreciate any and all suggestions %26amp; thoughts... thanks.

Value Getaway

Prices vary greatly in Myrtle Beach depending upon the time of year. Fall %26amp; Spring are great times to visit Myrtle Beach %26amp; play golf. Prices are lower %26amp; the weather is beautiful (barring any fall hurricanes, of course). You can find some nice golf packages that offer room, breakfast, golf, etc.

There are a couple of bike weeks in the spring that can make things seem crowded %26amp; early June is often when graduating high-schoolers take over the beaches.

Summer is the most expensive time with the highest prices being near mid-June to mid-August. This is when most families with school-aged kids visit.

Almost all accommodations in Myrtle Beach offer kitchenettes of some type.

Hope this helps you out.

Value Getaway

Rates are at their cheapest in November, December %26amp; January. Some places keep them the same until March; others raise them a little in Feb, but by mid March they really jump up and from mid-May %26#39;til September is top dollar.

I think fall (Sept %26amp; Oct) is the best time...rates are about the same as in March %26amp; April but the weather is much better %26amp; usually swimmable but not crowded.

As for golf, if you have certain courses you want to play, get a package. If you%26#39;re not fussy about which course, you can get pretty good deals making tee-times at the last minute.

Most standard rooms have minifridge %26amp; micro; kichenettes are only a little extra.

Green fees are higher in the fall and spring.

Summer (of course) is the most expensive time for those hotels/condos that are OF or second row. If you dont mind a short drive to the beach, or maybe not really interested in that scene at all...but want to golf, summer rates are really resonable at some of the golf condos...can think of one in particular, Barefoot Resort. Really nice condos, right there at the courses, on the waterway (ICW). There is also Myrtlewood Villas. And green fees at that time of year are great! And the courses aren%26#39;t crowded. Most offer reduced fees called 24/48 hour rates --- or check the local paper upon your arrival for any specials they may be running

For the best value book a one bedroom condo at Forest Dunes in the Summer season. Excellent units with outstanding ocean views from the 6th floor and up to the 12th.

Golf at Diamond Back,Pine Lakes,Possum Trot and Pearl East.Look for coupons in the Monster Book and the Sun Newspaper.

Eat at Carolina Roadhouse[USE CALL AHEAD SEATING],Bone Fish Grille,Villa Mare and Landry%26#39;s. Lunch at Hamburger Joe%26#39;s[ after Possum Trot],Atlanta Bread Company and River City Cafe.

Also there great takeout to be had at Southern Market.

Dear Firstastonly,

The best bargains we have found have been at mbgolf.com.

I have shopped over 15 websites this Spring and they really do have the best deals.

Darren Watson, Columbus OH

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