Friday, April 27, 2012

Trip Report - Ocean Forest Condo 7/28 - 8/4

Trip Report – Ocean Forest – Disgusting Condo VRBO #28766 – Do not rent this. On Saturday – 7/28 we arrived at Ocean Forest to a miserably hot condo on the 20th floor. The only thing good about the condo is the view. First of all the elevators at Ocean Forest are the slowest I have ever experienced and one was usually broken leaving only 1 regular elevator for a 23 story building. There was also a service elevator that you could use sometimes. The door lock to this unit took me at least 5 minutes each time to lock and/or unlock. It’s a regular dead bolt and was beyond terrible. The room had a weird smell and no amount of Lysol could get it to go away and I tried, really tried. The shower curtain has several inches of mold at the bottom. One interior door has a place where a fist went into it. Urgently needs maintenance. The air conditioning was not working when we arrived and only worked occasionally when we were there. By Wednesday, it did not work at all again. I immediately called the owner to discuss the a/c and he never returned my call. Bedroom television does not work and the sink light in the kitchen is broke. I drive a Ford Escape SUV. The parking garage was made for midget cars but that was supposed to be okay since there was an outdoor SUV lot. Day 2 – security guard made me move my car so I had to park on the street. There really is no decent parking on the street. So each day I would again go in and explain that I drive a SUV and can’t fit in the garage. Each time the rude desk people tell me too bad, I’m not on the list. By Tuesday evening, they are now giving out tickets if you park in the SUV lot and aren’t on their list. There is no parking left on the street so I have to have 2 teenage girls get out at night, in a dark garage, and help me squeeze my vehicle into a parking space on the 3rd floor. Then we have the pleasure of walking down a dark, dirty stairwell to get back to the lobby. The girls were terrified. We also have a different security guard make lewd remarks and passes at the girls in the elevator. By Wednesday, the hot water heater in the unit is pouring out onto the floor. I have to toss out some of my stuff that is soaked. I still can’t get the Owner on the phone and when I try to get someone from the front desk to help me (and the hotels home owner rep), they all disappear. I load up my stuff and wait out in the hall for over 30 minutes before I can finally get it down to the lobby where I load of my SUV and get the heck out of that dump. A maintenance man told us that something is continually broken there – usually the elevators and that that very same day they had a leak on the 23rd floor and had to shut off all the water to the building. Do not every stay in this unit nor anywhere else at Ocean Forest. I have paid for a full week and it’s so bad that I leave on Wednesday morning and go check into Beach Colony for my last 3 days.



Trip Report - Ocean Forest Condo 7/28 - 8/4


Gosh thats awful. For the most part VRBO%26#39;s get good reviews, I personally have used the service, but the past week or so you are the 2nd person to have a horrible experience with VRBO. I will not recommend them anymore, you absolutely have no recourse should it not be what you paid for. I would make a new post with the comment about OCEAN FOREST-NASTY, not just part of your other trip report, make sure it stands out.



Trip Report - Ocean Forest Condo 7/28 - 8/4


Good idea.




I%26#39;m getting really nervous! We%26#39;re doing our first VRBO next month.





When you are in a hotel %26amp; the conditions are deplorable you can refuse to stay there (been there, done that), but with VRBO, we%26#39;ll be stuck.




That%26#39;s correct. This was my first and last time doing VRBO. While I%26#39;m sure that most of the places are great, I figure that my one week a year vacation is just not worth the gamble. I%26#39;ll stick to renting from the facility itself or at least thru a rental agency. Honestly, I%26#39;m sticking to renting directly from the hotel for a while at least until the memories of this start to fade.




You could rent from a motel or hotel and the whole place is a dump? Most of the time realty companies have something else, either in the place you%26#39;re staying or down the road. Most of the time they%26#39;ll switch you. I%26#39;d guess most vrbo or other rent by owner places would be good ones to vacation in but I%26#39;d also guess there are some dumps. Some owners do a great job of keeping up their vacation property and updating it. Sometimes they get comments emailed to them such as these...





