Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort sits in a prime location on South Ocean Boulevard, directly facing the sand and surf and across from the Family Kingdom amusement park. For families, it promises ocean views, multiple pools, a lazy river, and condo-style villas with kitchenettes. But is it actually worth the money and the fees once you add up parking, pet charges, and extras, especially compared with other Myrtle Beach oceanfront resorts? This guide breaks down the real-world pros and cons so you can decide if Westgate Myrtle Beach is the right fit for your next family stay.
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Oceanfront Location: How Good Is It Really?
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort has one of the more convenient addresses on the Grand Strand for families who want to park the car and mostly forget about it. The resort is genuinely oceanfront, with the main tower sitting just behind the dunes, so you can be from elevator to sand in a few minutes with kids and gear in tow. Many rooms and villas face the Atlantic directly, and even amusement park view rooms still put you only a short walk from the beach.
The immediate neighborhood is busy but practical. You are on South Ocean Boulevard, with the Family Kingdom amusement park and its wooden Swamp Fox coaster across the street, arcades and snack spots within a few blocks, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area about a five minute drive away. For a family that wants to combine beach time with classic boardwalk atmosphere and fair rides, that proximity can save you both rideshare costs and time shuttling overtired kids back and forth.
Noise is the main tradeoff for this central location. Traffic along South Ocean Boulevard and the sounds from Family Kingdom can run late into the evening in peak summer, especially on weekends. Guests in lower floor amusement park view rooms tend to notice this most. If you have small children with early bedtimes, it is worth requesting a higher floor oceanfront room on the side furthest from the amusement rides or considering travel in shoulder seasons like late April or September when the area is a little quieter.
Compared with many budget towers further up the strip, Westgate’s location gives you easier access to the airport, which is roughly a 10 minute drive, and to attractions like miniature golf, grocery stores, and chain restaurants along Kings Highway. That can make a real difference for short three or four night stays when you do not want to spend a full day just figuring out logistics.
Room Space and Villa Layouts: How Comfortable Is It for Families?
Where Westgate Myrtle Beach stands out compared with typical older oceanfront hotels is the amount of space you can get in the villa-style units. Standard king or double oceanfront guestrooms are fairly typical in size at around 270 square feet and sleep up to two or four guests, which can feel tight once you add a pack and play or beach gear. These are fine for a quick weekend but less ideal for a week with kids and grandparents.
The one bedroom and two bedroom villas are where the resort starts to make sense for families. One bedroom oceanfront or coastal view villas are listed at roughly 385 to more than 600 square feet depending on the exact category, and many include a separate living area with a queen sleeper sofa, a dining table, and a kitchenette or full kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, and basic cookware. For a family of four, that separation of sleeping and living space can be the difference between lights out at 8 p.m. and adults having a place to sit after the kids go down.
Two bedroom villas, at over 900 square feet in some configurations, can comfortably handle multi generational groups or two small families traveling together. Having two bathrooms and multiple balconies means both privacy and shared space, which is helpful on rainy days when everyone is indoors. Travelers who compared these layouts with more traditional hotel suites at other oceanfront brands often mention that Westgate villas feel more like condos, with room to unpack and actually live in the space for a week.
On the flip side, the property has both older and newer sections, and reviews are mixed on the condition of some units. Recent guests report that renovated rooms and villas are bright and modern, while others mention dated décor, worn furniture, or maintenance issues like slow drains or aging appliances. When booking, it is wise to call ahead and request a renovated unit if possible and to plan on a quick walkthrough at check in so that any problems can be addressed or you can ask about a room change early.
Pools, Lazy River, and Water Play: Will the Kids Be Happy On Site?
For many families, the deciding factor is whether the resort gives the kids enough to do without leaving the property every day. Westgate Myrtle Beach has a solid, though not massive, set of water features. The resort includes a heated outdoor oceanfront lap pool, a lazy river, a separate children’s water play area or splash pad, and a hot tub. For young children and early elementary ages, that combination of lazy river loops and shallow play zones can be more than enough for relaxed afternoons between beach sessions.
