You know that feeling when you're looking at a dozen tabs of Myrtle Beach hotels and they all start to look exactly the same? Same beige carpets. Same tiny balconies. Same crowded breakfast nooks. Honestly, Schooner II Beach and Racquet Club usually catches people off guard because it doesn't try to be a mega-resort with a thousand screaming kids and a lobby that feels like an airport terminal. It’s more like a classic beach condo vibe that somehow survived the high-rise explosion of the last twenty years.
Located right on the oceanfront at 2108 North Ocean Boulevard, it’s basically in the sweet spot. You aren't right in the middle of the chaotic Boardwalk noise, but you’re close enough that you could walk there if you’re feeling ambitious or just want a giant ice cream cone.
The Suite Life (Literally, They Are All Suites)
Most people don't realize that Schooner II Beach and Racquet Club isn't a "hotel" in the way a Hilton or a Marriott is. It’s an all-suite property. That’s a huge distinction. If you’ve ever tried to cram a family of four into a standard double-queen room for a week, you know the literal hell of tripping over suitcases and smelling everyone's damp towels.
Here, you get space.
The one-bedroom suites are surprisingly roomy. We’re talking about a full kitchen—not just a microwave and a prayer, but a stove, a full-sized fridge, and a dishwasher. If you’re trying to save money by not eating $80 seafood platters every single night, having a real kitchen is a game changer. You can actually make a grilled cheese or keep a gallon of milk cold without it freezing in the back of a mini-fridge. The two-bedroom units are even better for larger groups.
The penthouses? They’re the crown jewels. They sit up on the 14th and 15th floors and the views are just... wow. You get these massive balconies that look straight out over the Atlantic. It’s the kind of spot where you can drink your morning coffee and actually watch the dolphins if you’re lucky. Or just watch the tide come in. Either way, it’s better than looking at a parking lot.
Let’s Talk About the "Racquet" Part
The name is a bit of a throwback. Schooner II Beach and Racquet Club. You might expect a dozen tennis courts and people in all-white outfits running around with vintage wooden racquets.
The reality is a bit more modest now.
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While they do have a racquetball court, most people come here for the beach, not to work on their backhand. But having that indoor court is actually a weirdly good perk if it starts raining. Which it will. It’s South Carolina; the weather is famously moody. When the clouds open up and everyone else is stuck in their rooms watching cable TV, you can head down and smash a ball against a wall for an hour to burn off some energy.
There's also a fitness center. It’s basic, but it works. You’ve got your treadmills and some weights. It’s enough to keep the vacation guilt at bay after you eat your third basket of hushpuppies.
The Pool Situation and Beach Access
If you’re a pool snob, listen up. The pool at Schooner II is outdoor and heated. It’s not a massive "water park" style setup with lazy rivers and buckets that dump water on your head every five minutes. If you want that, go to one of the giant resorts down the street.
This is more chill.
It’s an oceanfront pool, meaning you can see the waves while you’re floating in the chlorine. There’s also a hot tub and a sauna. The sauna is a nice touch that a lot of the newer, "sleeker" hotels have ditched to save on maintenance. There is something incredibly relaxing about sitting in a sauna after a long day of walking the Grand Strand, even if it’s 90 degrees outside.
And then there's the beach. It’s right there. You walk out the back of the property, cross the little wooden boardwalk, and you’re in the sand. No driving. No hunting for a parking spot at a public access point. No carrying a heavy cooler three blocks. This is arguably the biggest selling point.
What Nobody Tells You About the Location
Location is everything in Myrtle Beach. Schooner II sits in the "Northend" area of the main downtown stretch.
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Why does this matter?
Because you’re roughly 1.5 miles from the SkyWheel. That’s about a 25-minute walk or a 5-minute Uber. You’re far enough away that you don’t get the "cruising" noise and the heavy foot traffic of the main tourist drag, but you’re close enough that you aren't isolated.