1____';We had a great vacation and loved the condo. Thanks so much!'; JK,NC





2____ ';Generally, my family stays at the Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach for our vacation. We are very pleased with your condo. We went on-line this morning to schedule our 2007 vacation.';... RC,KY





3____';We had commented last week, you have provided everything and more for anyone with all the top quality furnishings. The kitchen is great (I love the flatware) the bathrooms are well equipped and clean. All the bedrooms have lovely furniture and very nice pictures, etc. We hope to visit again in the fall, hopefully for a month. Our best and thank you and your family for the vacation.';....SC, NC





4____';Everything was wonderful! The place was immaculate. The furniture was beautiful. Love the counter tops and all the space in the bathroom. It was one of our best vacations. It was very clean and everything was perfect when we arrived. Thank you for everything. Our daughter loved the lazy river, I didn%26#39;t think we were going to be able to get her out. We hope to be able to go back again your place is wonderful. Thanks again for everything.';....KC, PA





5____';We had a great time and the condo was one of the best I have ever rented. I thought Gatilinburg has the best but you have them beat. I can%26#39;t think of anything that the condo didn%26#39;t have that I would have needed. It was a great place for all of us and we%26#39;ll recommend it to our friends. We will try to get back if our health permits.';...KT,KY





6____ “We loved your condo! The unit itself was as nice as any we have stayed in at Myrtle Beach . I don%26#39;t know what else you could add to make the condo any nicer for people!”…BC, PA





7____ ';We loved your condo and had a wonderful vacation. We have told our friends about your place. We definitely will be back. Everything was great; thanks!';...MW, TN





8____“We definitely will stay there again, your condo was beautiful. Thanks for letting us vacation in you home at the beach. The master bedroom was awesome!”… KG,TN





9____”We had a great week while we enjoyed your condo! The rooms and the kitchen, the 3 bedrooms and view from the balcony were absolutely breathtaking!! Your directions down were excellent too! Our compliments and “thanks” are warmly sent for a fabulous week!!” DD, PA





10___”We really enjoyed our time at your beautiful condo. We hope to rent your condo in the future. It is truly lovely and the decorations are wonderful. The kitchen is perfect and had everything we needed. My husband and his father enjoyed the TV in the living room so much, my father-in-law plans on purchasing a new TV. We hope you have a blessed Christmas.” …BL,TN





11___”I can honestly say there was nothing you could have done to improve our stay. Everything was great. I was surprised at all you had, especially in the kitchen. We did a lot of cooking so it was nice to see things like measuring cups and spoons and enough pots and pans to cook a large meal. The TV was an added bonus. We had a great time and enjoyed your beautiful condo. Thanks so much and I hope we can visit again.”



BV, MA





12__';We really enjoyed the condo and appreciated the red book and your efforts to make our stay enjoyable. Everything we needed was provided and I can%26#39;t think of anything I missed. When we come back to North Myrtle Beach we would certainly consider renting your place again; everything was perfect. Thanks again';... - PK, IL





13__ ';We had a wonderful time and enjoyed your condo very much. The place is just fabulous and having such a beautiful place to stay in just made our stay that much more enjoyable. Thank you for making our stay such a wonder by letting us rent your condo.'; ... - HB,CAN





14__ “Thanks for the great condo...... it was great....beautiful, well equipped, clean and we enjoyed great view!!!!!! Thank you for the use of your comfortable home! It was beautifully furnished and the kitchen was well equipped. We%26#39;ve been coming on our ';girls beach trip'; for 25 years and this was one of the best condos we%26#39;ve stayed in. We hope to come again.” …. – KB,NC



15__ ';We enjoyed staying in this area and in your condo. It was definitely one of the very nicest we have ever stayed in! You all went out of your way to ensure that every aspect of the experience was phenomenal and we trully appreciate it. We will definitely be back.'; ... RS,GA



16__ “Thank you for letting us stay in your condo last week. We had a good time. The condo was very nice. The balcony was awesome.” .. - SC,OH





17__”We had a great time and enjoyed your condo. We enjoyed it so much that we want to rent the same week in 2008. What do I need to do to reserve the week? Thanks and God bless.” …WM MS





18__ “We enjoyed everything about the condo. You have done a great job in furnishing the condo. We want to come back next year the third week of June providing everyone can make it that week. I%26#39;ll let you know more later. Again, we all enjoyed everything--even the parking was easy and not hard to find a space. Thanks again for a wonderful home away from home.” … PM,OH





19__” We thoroughly enjoyed your condo. Everything was perfect. The red book was a great help. The view was breathtaking. Thanks so much for letting us use your home. It was the first time I had been to Myrtle Beach and your home made it enjoyable.” MS, KY





20__”Thanks for letting us rent your condo. It was great. I was very impressed with it. It was roomy and everything was decorated so cute. This was my niece’s 1st visit to the beach and they had a great time. Emma (4.5) even cried when we left. Thanks again for everything and we hope to rent from you next year. …MK, WV




gonefishin, are these comments from a condo you own, or just random comments? (just curious)



I%26#39;ve used VRBO twice and both condos were great. (one was at Ocean Forest Plaza) The elevators and parking garage were the pits though.