The lazy river itself runs in a compact circuit adjacent to the main pool deck, with inner tubes provided. It is not on the scale of the big water parks at some competitor resorts but adds just enough variety that kids do not feel like they are in the same pool day after day. Parents report that they can settle into lounge chairs with a view of both the pool and the beach beyond, which makes it easier to supervise kids while still enjoying the ocean panorama.
Because the deck area is not enormous, crowding can be an issue in peak summer weeks, especially around midday when everyone comes up from the beach at once. Families who enjoy quieter pool time often plan morning swims right after breakfast or late afternoon dips when others head off to dinner. In shoulder seasons, the heated pool and lazy river extend usefulness into cooler spring and fall days, which is a plus if you are traveling outside July and August.
If your family expects a full destination water park with multiple slides and lazy rivers, properties like Dunes Village or some of the big Hilton affiliated resorts may offer more elaborate water complexes. Westgate’s strength is more about a compact, easy to navigate setup that works well for younger kids and parents who value convenience over a vast number of features.
Parking, Resort Fees, and What You Actually Pay
One of the most important parts of deciding whether Westgate Myrtle Beach is worth it is understanding the real price once fees are added. The resort charges a nightly resort fee that is currently just under twenty dollars per night before tax. That fee typically covers Wi Fi, fitness center access, local calls, and an in room safe. It does not eliminate parking costs, so you need to factor the resort fee into your nightly rate when comparing with other properties that might bundle those services into the base price.
Parking at oceanfront hotels in Myrtle Beach is rarely simple, and Westgate is no exception. The resort uses a combination of on site surface spaces and a parking deck, and depending on occupancy and your arrival time, you may end up parking across the street or in a nearby structure and walking over with luggage and kids. For families with strollers or beach wagons, that short walk across a busy boulevard may be frustrating, particularly in peak summer when traffic is heavy and temperatures are high. If close, convenient parking is a top priority, you may want to include that in your comparison with alternative resorts.
As of the most recent published information, Westgate’s resort fee is lower than some larger full service oceanfront resorts that can charge well over thirty dollars per night for similar inclusions. However, when you combine nightly rate, resort fee, tax, and any parking charges, a typical one bedroom villa stay in high season can easily move from what looks like a midrange price at first glance into upper midrange territory. A family booking a five night July stay might find that an advertised room rate of, for example, 260 dollars per night turns into closer to 320 dollars per night after fees and taxes.
To keep costs under control, it helps to compare total estimated bill amounts across properties instead of just headline room rates. Some travelers also look at visiting in June or late August, when nightly rates tend to dip relative to peak July, or consider Sunday through Thursday stays, which often price lower than weekends even at the same resort.
Pet Policy and Extra Costs for Four Legged Family Members
Westgate Myrtle Beach is pet friendly, which immediately sets it apart from many oceanfront towers in Myrtle Beach that either do not allow pets at all or limit them to certain off season dates. The resort allows dogs under a specified weight limit, typically up to around 60 pounds, subject to change, and requires advance notice at booking for pet stays so that you can be assigned to a pet friendly unit.
The tradeoff is the added cost. In addition to a nonrefundable pet cleaning fee that is charged per stay, there is usually a nightly pet fee that is charged per pet. In practice, this can mean that bringing one medium sized dog for a week can add a substantial sum to your total bill. For example, if the nightly pet fee is around twenty dollars plus tax and the one time cleaning fee is over one hundred dollars, a seven night stay with one dog could easily mean well over two hundred dollars in pet related charges alone.
Families who are driving from nearby states like North Carolina or Georgia often view this as a worthwhile tradeoff to avoid kenneling or pet sitting costs back home, especially if their dog is part of the daily routine. You will want to factor in that pets are generally restricted from pool areas and may be limited on certain parts of the beach at specific times of day or seasons under local ordinances, so your dog may spend more time in the villa than on the sand.
