Westgate Myrtle Beach vs Ocean Enclave: Which Stay Wins?

Myrtle Beach has no shortage of oceanfront resorts, but two names come up again and again with travelers who want to be right on the sand with plenty of comforts: Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort and Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave. Both offer direct access to the Atlantic, condo style rooms, and a family friendly setting, yet they deliver very different experiences. This side by side comparison looks at real world details like beach access, room layouts, family amenities, parking, and location so you can decide which beachfront stay fits your style and budget.

At a Glance: Two Oceanfront Takes on Myrtle Beach

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort sits directly on South Ocean Boulevard, across from the Family Kingdom amusement park and along the southern end of the main beachfront strip. It is a traditional resort hotel mixed with villa style accommodations, built around pools, a lazy river, and a casual, family focused atmosphere. Guests typically choose it for easy beach days, kid friendly amenities, and value oriented oceanfront stays.

Ocean Enclave by Hilton Grand Vacations is a newer high rise timeshare style resort closer to the heart of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The tower is modern and sleek, with large one, two, and three bedroom suites that feel more like upscale urban condos than a traditional beach hotel. Travelers tend to pick Ocean Enclave when they want extra space, contemporary design, and walking distance access to attractions like SkyWheel and the Boardwalk while staying directly on the ocean.

Both properties are beachfront and both appeal strongly to families, but their personalities diverge. Westgate leans fun, busy, and budget conscious, ideal for families planning to spend a lot of time in the pools and at nearby rides. Ocean Enclave skews more polished and residential, attracting Hilton loyalists, multigenerational groups, and travelers willing to pay more for space and modern finishes.

Understanding these core differences makes it easier to match each resort to your travel priorities, especially when factors like parking limits, resort fees, and kitchen setups can impact the overall value of your stay.

Beach Access and Oceanfront Experience

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort offers straightforward, direct beachfront access. Step out past the pool deck and lazy river, walk through the dune crossover, and you are on the sand. For families hauling coolers, sand toys, and folding chairs, this short, flat walk matters. Parents commonly report that they can easily shuttle kids back and forth between the pool and the beach throughout the day without it feeling like a chore.

Ocean Enclave also sits right on the beach with its own oceanfront pool deck and quick access to the sand. From the ground level, you walk past the pools and cabana style seating areas to reach the dune crossover. Guests often describe the transition from the high rise tower to the beach as seamless, with broad views of the Atlantic from both the pool area and higher floor balconies. The atmosphere around the pool here tends to feel a bit calmer and more refined, helped by the resort’s modern design and thoughtful landscaping.

In practice, both properties deliver the beachfront basics very well. Where they differ is in the feel around the water. Westgate’s pool and beach area typically buzz with activity. Expect kids racing down the waterslide, families floating the lazy river, and a soundtrack of poolside chatter. If you want an energetic scene where children can easily make friends, Westgate fits naturally.

Ocean Enclave’s oceanfront deck is lively during peak season but more restrained. It relies on sleek pools, hot tubs, and shaded seating instead of waterpark style features. Guests who prefer reading on a lounger with the sound of the waves in the background, yet still want easy dips in the ocean, often find this environment more relaxing.

Rooms, Layouts, and In Room Comfort

Rooms at Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort are a mix of standard hotel style units and larger villa style accommodations. Oceanfront and coastal view villas can include separate bedrooms, living areas with sleeper sofas, and kitchenettes or full kitchens, depending on the category. Travelers who book a one or two bedroom villa frequently highlight the practical value of having a small kitchen and dining area to handle breakfasts and simple dinners, especially with kids. The decor is comfortable and functional, though not as sleek or contemporary as newer properties.

Ocean Enclave is designed from the ground up as a vacation ownership resort, so nearly all accommodations are suites rather than simple hotel rooms. One, two, and three bedroom units typically include a full kitchen with full size refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, and ample counter space, along with in unit washer and dryer. Living rooms open onto balconies with ocean or partial ocean views, and bedrooms often include plenty of closet space for longer stays. Guests repeatedly describe the suites as feeling like modern apartments, which can be a major advantage for families or groups staying a week or more.

