Myrtle Beach's BEST Kept Secret? This Caravelle Resort Will Blow You Away!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the "BEST Kept Secret" of Myrtle Beach – the Caravelle Resort! And listen, I am NOT one for hyperbole, but… this place almost made me consider moving to South Carolina. Let's get messy, shall we?
SEO & Metadata (Ugh, Gotta Do It):
- Keywords: Caravelle Resort, Myrtle Beach, Reviews, Hotels, Beachfront, Accessibility, Spa, Pools, Dining, Family-Friendly, COVID-19 Safety, Amenities, Oceanfront, South Carolina, Vacation, Travel, Hotel Review
- Title Tag: Caravelle Resort Review: Myrtle Beach's "Best Kept Secret"? (Honest & Messy!)
- Meta Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of the Caravelle Resort in Myrtle Beach! We dive into accessibility, dining, pools, spa, safety features, and if it really lives up to the hype. Warning: May contain swooning and occasional profanity.
- Image alt tags: Caravelle Resort exterior, ocean view from Caravelle, pool with a view, accessible guest room
Alright, Let's Get Real:
First off, finding this place was a triumph. Myrtle Beach is…well, it’s Myrtle Beach. A delightful chaos of miniature golf and neon. But the Caravelle? Nestled slightly south of the main drag, it's like stumbling upon a hidden oasis. Seriously, the curb appeal alone almost made me weep with gratitude. (And trust me, after a six-hour drive with the kids, gratitude is a precious commodity).
Accessibility & The Stuff That Matters:
- Wheelchair Accessible: The Caravelle gets it. Yeah, the basics are there: ramps, elevators, accessible rooms. But they seemed to go further, with things like grab bars in the bathrooms being in actually useful places (unlike some hotels where they're strategically positioned for… decorative purposes?). The hallways were wide enough, and the staff was genuinely helpful, not just going through the motions. This is HUGE and a deal-sealer for many.
- On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: I only visited one, but the staff were very attentive and helpful with seating.
- Elevator: Yes! Essential when you're carting luggage and kids.
- Bathroom: Yes, and a good one!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes, they have this for sure.
- Getting around: the location is accessible.
- Accessibility There is no mention of accessible parking, there should be accessible parking and this should be included.
Internet – Because We're All Glued to Our Phones (Don't Judge):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: YES. And it actually worked. No dodgy buffering during my desperate late-night binge-watching. Big win.
- Internet Access – LAN: Okay, who uses LAN anymore? But hey, it's there.
- Internet Services: Fine. I didn't need anything fancy.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Also good. Again, no catastrophic dropouts when I was trying to subtly check my work emails while pretending to relax by the pool.
Things to Do (Or, How to Avoid the Kids for a Few Glorious Hours):
- Pools (Oh, The Pools!): This is where the Caravelle truly shines. Multiple pools. Indoor, outdoor, a kiddie pool. A pool with a view (more on that later). And, importantly, PLENTY of lounge chairs. No need to fight the early-morning towel wars. Pure bliss.
- Pool with a View: Seriously, my favorite. Perched at the edge of the resort, this pool offered stunning views of the ocean. I spent a glorious afternoon just floating, staring out at the water, and trying not to think about laundry. It worked, mostly.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Excellent, well-maintained.
- Swimming pool: Several.
- Spa & "Relaxation" (Yeah, Right): My partner convinced me to try out the spa. I’m not one for "pampering," but the "Body Scrub" and "Massage" were surprisingly amazing. Maybe it was the dim lighting, maybe it was the professional-grade kneading, maybe it was just the escape from the endless demands of my children. Whatever it was, I walked out feeling like a new (and very relaxed) human. Worth every penny.
- Sauna, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: Did not personally try these, but they were available!
- Fitness Center: I glanced at the fitness center. It looked… clean. And functional. I opted for more pool time instead.
- Body Scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Yes, all these.
Cleanliness & Safety – The COVID Reality:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: A must-have these days. I felt like they were taking things seriously.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep, saw the staff doing this routinely.
- Hand sanitizer: Abundant hand sanitizer stations throughout the resort.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see the actual certification, but I was reassured by what I saw in practice.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes, helpful.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried. It's hard with kids, but they did their best to encourage it.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, and I watched the staff as they did this.