If your group is price sensitive and does not absolutely need to bring a pet, it can be less expensive to book a non pet friendly unit or to consider a different property that either waives pet fees during certain promotions or has lower surcharges. On the other hand, if traveling without your dog would require boarding at forty to sixty dollars per day back home, Westgate’s pet policy can still come out ahead financially over a full week.
Family Value: Comparing Westgate to Other Oceanfront Options
Measuring value at Westgate Myrtle Beach depends heavily on how your family uses the resort. For a family of four that plans to eat breakfast and a few dinners in the villa, make heavy use of the beach and lazy river, and walk across to the amusement park for a couple of evenings, the resort can feel like good value compared with booking two standard hotel rooms elsewhere. The ability to spread out in a one or two bedroom villa and cook simple meals can easily save a family one hundred dollars or more per day in restaurant costs alone.
Real world comparisons often involve other family oriented oceanfront properties like Dunes Village, Compass Cove, or major brand suites such as Embassy Suites at Kingston Resorts. Those competitors may offer larger or more elaborate water parks, included breakfast, or loyalty points if you are tied to a major hotel chain. Westgate, by contrast, leans on its villa layouts and central location as key value drivers, along with occasional promotional offers that bundle in attraction tickets or discounted rates in exchange for sitting through a timeshare presentation.
That last point is important. Westgate is both a resort and a timeshare property, and multiple guests report being invited or pressured to attend sales presentations. Some visitors appreciate the trade, such as receiving discounted room rates or amusement park passes in exchange for a few hours of their time. Others find the sales pressure unwelcome on a family vacation. If you are not interested in timeshare ownership, you will want to be prepared with a firm but polite decline when offers are made at check in or by phone.
Guest reviews are mixed, ranging from families who return year after year for the location and views to others who would not come back due to maintenance problems, noise, or service issues. This range suggests that Westgate can deliver strong value for families who get a renovated villa, enjoy the beach focused location, and understand the timeshare environment, while those expecting luxury hotel level finishes and service may be disappointed.
Who Is Westgate Myrtle Beach Best Suited For?
Westgate Myrtle Beach tends to work best for certain types of travelers. Families with young children who care more about easy beach access, having a kitchen, and a lazy river than about high end décor often come away satisfied, especially if they secure a one or two bedroom villa at a competitive rate. The ability to walk to Family Kingdom and nearby casual restaurants makes quick outings simple, which is valuable when nap schedules and early bedtimes are in play.
It can also suit multi generational groups who want shared living space but separate bedrooms and bathrooms. Grandparents can enjoy oceanfront balconies and early morning walks, while parents and kids take advantage of the pools and nearby attractions. Being only a short drive from the airport is another advantage for groups flying in from different cities.
On the other hand, couples seeking a quiet, romantic atmosphere or travelers who prioritize a polished resort aesthetic may be happier at some of the newer or more upscale oceanfront properties further north along the Grand Strand. Likewise, if your top priority is a sprawling, resort style water park with multiple slides and attractions, you may find better fit and value at a dedicated water park resort even if the nightly room rate is higher.
In short, Westgate Myrtle Beach is not a one size fits all choice. It offers strong practical value for families who plan to use the full kitchen and extra space and who are comfortable with a busy, central oceanfront setting and a timeshare backdrop. It is less appealing for travelers who want turnkey luxury or complete quiet.
The Takeaway
So is Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort worth it for an oceanfront family stay? For many families, the answer is yes, with conditions. The location directly on the beach and across from Family Kingdom is hard to beat if you want to minimize driving and keep daily logistics simple. The villa style units, especially one and two bedroom layouts with kitchens, can deliver good value once you factor in savings on restaurant meals and the convenience of extra space.