The real world impact of these room differences becomes clear when you consider daily routines. A family of four in a two bedroom suite at Ocean Enclave can spread out, cook most meals in a full kitchen, and do laundry mid stay, reducing both packing and dining costs. At Westgate, villa style units with kitchens offer similar possibilities, but some categories still rely on smaller kitchenettes with limited cooking capacity. Travelers who book standard hotel rooms at Westgate gain location and resort amenities but sacrifice the apartment like comfort that Ocean Enclave provides as its default.

Another practical detail is sound and building age. Westgate is an older property that has undergone updates over time, but some guests report that sound from nearby hallways or adjoining rooms can sometimes carry, especially in busier seasons. Ocean Enclave, as a newer high rise, tends to feel quieter and more insulated, particularly on higher floors, though this can vary by room location.

Family Amenities, Pools, and Onsite Activities

Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort is built for families who want everything in one place. The pool complex includes an outdoor pool, lazy river, and waterslides that keep kids busy for hours. The resort typically offers a rotating schedule of activities like pool games, crafts, and family contests, which can be a big help on days when you do not feel like leaving the property. Being directly across from Family Kingdom amusement park also gives Westgate a built in evening entertainment option, as many families simply walk across the street for rides and carnival style fun.

Dining at Westgate centers on casual options, including an onsite sports bar and grill and grab and go outlets that make it easier to feed hungry children without getting in the car. Parents who want a low stress routine where breakfasts, pool time, and simple dinners all happen within a short radius from their room often appreciate this setup. It is especially attractive to budget conscious travelers who want to minimize driving and parking fees at offsite attractions.

Ocean Enclave’s amenity mix leans more toward modern resort comforts than overtly kid themed attractions but still works well for families. Two oceanfront pools, hot tubs, and sun decks provide plenty of space for swimming, while a dedicated children’s activity center and planned activities give younger guests options beyond the beach. The onsite marketplace and bar style dining allow for quick snacks and casual meals, though the property does not have a full waterpark style setup.

For families with older kids or multigenerational groups, the spacious suites and quieter vibe at Ocean Enclave can be a better fit. Grandparents can relax on the balcony or at the pool while parents and teens walk to the Boardwalk, SkyWheel, or nearby arcades. Younger families who prioritize waterslides, splash features, and being surrounded by kid centric energy from morning to night often lean toward Westgate.

Parking, Fees, and Day to Day Practicalities

Parking rules and costs can have a noticeable effect on a Myrtle Beach vacation, especially for drive in visitors from nearby states. Westgate Myrtle Beach generally offers complimentary parking for registered guests, though many bookings include a pass for one vehicle per room or villa. Parties traveling in separate cars should check in advance whether extra vehicles will incur charges or need to use overflow options. Not having a separate nightly parking fee can provide meaningful savings over the course of a weeklong stay.

Ocean Enclave, in line with many Hilton Grand Vacations properties, typically bundles self parking and certain amenities into a daily resort or destination charge. That fee may cover self parking, Wi Fi access, bottled water, and local or domestic calls. While it simplifies billing, it does mean you are effectively paying for parking each night through the fee, even if it is not itemized separately on the folio. Guests arriving with a taller vehicle should also note the published garage clearance, which is usually just over seven feet; larger SUVs with roof boxes may need to double check fit before arrival.

Day to day, parking convenience is good at both resorts but plays out differently. At Westgate, open air lots and smaller parking areas mean your walk from car to room can vary depending on how busy the resort is and which tower you are in. At Ocean Enclave, a multi level parking garage is located across the street or adjacent to the tower, with elevators carrying guests back to the main lobby and residential floors. Some travelers find the garage setup more structured and predictable, while others prefer the simpler surface lots at Westgate.

Practical details like beach gear storage and elevator waits also shape the experience. During peak summer weeks, both resorts can see busy elevator banks at midday check in and evening times. Guests at Ocean Enclave sometimes mention that, despite the height of the building, elevators are generally efficient, while those at Westgate note that tower location can influence how often you wait. In either case, building in a few extra minutes during rush periods helps avoid frustration.