- Safe dining setup: Yes, and the tables were spaced out.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed well-trained.
- Cashless payment service: Easier.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Yes! Nice for guests who want that option!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Yes! Important and I always look for this.
- Rooms between stays: Yes! A must.
- Sterilizing equipment: Yes!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – Because I'm Always Hungry:
- Restaurants: Several on-site, which is a major plus when you’re exhausted.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service: The buffet had a TON of variety (though the "Asian Breakfast" didn't tempt me).
- Buffet in restaurant: Yes, though I am partial to the a la carte option as well and there was a bit of a wait for the buffet.
- Restaurants (with options): There were several restaurants with Asian and International cuisine to choose from!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Yes!
- Poolside bar: Gotta love a poolside bar.
- Happy hour: Yes! Essential.
- Room service [24-hour]: YES. Because sometimes, you just need fries at 2 AM.
- Snack bar: Good for quick bites.
- A la carte in restaurant: The menu was vast!
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
- Air conditioning in public area: Necessary.
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and actually knew things about the area (not just the hotel).
- Convenience store: For those emergency snack runs.
- Cash withdrawal Yup!
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms are cleaned every day, which is nice.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Useful.
- Elevator: You need it!
- Luggage storage: Nice for when you have to check out but your flight is later.
- Smoking area: Sure.
- Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Facilities for disabled guests: Great!
- Car park [free of charge]: The parking was free, which is a bonus, but I wasn't too fond of the parking situation and driving around the area (that's a personal issue).
- Car park [on-site]: Also, yes.
For the Kids (Because Let's Be Honest, That's Half the Battle):
- Family/child friendly: Absolutely.
- Kids meal: Yes, this helped.
- Babysitting service: They had it!
- Kids facilities: Definitely a lot of stuff.
Available in all Rooms: (Let's Just Rundown the List)
- Available in all rooms: Great.
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities,
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average sparkling, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is the raw, unvarnished truth about my Myrtle Beach adventure at the Caravelle Resort. Brace yourselves, because it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be me.
Day 1: Arrival and Utter Chaos (and a surprisingly decent pizza)
- Morning (or, more accurately, late morning): Landed in Myrtle Beach. Let's just say the flight was a disaster. My carry-on, which I’d painstakingly packed with all essential things (including five different types of sunscreen and a book about knitting… I don't even knit), almost got lost in the overhead bin roulette. Prayed to whatever deity handles airport luggage, got my bag, and breathed a shaky sigh of relief. Pro tip: pack a miniature bottle of wine for these situations. You'll need it.
- Afternoon: Check-in at the Caravelle. The reception looked promising, the lobby was clean, the staff was nice. So far, so good. That illusion was shattered when I actually got to my room. The ocean view was glorious, don't get me wrong. BUT there was a small, suspiciously damp patch of carpet near the balcony door. My inner germaphobe shrieked a silent scream. Decided a deep breath (and a strong margarita later) will be fine.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Finding Food and Faith. The kids were screaming, I was hangry. A monumental struggle to find somewhere decent to eat that had more than hot dogs and deep-fried everything. Ended up at a place called "River City Cafe." A local recommended it, and I have to say, they were right. Their pizza was shockingly good. The kind of pizza that restores your faith in humanity after a day of travel. I swear I almost cried.
- Evening: Attempted to settle in. Tried to be optimistic. The kids, however, were bouncing off the walls. Think The Shining meets pre-teen excitement. Finally, after a near-mutiny involving the TV remote and a severe lack of gummy bears, everyone was (mostly) asleep. I spent the evening on the balcony, actually watching the waves and feeling… okay. Maybe this Myrtle Beach thing might actually be alright.
Day 2: The Quest For The Perfect Beach Spot (And My Ongoing Battle with Sand)
- Morning: Woke up, a bit of a hangover. Spent at least 30 minutes searching for one particular sandal. No luck, probably under the bed, where other items are. Decided to head down to the beach. (Okay, it's already happening. Those kids will be the death of me.)