Nearby Spots Worth Checking Out:
- Sea Captain's House: This place is legendary. It’s right nearby and has some of the best she-crab soup you will ever put in your mouth. It’s an old 1930s beach cottage turned restaurant.
- Broadway at the Beach: About a 10-minute drive inland. It’s touristy as heck, but you kinda have to go.
- The Boardwalk: Head south for the arcade, the Ferris wheel, and the general "Boardwalk vibe."
The "Old School" Factor
I’m going to be real with you. Schooner II is a classic property. If you are looking for ultra-modern, minimalist, Scandinavian design with smart-mirrors and robot room service, this isn't it.
It’s comfortable. It’s clean. It’s well-maintained. But it feels like a vacation home from a slightly simpler era. For a lot of people, that’s actually a plus. It feels more "beachy" and less "corporate office building." The staff is generally praised for being local and knowledgeable, not just reading from a script.
The parking situation is also pretty straightforward. They have a parking garage across the street. In Myrtle Beach, parking can be a nightmare, so having a dedicated spot in a garage is a major win, even if you have to walk across the street to get to the main building.
Pricing and Value Strategy
When you look at the rates for Schooner II Beach and Racquet Club, you have to factor in the kitchen.
If a room at a standard hotel is $150 and a suite at Schooner II is $200, the suite is actually cheaper if you use that kitchen for just one meal a day. Think about it. A family of four spends at least $60 on a basic breakfast out. Throw in coffee and some snacks, and you’re at $80. If you buy a carton of eggs, some bacon, and a loaf of bread at the local Kroger, you’ve paid for the price difference in a single morning.
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Plus, the laundry situation. They have guest laundry facilities. If you’re staying for a week, being able to wash your swimsuits so they don't get that "mildewy beach smell" is a luxury you didn't know you needed.
Who Is This Place For?
It’s for the family that wants to actually spend time together without being on top of each other.
It’s for the couple who wants a quiet balcony to watch the sunrise.
It’s for the group of friends who want a "home base" that isn't a cramped motel room.
It is not for the spring breaker looking to throw a rager.
It is not for the traveler who needs a 5-star concierge and a marble lobby.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book, there are a few things you should know to make it better.
- Request a Higher Floor: The views get significantly better once you get above the 5th or 6th floor. The 14th and 15th are the best, but even the middle floors offer a great vista of the coastline.
- Bring Your Own Beach Gear: While they have easy access to the sand, the hotel doesn't always provide umbrellas and chairs. You can rent them from the lifeguards on the beach, but that gets pricey ($30-$40 a day). Buy a cheap set at a beach shop nearby if you're staying more than three days.
- Check the Grocery Stores: There is a Piggly Wiggly and a Food Lion within a short drive. Don't buy your groceries at the little "convenience" shops right on the strip; you’ll pay double.
- Use the Kitchen: Seriously. Even if it's just for late-night snacks or a quick lunch. It makes the vacation feel so much more relaxed.
- Parking Pass: Make sure you keep your parking pass visible. The towing companies in Myrtle Beach are notoriously efficient and they don't care if you're a guest if you don't have your permit showing.
Schooner II Beach and Racquet Club represents a specific kind of Myrtle Beach experience. It’s the "Grand Strand" experience before everything became massive and over-commercialized. It’s about the ocean, the space, and the location. If you go in expecting a solid, comfortable, suite-style stay with killer views, you’re going to have a great time. Just don't forget to pack your racquetball goggles if you're feeling competitive.
To get the most out of your trip, check the local event calendar before you arrive. Myrtle Beach often has festivals at the old Pavilion site or concerts at Broadway at the Beach that can impact traffic on Ocean Boulevard. Planning your arrival for a Tuesday or Wednesday can also save you a headache compared to the Saturday afternoon check-in rush which usually turns the strip into a parking lot.
Stay focused on the "why" of your vacation. If the "why" is relaxation and ease of access to the water, this spot hits the mark better than most of the high-priced alternatives nearby. It's about finding that balance between cost and comfort, and for many, this is exactly where that balance lives.