Location, Surroundings, and Access to Attractions

Westgate Myrtle Beach’s location on South Ocean Boulevard is a strong selling point for families who want immediate access to classic Myrtle Beach attractions. The resort is directly across from Family Kingdom, within a short stroll of ocean piers, and a reasonable walk or short drive from the southern end of the Boardwalk. For a family with younger children, this can translate into easy routines like spending the day at the pool and beach, then crossing the street in the evening for rides and funnel cakes without worrying about traffic or parking elsewhere.

The atmosphere around Westgate is decidedly busy in high season. Ocean Boulevard in this area sees steady vehicle and pedestrian traffic, with mini golf, casual restaurants, and souvenir shops nearby. Travelers who enjoy the energy of a traditional beach strip, complete with neon lights and late night crowds, will find this location lively and convenient. Those who prefer a quieter setting might notice more street noise, particularly in rooms facing the road.

Ocean Enclave sits closer to the central Boardwalk area in downtown Myrtle Beach. From the resort, guests can walk within minutes to the Boardwalk, SkyWheel, arcades, and a broad cluster of restaurants and bars. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want to park the car on arrival and rely on walking for most of their entertainment. Couples and families with teens often appreciate that everyone can come and go as they please without coordinating rides.

Because Ocean Enclave is in the heart of downtown, the surrounding streets stay active into the night, but the tower’s height and modern construction help buffer some of the street level activity. Higher floor rooms, in particular, tend to enjoy expansive ocean views with less direct exposure to noise from the Boardwalk area. If you want the best balance of views and relative quiet, requesting a higher floor with direct oceanfront orientation can make a noticeable difference.

Which Resort Fits Your Travel Style and Budget

Choosing between Westgate Myrtle Beach and Ocean Enclave often comes down to your priorities around budget, space, and vibe. Westgate typically appeals to travelers looking for strong value on an oceanfront stay, especially when promotions or package deals are available. A family of four might book a coastal view villa with a kitchenette at a rate that undercuts the nightly cost of a large suite at Ocean Enclave, then use the savings to splurge on amusement park wristbands, seafood dinners, or parasailing.

Ocean Enclave generally prices higher, reflecting its newer construction, larger suites, and central Boardwalk location. However, the apartment like layouts and in room laundry can offset some costs over a full week, especially for groups who cook many meals in and do not need to pay for offsite laundry services. For example, a multigenerational group of six could share a two or three bedroom suite, effectively spreading the nightly rate across more people while enjoying a setup that feels like a shared condo rather than booking multiple standard hotel rooms.

Personality wise, Westgate feels like a lively family resort, perfect for younger kids who will spend hours in the lazy river and at the nearby amusement park. Ocean Enclave feels more like a polished beach residence with resort amenities, well suited to travelers who value space, modern decor, and being able to walk straight out to the Boardwalk for coffee or evening strolls. Both have timeshare components, so guests should be aware that they may be invited to sales presentations; saying no firmly but politely is usually sufficient if you are not interested.

For many travelers, the decision is less about which resort is objectively better and more about which one aligns with the way they actually vacation. If your ideal trip revolves around kids, pool time, and squeezing solid value out of every dollar, Westgate is likely the better fit. If you picture long mornings on a balcony with coffee, easy walks to downtown attractions, and the comfort of a full condominium style suite, Ocean Enclave stands out.

The Takeaway

Both Westgate Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort and Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave deliver what many travelers want most in Myrtle Beach: direct beachfront access, family friendly pools, and proximity to key attractions. Where they differ is in age, style, and the balance between value and upscale comfort. Westgate leans into its role as a classic, activity filled family resort, while Ocean Enclave plays to its strengths as a modern, suite focused high rise at the heart of the Boardwalk scene.

If you are traveling with young children, appreciate lazy rivers and waterslides, and want to be across the street from a full amusement park, Westgate’s mix of convenience and price can be compelling. You may trade a bit of polish and space for a more budget friendly stay, but you gain a location that simplifies kid friendly days and nights.