- Morning/Afternoon: Beach Bliss (and Battlefield). Ah, the beach. Glorious, beautiful, sandy… hell. Finding a prime spot was a Herculean task. Apparently, everyone in Myrtle Beach thinks their corner of the sand is the most important. Managed to conquer a spot near the water. I should've started the day with some stretching to get the perfect spots. The kids started building a sandcastle. Well, they attempted to build a sandcastle. It resembled more of a sand puddle, constantly collapsing. Every. Single. Time. The wind's also relentless. Sand in everything. My hair, my eyes, my sandwich. I'm pretty sure I was actually eating sand. The ocean was lovely, though. That’s the good side of the story.
- Afternoon: Got a beach umbrella. Had a battle against the wind. My emotional levels went from 0 to "rage-filled, umbrella-wielding maniac." Took a nap under the umbrella.
- Evening: Dinner and a Show! (With a Side of Regret) The resort was hosting a poolside luau. Sounded festive! In reality? It involved a questionable fire dancer, mediocre food, and a DJ who seemed determined to break the sound barrier. The kids, however, loved it. They did all the hula dancing! Watching them dance was worth it.
Day 3: The Great Mini-Golf Debacle (And Subsequent Meltdown)
- Morning: Ate a waffle. Feeling good today.
- Morning - Afternoon: Mini-Golf Mayhem. Decided to embrace the tourist trap vibe and hit up a local mini-golf course, "Captain Hook's Adventure Golf." It looked cute. It was not cute. It was a battleground. Specifically: I AM NOT GOOD AT MINI-GOLF! The whole adventure turned into a comical tragedy of missed shots, lost balls, and a mounting sense of self-loathing. The kids, naturally, were amazing. They kept winning. My competitive streak, which I thought I had under control, unleashed itself. There may have been a few… unladylike outbursts. There may have been a moment when I considered throwing my putter into the nearest pond. But really, it was hilarious.
- Afternoon: Retail Therapy (or, Buying My Happiness) Needed to get my mind off it. Strolled to a gift shop, bought something dumb. A t-shirt for the kids.
- Evening: Had pizza again. Decided I would stick with pizza for the rest of the trip.
Day 4: Spa Day (Deserved) and Unexpected Melancholy
- Morning: Finally, a little "me time." The Caravelle had a spa, so I booked a massage. It was HEAVEN. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The massage therapist was like a magical hand-wizard, kneading away all the travel stress and mini-golf trauma. The ocean view from the spa was perfection. I actually felt my shoulders unclench.
- Afternoon: A Stroll and a Shadow of Doubt. After the spa, I took a stroll along the beach. The air was warm, the water calm. I watched a couple holding hands, chasing the waves. And for a moment, I felt this weird pang of… melancholy. A moment of quiet reflection. A reminder about some of the things I gave up to raise my kids. A bittersweet reminder of the passing of time. Felt bad, realized I needed more pizza.
- Evening: Pizza. Bed.
Day 5: Departure and a Shaky Promise
- Morning: Woke up, packed. Got breakfast.
- Afternoon: Drove back to the airport.
- Afternoon/Evening: The Grand Finale: Back to the airport, where my sanity went to die. The security line was a black hole of crying children and grumpy adults. Got home late, and I said, "I am NEVER doing this again." But, I'm pretty sure I'll be planning the next one soon.
Quirky Observations and Random Thoughts:
- The sheer number of neon-colored golf carts in Myrtle Beach is astounding.
- People take their beach chair placement very seriously.
- I need a new swimsuit.
- The constant noise of the waves is both soothing and slightly unsettling.
- I really need to learn how to play mini-golf.
Final Verdict:
Myrtle Beach was a mixed bag. It was chaotic, sandy, occasionally frustrating, and filled with moments of pure joy. It was honest. It was real. And despite all the imperfections, I loved it. Yes, I'd go back. Just maybe with a few more bottles of wine and a better golf club. And I definitely need to re-pack my suitcase.
Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Hanting Hotel's Chang'an Secret!
… let's do this!
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Caravelle Resort Myrtle Beach (SC) United States
Caravelle Resort Myrtle Beach (SC) United States
So, *is* The Caravelle really a "secret"? Or just… less talked about?
Okay, let's be real. "Secret" is a *strong* word. It's not like it's hidden in the Bermuda Triangle or something. It's more like… a well-loved, slightly-worn-around-the-edges diamond in the rough. You know? Like, everyone *knows* about it, but maybe they forgot about it amongst the flashier, newer hotels. And honestly? That works *perfectly* for me. Less crowds, more… well, more me-time on the beach. And the "less talked about" part? It's often BECAUSE it's not always perfect. And I'll get to that later.
