You're scrolling through hotel options and see a La Quinta. It’s familiar. It’s safe. But in a place like Myrtle Beach, "standard" doesn't always mean what you think it does. People often lump all these properties together, assuming they’re just carbon copies of a highway rest stop hotel. Honestly? That's a mistake. When you’re looking at La Quinta Myrtle Beach SC, you’re actually looking at a few very different experiences depending on which pin you drop on the map.
Location is everything here. You have the Broadway at the Beach location, which is basically the heartbeat of the tourist district. Then you have the North and South spots. They aren't interchangeable. If you book the wrong one because "it's just a La Quinta," you might end up a twenty-minute drive away from where you actually wanted to spend your night.
The Reality of the Broadway at the Beach Location
Let's talk about the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Myrtle Beach - Broadway at the Beach. It's the one everyone talks about. Why? Because you can practically smell the popcorn from the Pavilion Park.
It’s central. That’s the big sell.
If you’ve stayed at a La Quinta lately, you know the vibe: Bright colors, clean lines, and that "Del Sol" renovation package Wyndham pushed out a few years back. This specific spot on 23rd Avenue North fits that mold. It’s got the pillow-top mattresses and the mini-fridge that actually stays cold, which is a blessing when you’re hauling leftovers from Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen across the street.
But here is the thing.
Being near Broadway at the Beach means noise. Not "party in the room next door" noise—though that happens—but the hum of the city. Traffic on 17 Bypass is real. If you’re a light sleeper, you want a room facing away from the main road.
What to expect inside
The rooms are standard. You get the microwave. You get the desk. You get the free Wi-Fi that actually works well enough to stream a movie while your kids are passed out from a day at the beach. The pool is outside. It’s fine. It’s a pool. It’s not a resort-style "lazy river" experience, but it’s clean.
The breakfast is the classic "Bright Side Breakfast." It's waffles. It's hard-boiled eggs. It's those little yogurt cups. It is not a gourmet brunch, but it saves you $50 at a pancake house down the strip.
Comparing the "Other" La Quintas
Don’t get confused. There is also the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Myrtle Beach - N. Kings Hwy.
This one is further north. It’s closer to the actual ocean, technically, but it’s still not "oceanfront." That’s a distinction that trips people up constantly. In Myrtle Beach, "oceanfront" means your balcony hangs over the sand. "Near the beach" means you’re putting on flip-flops and crossing a busy road.
The North Kings Highway location is often a bit quieter. It feels more like a neighborhood stay than a tourist hub stay. If you’re heading up toward the Carolina Opry or Pirates Voyage, this is your home base.
Quick Reality Check:
None of the La Quinta properties in Myrtle Beach are oceanfront. If you see a photo of a balcony overlooking the Atlantic, you are looking at a different hotel. These are "Inland Suites." You are paying for the brand reliability and the price point, not the sound of crashing waves from your pillow.
The Pet Factor: Why People Actually Choose This Brand
Honestly, the biggest reason La Quinta Myrtle Beach SC stays booked is the pet policy.
Myrtle Beach can be weirdly hostile toward dogs during peak season. A lot of the high-rise resorts have strict "no pets" rules or charge a "cleaning fee" that costs more than the room itself. La Quinta has historically been the sanctuary for people traveling with their Labradors.
While many locations now charge a small nightly fee (usually around $25 per night, capped at $75 per stay, though this can vary), it is still one of the most dog-friendly footprints in the Grand Strand.
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The Broadway location has some grass patches. It’s not a park, but it works. Just remember the local laws: From May 1st through Labor Day, dogs are only allowed on the beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. If you’re staying at La Quinta, you’re likely driving your dog to the 48th Ave North beach access or over to the Barc Parc South near Market Common.
Pricing and Timing: When to Pull the Trigger
Myrtle Beach pricing is a roller coaster.
In February, you can find a room at La Quinta for $75. It’s a steal. You get the free breakfast, it’s quiet, and you can shop at the outlets without the crowds.
In July? That same room might be $220.
