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Oceanwatch in Myrtle Beach vs Grande Ocean in HHI

tmbacon

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First off, I really must say that this board is a wealth of information and is such a great resource for us "newbies" looking to purchase. So thanks to all. :)

That said, the two locations that are most interesting to us are Oceanwatch in MB and Grande Ocean in HHI. Can anyone give a rundown of the differences between the two? From what I can tell pricing points seem to be comparable; I know that HHI and MB are two entirely different beach destinations (i.e. MB is much more commercial than HHI, etc.), but would love to get anyone's input on what they like/dislike about either resort.

BTW we saw Oceanwatch this past July although didn't tour, we were staying next door at Marriott Grande Dunes. From what we could see it looked fabulous. Haven't seen Grande Ocean yet.

Thanks in advance!!
 

pcgirl54

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I adore HHI and have stayed at various Marriott over the last 6-7 yrs. I have been to MB twice but not OW.

North Myrtle Beach is only an hour away from the NC coastal areas of Wrightsville/Kure Beach.

Tug owners/members will provide more input for you but providing a little more detail would help more.

My questions are what season would you vacation? Have you ever been to HHI? Would you drive or fly to the resort?

From the trades I have seen over the years it seems that HHI come up more often than MB. Platinum season of course at either is prime because the kids are out of school. If you have school age children what season purchased is key. If you do not I suggest gold or shoulder season.
 

CAROLW

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We own at SW and love HHI. However, after spending the passed 2 summers there (the first summer at GO) we are a little bored with the island and are looking forward to staying at OW next July. There isn't a lot to do on HHI, but if you haven't been there before I am sure you will love it.

The one thing that most interests us about OW is the pools. My kids love water slides and can't wait to try the new woodsy pool at OW. Also the playground at the Woodsy pool looks like a lot of fun. Water slides are not allowed on HHI (Or so the salesman at SW told us) so the pools, although very nice, are not too exciting.

Also, if we get tired of the beach and pools at OW we can try the waterpark or themed parks one day in MB.

I think its easier to trade into HHI, at least for now. But that might change one day.
 

Cindala

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tmbacon,
You don't mention if it is just adults on this trip or if there are any children. Resorts aside, this is about the two locations and what you are looking for in a vacation. HH is relaxing, laid back and more for those who can just appreciate not wanting to get caught up in the commercialism that you'll find in Myrtle Beach. If you have younger children, they would probably like Myrtle Beach better regardless of the resort because there are more things to do that would interest them.
 

tmbacon

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Hi all, here are a few other details which might help;

We have 2 young children, age 2.5 and 5. We live in Charlotte NC, so either location is about the same time in terms of driving distance, about four hours.

Would probably look for a platinum season, given the age of our kids and the times that we vacation will need to be during summer breaks.

I've been to both destinations, and yes I agree Myrtle Beach certainly has that "cheesy" factor going on, but the kids love it. However, I appreciate that fact that as we get older and the kids leave the nest, we might not be as drawn to MB and might want more of the slower pace of HHI.

I think OW is winning out but I was just curious to see what we might be missing with any of the resorts at HHI. I've seen so many great reviews of Grande Ocean!
 

emmaddy

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We've been to HH and own at Ocean Watch. HH is nice but can also get quite crowded in the summer especially around Grand Ocean. HH seems more upscale and expensive overall. The drive for us is 2 hrs more from PA.
Ocean Watch offers so much that we rarely leave the site. It is an oasis at the north end of MB within the Grand Dunes complex which includes million dollar homes, condos, beach clubs, etc. On either side of the resort there is residential space which gives OW the feel of privacy. We just returned from our 4th visit and still love the place, especially with the addition of the woodsy area and pool. We had 2 granddaughters (5&7) with us and they loved the beach, all 3 pools, play area, fish pond, treehouse , indoor pool and selection of activities. If we want to leave, there is a plethora of amusements to suit anyone's taste. OW supposedly has the highest owner/occupancy rate of any Marriott. It is very difficult to trade into during the plat. season, but if you own and deposit, you get an AC and can use it as a great trader. With kids so young, I think OW is right for you now; who knows what you'll want in 15 yrs? The teens and young adults at OW seemed to enjoy themselves and take it from me, the place is filled with extended families having a great vacation experience. We have been there as a couple and with adults only as well and always had a great time. My parents and their friends in their 80's also thought it was the best place they ever stayed.
 