What's the *BEST* thing about The Caravelle, the *real* highlight, the thing that makes you go "YES, I'll return!"?
Okay, brace yourselves, because here comes the confession: the *lazy river*. God. Damn. The lazy river. It's not just a lazy river, it's an *experience*. Picture this: you, floating on a tube (a totally crucial tube, by the way – always buy your own. Trust me.). Sun beating down, the gentle current carrying you along, the faint scent of sunscreen and chlorine in the air, and… NO RESPONSIBILITIES. Just pure, unadulterated, floating bliss. I spent *hours* in that lazy river. Hours! I almost got sunburned *through* my sunscreen. Almost. That, my friends, is a ringing endorsement. My kids? They practically lived in it. It was the anchor to their whole time, the thing they would come back for! Even though sometimes getting them out was a battle of wills. Ah, good times, good times.
Okay, so the lazy river is the bomb. But what about the rooms? Are they… *livable*?
Alright, back to reality. The rooms are… fine. Perfectly adequate, is probably the best way to put it. Don't go expecting the Ritz. We’re talking a solid, comfortable, clean-ish stay. Now, I've had a few… *ahem*… "character-building" experiences with rooms. One time, the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. Another time, the balcony door stuck so badly, my husband almost needed the Jaws of Life to open it (exaggeration, maybe, but it was an effort!). But, and this is a big BUT, they always fixed it. The staff is generally quite lovely, and they seem genuinely interested in making your stay as good as possible. Plus, the view from the balcony is usually pretty darn spectacular. And look, who needs the fanciest digs when you're spending most of your time by the… you guessed it… lazy river?
What about the food? Any hidden culinary gems lurking within The Caravelle? Or should I just stick to microwaving my own ramen?
Okay, the food situation is… mixed. Let's be honest. The on-site restaurants won’t win any Michelin stars. But they're convenient. The breakfast buffet? A solid choice for fueling up the kids (and you, let's be real). The pizza? Edible. You're not going to be raving about the gourmet meals, but they do fill a hole in the hunger pangs. And honestly, after a long morning of swimming (especially that lazy river!), anything starts to taste good. Plus, there are *tons* of amazing restaurants just a short drive away. That brings us back to the lazy river, where I'm happy to let the kids eat as many chicken nuggets as they want.
Give me some serious pros and cons. The *real* deal, no fluffy marketing speak.
Alright, alright, here's the unvarnished truth:
**Pros:**
**Pros:**
- That. Freaking. Lazy. River. Seriously.
- Generally clean. Like, they try.
- Decent location on the beach. Nice views!
- Family-friendly. Tons of pools and activities for the kids.
- Reasonably priced. (Especially compared to some of the… more "luxury" hotels in the area.)
- Rooms aren't *terrible*, even if they can be a little tired.
- The food is… not the highlight.
- Rooms can be a little dated (hello, 80s decor!).
- Maintenance issues happen. Things break. Sometimes it's a quick fix, sometimes not.
- Can get crowded during peak season (duh).
- May need to deal with the aforementioned kids!
Anything else I should know before I book my stay? Any insider tips?
Oh, *absolutely*. Let's get our insider info on:
- **Bring Your Own Tube:** You'll save a fortune and avoid the inevitable fight for a free one.
- **Pack Snacks:** Because hangry kids (or adults!) are the enemy.
- **Ask for a Room with a View:** Worth it. Seriously.
- **Embrace the Imperfections:** Things happen. Go with the flow and don't let the little things ruin your vacation.
- **Explore the Area:** Don't spend all your time at the hotel (even though it's tempting!). Myrtle Beach has a ton to offer.
- **Most Importantly...** Relax. Enjoy the sunshine. And float in that damn lazy river. You deserve it!
So… would you go back?
Absolutely. I have, and I likely will again. The Caravelle? It's not perfect, but it's… *real*. And after all the work of planning and going, and all the stress we go through on the average day, sometimes a real life and memorable experience is everything. And that lazy river... yeah, that lazy river has me hooked.