Is a La Quinta worth $220? That’s subjective. You’re paying for the location and the fact that every other "cheap" motel nearby looks like it hasn't been painted since 1984. The La Quinta brand offers a level of cleanliness that is predictable. In a city where "budget" hotels can be hit-or-miss—and the "misses" are legendary—predictability has a high market value.
Dealing with the "Myrtle Beach Tax"
South Carolina has a significant hospitality tax. When you see a rate online, add about 13% to it. Then add the "destination fee" or "resort fee" if the specific site is tacking one on. La Quinta usually avoids the heavy $30-a-day resort fees that the oceanfront towers charge, which is another sneaky way you save money here.
The "Hidden" Benefits of Staying Inland
Everyone wants to be on the beach. I get it. But staying at a place like La Quinta on the Bypass or Kings Hwy has perks that people overlook until they’re actually there.
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- Parking: At the big oceanfront resorts, you’re parking in a cramped parking garage three blocks away and lugging your suitcases through a skywalk. At La Quinta, you park your car in front of the door. You walk in. It’s easy.
- Food Access: You aren't trapped in the "tourist trap" food zone. You’re right next to the grocery stores (Food Lion and Publix are close) and the actual good local spots like Dagwood’s Deli or Fiesta Mexicana.
- Traffic: Getting in and out of an oceanfront hotel on Ocean Blvd during a Saturday check-in is a nightmare. Staying inland near Broadway at the Beach gives you immediate access to the 17 Bypass, which is the artery that gets you everywhere else fast.
Maintenance and Reality: A Word of Caution
I’m going to be real with you. Myrtle Beach is a high-turnover environment.
These hotels get used. Hard. Between the salt air and the thousands of families dragging sand into the elevators, things wear out. You might find a loose handle or a carpet stain.
The La Quinta properties here are generally well-maintained compared to the independent motels, but don't expect a 5-star luxury experience. It is a solid, 3-star mid-scale hotel. Check the most recent reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Google Maps before you book. Look specifically for comments from the last 30 days. Why? Because management changes, and in the hotel world, a new manager can turn a "meh" property into a "great" one in a month.
Safety and Security
The Broadway at the Beach area is generally safe because of the sheer volume of people and security. However, it’s a busy urban environment. Use common sense. Don’t leave your expensive golf clubs in the back of your SUV in the parking lot. The La Quinta lots are well-lit, but they are open to the public.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book La Quinta Myrtle Beach SC, follow this checklist to make sure you don't get stuck with a bad experience:
- Confirm your location: Double-check if you booked "Broadway at the Beach" or "North Kings Hwy." They are several miles apart.
- Request a high floor: At the Broadway location, higher floors generally mean less noise from the breakfast area and the parking lot.
- Join Wyndham Rewards: Even if you don't travel often, the "Member Rate" usually knocks 10% off immediately. It’s free. Just do it.
- Call about the pet fee: If you're bringing a dog, call the front desk directly the day before. Policies can shift, and it’s better to know the exact dollar amount before you show up at the desk.
- Check the HVAC: As soon as you walk into your room, turn the A/C on. Myrtle Beach humidity is brutal. If the unit is rattling or not blowing cold, ask for a room change immediately before you unpack.
- BYO Beach Towels: The hotel towels are for the pool and the bathroom. They aren't big enough for the beach, and the hotel won't appreciate you getting sand all over the white linens.
Staying at a La Quinta in Myrtle Beach is about balance. You’re trading the ocean view for a better price, a more reliable room, and a much easier logistical experience. For families or people traveling with pets, it’s often the smartest move on the map. Just know what you're signing up for: comfort, waffles, and a quick drive to the sand.
To get the best out of your trip, map out your beach access points before you arrive. The 40th Ave North access has decent parking and is a straight shot from the Kings Hwy location. If you're at the Broadway location, 21st Ave North is your closest path to the water. Plan for the parking meters—they take cards now, but they aren't cheap during the summer. Stay smart, keep your expectations realistic, and you'll have a great stay.