Aussie girl

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We stayed at both resorts in February. Loved both and would have a hard time deciding. Grande Ocean units are larger if you are travelling as a family, it was only my husband and myself and we were there for two weeks of golfing. Oceanwatch feels more like a hotel with interior hallways.

We stayed in Hilton Head first and most people when we told them we were heading to Myrtle beach next, said it was tacky and that we would hate it. Well we loved it, staying at Oceanwatch you are in a very private, lovely neighborhood. We loved the variety Myrtle Beach has to offer. Our kids are grown but I know when they were younger they would have picked Myrtle Beach over Hilton Head.
 

Paumavista

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We've stayed at both

We were at OW in June and at Monarch in July this year (but we were at GO last summer). We loved them all! and I'm really glad we did both HH & Myrtle.

If we absolutely had to choose I think we would go with Hilton Head. We are a family of 7 (kids are 3,4,8,9,16).

At OW we LOVED the woodsy pool, the slide was great and it wasn't crowded there the first week of June at all. The boys like the waterfall pool and everyone liked the beach. Having said that...we are NOT fans of Myrtle Beach. We don't like leaving the resort, we don't eat out (with 5 kids) and we're not into the expensive amusement activities....again with 7 this adds up VERY quickly and there were definitely areas in Myrtle Beach where I didn't want to get out of the car (kinda seedy...so we didn't)....yes, maybe we missed something but we still had a great week at the resort.

At Hilton Head we LOVE Sea Pines resort. Just can't say enough wonderful things about the location. We rent bikes and spend the week biking all the trails as well as swimming in the pools and ocean. At Monarch the kids loved playing ping pong, foosball, and shuffle board at the side of the pool (all free, and nothing electronic!!) We saw aligators and dolphin every day. It was another great week.

Judy
 

Swice

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Myrtle Beach snobs

Guilty... we are among the Myrtle Beach snobs... don't care for "Myrtle Beach," but LOVE OceanWatch resort. It's removed from the rest of Myrtle Beach!

:)
 

Travelmom64

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Both great!

We have a fractional ownership in Myrtle Beach (Ocean Creek) and visit every 7 weeks, but have experienced the "tour" of Marriott Ocean Watch/Grande Dunes and it is BEAUTIFUL and without a doubt, a great location, feel of the Caribbean even in the rat-race of MYR Beach.

Ironically, I just purchased at HH MGO, great price on Ebay. We have been to HH a few times and it is lovely, for different reasons.

It is hard to compare the two destinations, I probably would say, summer travel to HH, and off season travel to Myrtle. We just returned from our condo, and I will say traffic and crowds were not that bad (maybe due to economy), but you will find, that is what most people complain about in MYR. With children in tow, you cannot go wrong with Myrtle, or if you love to golf.

Enjoy SC:) !
Lisa in VA
 

Travelmom64

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Too funny

Guilty... we are among the Myrtle Beach snobs... don't care for "Myrtle Beach," but LOVE OceanWatch resort. It's removed from the rest of Myrtle Beach!

:)

Swice,
LOVED this.....I know what you mean!!! Having a fractional at Ocean Creek (just down the road from OceanWatch), we have just learned our new ownership term is "Local tourist". It is what it is......I was not looking to buy my fractional, esp. in MYR when it fell on my plate, but I have had NO regrets! I cannot image anyone not loving OceanWatch......Luxury all the way!
L
 
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