At the same time, you need to go in with clear eyes about the tradeoffs. The property includes a resort fee, potential parking hassles, and significant pet charges if you bring a dog. Some units are more updated than others, and the overall feel is busy rather than tranquil. The timeshare sales environment is part of the experience, and guest reviews point to variable service and maintenance.
If you secure a renovated villa at a fair rate, budget for resort and pet fees, and are primarily focused on easy beach time, a lazy river, and the ability to walk to evening entertainment, Westgate Myrtle Beach can be a solid, practical choice. If you expect luxury finishes, a massive water park, or a quiet escape from the action, you may find better value at other oceanfront resorts along the Grand Strand.
FAQ
Q1. Is Westgate Myrtle Beach truly oceanfront or just near the beach?
Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is directly on the oceanfront, with the main tower facing the beach. Many rooms and villas offer full ocean views, and the pool deck and beach access sit just behind the dunes so you can walk from the elevator to the sand in a few minutes.
Q2. Are the rooms at Westgate Myrtle Beach large enough for a family of four?
Standard guestrooms can feel tight for a family of four, especially for longer stays, but one bedroom and two bedroom villas provide much more space. These villa layouts typically include a separate living area with a sleeper sofa and a kitchenette or full kitchen, which works far better for families than a single room hotel layout.
Q3. Does Westgate Myrtle Beach have a lazy river and kids’ water play area?
Yes, the resort has a compact lazy river, a heated outdoor pool, a children’s water play area or splash pad, and a hot tub. It is not a large scale water park, but the lazy river and shallow play zone are usually enough to keep younger children entertained between trips to the beach.
Q4. How crowded do the pools and lazy river get in summer?
In peak summer, the pool deck and lazy river can be quite busy, especially around midday and early afternoon when many families come up from the beach. For a quieter experience, guests often use the pools in the morning or later in the afternoon when crowds thin out.
Q5. What extra fees should I expect beyond the nightly room rate?
In addition to the base room or villa rate, you should plan for a nightly resort fee that covers Wi Fi and certain amenities, taxes on the room and fees, and parking, which may have limitations or charges depending on the time of year. If you bring a pet, you will also pay a one time cleaning fee plus a nightly pet fee.
Q6. Is Westgate Myrtle Beach a good option if we are bringing a dog?
Westgate is one of the oceanfront resorts that allows dogs, typically up to a set weight limit, for an additional cost. The pet policy makes it practical for families who prefer not to board their dog, but the combined cleaning and nightly pet fees can add a few hundred dollars over a weeklong stay, so it is important to include that in your budget.
Q7. How does Westgate Myrtle Beach compare to other family resorts in the area?
Compared with some other family focused oceanfront properties, Westgate’s strengths are its condo style villas, central location, and direct beach access. Competing resorts may offer bigger water parks, free breakfast, or brand loyalty perks. The best choice depends on whether you value kitchen space and a central strip location more than expansive pools and brand amenities.
Q8. Are there timeshare sales presentations at Westgate Myrtle Beach?
Yes, Westgate operates as both a resort and a timeshare property, and guests often report being invited to sales presentations, sometimes with offers of discounted rates or attraction tickets. Participation is optional, so if you are not interested, it is best to decline clearly at check in and when contacted.
Q9. Is the area around the resort noisy, especially at night?
The resort’s central location on South Ocean Boulevard and its position across from the Family Kingdom amusement park mean that traffic and ride noise can extend into the evening in peak season. Higher floor oceanfront rooms tend to be quieter than lower floor amusement park view rooms. Travelers who prioritize quiet may prefer shoulder season dates or a resort in a less busy stretch of the beach.
Q10. For which types of travelers is Westgate Myrtle Beach the best fit?
Westgate Myrtle Beach tends to work best for families who value extra space, kitchen facilities, and a central oceanfront location more than high end finishes. It is a practical option for families with young kids, multi generational groups, and pet owners who want to be right on the beach and near attractions, and who are comfortable with a lively atmosphere and the presence of timeshare sales activity.