For 75 years Driftwood on the Oceanfront (1600 N. Ocean Blvd., 843/448-1544, www.driftwoodlodge.com, $100–120) has been a favorite place to stay here. Today, it continues to be an almost extinct creature: Tasteful beachfront lodging at Myrtle Beach. Upgraded since, but not too upgraded, this low, five-story, 90-room complex is family-owned and takes pride in delivering personalized service that is simply impossible to attain in the larger high-rises nearby. As you’d expect, the rooms and suites are a bit on the small side by modern Myrtle Beach standards—with none of the increasingly popular three-bedroom suites available—but most everyone is impressed by the value.

Probably the best-regarded bed and breakfast in Myrtle Beach (yes, there are a precious few) is the
Serendipity Inn (407 71st Ave. N., 843/449-5268, www.serendipityinn.com, $90–150). A short walk from the beach but sometimes seeming light years away from the typical Myrtle sprawl, this 15-room gem features a simple but elegant pool, an attractive courtyard, and sumptuous rooms. The full breakfast is simple but hearty. There’s free Wi-Fi all over the property.

If you’re looking for a basic, inexpensive, one-bed hotel experience on the beach, ask for a room at the new oceanfront section of the Best Western Grand Strand Inn and Suites (1804 S. Ocean Blvd., 843/448-1461, $80–140), a smallish but clean and attentively-run chain hotel. The property’s other buildings are significantly older and located across busy Ocean Boulevard, and the walk across the street to the beach can be difficult, especially if you have small kids. That said, this is a great value and a quality property.