If you are traveling with older kids, extended family, or simply prefer an apartment like environment with a full kitchen and in unit laundry, Ocean Enclave will likely feel more comfortable from the moment you step into the lobby. The ability to walk to the Boardwalk, SkyWheel, and a wide range of restaurants without ever moving your car adds real world value that goes beyond room square footage.

Ultimately, you cannot go wrong with either property as long as you match the resort’s strengths to your travel style. Think honestly about how much time you plan to spend in your room, how often you will cook, how sensitive you are to noise and crowds, and how important it is to be steps from specific attractions. Answering those questions will make it clear whether Westgate or Ocean Enclave is the beachfront stay that fits you better.

FAQ

Q1. Which resort has easier beach access, Westgate or Ocean Enclave?
Both properties sit directly on the beach with short walks from the pool decks to the sand. Westgate’s access feels like a straightforward walk from its pool and lazy river areas, while Ocean Enclave offers a similarly easy, landscaped path past its oceanfront pools. In practice, most guests find beach access equally convenient at both.

Q2. Which has better rooms for families, Westgate or Ocean Enclave?
For pure space and modern layouts, Ocean Enclave generally wins, with most units being full one, two, or three bedroom suites that include a full kitchen and in unit laundry. Westgate offers a mix of standard rooms and villa style units, some with kitchenettes or full kitchens, which can still work very well for families, especially those focused on value.

Q3. Are the pools and amenities more kid friendly at Westgate or Ocean Enclave?
Westgate leans more toward kid focused fun, with a lazy river, waterslides, and a lively pool scene that tends to keep younger children entertained all day. Ocean Enclave has attractive pools, a children’s activity center, and family friendly spaces, but the overall atmosphere is a bit more relaxed and less waterpark oriented.

Q4. How do parking costs compare between Westgate and Ocean Enclave?
Westgate typically includes complimentary parking for at least one vehicle per room or villa, which can save money over the course of a stay. Ocean Enclave often wraps self parking and other amenities into a daily resort or destination fee, so while parking is available, you are effectively paying for it through that nightly charge.

Q5. Which location is better for walking to Myrtle Beach attractions?
Ocean Enclave offers one of the best walking locations in Myrtle Beach, sitting just a short walk from the Boardwalk, SkyWheel, arcades, and many restaurants. Westgate is excellent for access to Family Kingdom and is still reasonably close to the Boardwalk, but Ocean Enclave’s central downtown position gives it the edge for walkability.

Q6. Which resort is quieter at night, Westgate or Ocean Enclave?
Because Westgate sits across from an amusement park and on a busy stretch of Ocean Boulevard, it can feel livelier and sometimes noisier, especially in peak season. Ocean Enclave is in busy downtown Myrtle Beach but, as a newer high rise, tends to feel somewhat quieter in higher floor rooms that are more removed from street level activity.

Q7. Do both resorts have full kitchens in the rooms?
Ocean Enclave’s suites almost always include full kitchens with full size appliances, making them ideal for travelers who plan to cook frequently. Westgate offers a combination of full kitchens in some villas and more compact kitchenettes in others, so it is important to check your specific room type if a full kitchen is a priority.

Q8. Which property is better for a budget conscious family trip?
Budget minded families often find Westgate more affordable, especially when taking advantage of special offers or packages that include oceanfront rooms at lower nightly rates. While Ocean Enclave can offer good value in terms of space and kitchen facilities, its newer construction and central location usually come with higher base prices.

Q9. Is either resort better suited to multigenerational or large family groups?
Ocean Enclave’s larger two and three bedroom suites with multiple bathrooms, full kitchens, and in unit laundry make it particularly well suited to multigenerational groups or larger families traveling together. Westgate can also work for groups using multi bedroom villas, but its mix of room types means you may need to reserve multiple units to achieve the same level of shared space.

Q10. Are guests pressured into timeshare presentations at these resorts?
Both properties have timeshare components, so guests may receive invitations or incentives to attend sales presentations. Travelers commonly report that a firm but polite refusal is respected, and once declined, they are free to enjoy the resort without significant pressure. If you prefer to avoid such pitches altogether, you can simply decline any offers at check in or over the phone.