One I own...not at Ocean Forest. I advertise on 4 different for rent by owner sites and vrbo is one. I just did not want all VRBO condos or houses to get thrown under the bus. 1000%26#39;s and 1000%26#39;s are great places to stay throughout the world; usually at the best deal possible.


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  • Trip Report - Attractions 7/28 - 8/4

    Trip Report 鈥?Attractions 7/28 鈥?8/4





    We came, we saw and we did! They are all expensive but that was expected.





    Broadway at the Beach 鈥?lots of fun looking at the shops, enjoyed the Imax 3D (Sharks) but wish the volume was a bit lower. Also saw a movie at the cinema and they have such comfy seats. Road one of the old Pavilion rides 鈥?way too overpriced. Only bad point is that we attempted to go to the Tuesday fireworks. Major mistake, no parking at all, people were even parking in the grass and up on the curbs. We left.





    The Strip 鈥?went down around 4:30 and paid to park. All the stores carry the same stuff, lots of drug use items and the sayings on the shirts are getting more disgusting than I remember. There are some really creepy people hanging around, some working in the shops and others just hanging out. No way would I go out down there after dark, absolutely no way. We actually went back a second time but made sure it was early in the day again. I will say the Old Tyme Portraits place has is air conditioned was very nice and clean and my daughter loved getting her picture done.





    Ripley鈥檚 Movie Motion Thing 鈥?Girls loved it and did it twice. I think it鈥檚 over priced but they were willing to pay for the second time with their own money so it must have rated very highly for them.





    Ripley鈥檚 Haunted House 鈥?Loved it! We did this one morning and the girls were scared out of their minds but loved it and we almost did it a second time. I just watched from the street and got to see them being chased by the chainsaw dude. They rated this as their very favorite thing we did.





    Medieval Times 鈥?Fun show, the gorgeous Blue Knight threw a flower to my daughter. They got a hug from him after the show as well. Food was good but way more than we could eat.





    Coastal Grand Mall 鈥?Huge, did a little back to school shopping.





    Dixie Stampede 鈥?Loved the new opening act, he was terrific. Great show, delicious food but again was way too much to eat.





    Barefoot Landing 鈥?Girls want a henna tattoo and we get one at Musical Genius because it looks clean and safe. I would not let them get one down on the strip earlier. Walk around a bit. I love Black Market Minerals. Girls did the Mirrormaze and have fun with it but I thought it was a huge waste of money.





    Family Kingdom 鈥?We went early while it was still really hot but the lines were short. Girls did the rollercoaster over and over and the sling shot thing too. Spent about 3 hours there and had a good time, just expensive. Did not play games nor buy food there.



    Trip Report - Attractions 7/28 - 8/4


    Which did you prefer- Dixie Stampede or Medieval Times? We are coming down in 2 weeks and would like to do one of those. Our kids are 11 and 6 and the little one LOVES horses.





    Can you give me any suggestions on the pros and cons of each.





    THANKS!!!!



    Trip Report - Attractions 7/28 - 8/4


    I liked them both but honestly I loved Dixie Stampede th most. It has a wonderful Carriage Room opening act. I consider him to be one of the best parts of my vacation. The food is excellent at both but I love the Dixie Stampede soup. Dixie Stampede is brighter and you just get a more happy feeling, lots of comedy and some audience involvement too.





    Medieval Times is also good but a much more dark atmosphere and lots of knights in battle. Though I will say they were some good looking knights! Older kids, especially boys, would prefer this one. You do get to meet the knights after the show which was nice. \





    I don%26#39;t think you could go wrong with either one but I prefer Dixie Stampede.




    Thank you for the input! I was leaning towards Dixie, and now I think that will be the place we%26#39;ll try. : )

    Marriott Surf Watch

    I recently booked a week in a 3 bedroom condo at Surf watch in HHI. Which building should I request? I have 2 boys - 5 year old and a 1 year old. Any reccomendations for good restaurants and activities for their ages?





    Any comments in general about Surf Watch?



    Marriott Surf Watch


    Just returned yesterday from 1 week at HHI. Have been going everfy other year for 12 years and still love it. Son is now 14 and said this wad one of the best vacation ever. Almost any restaurant you go to is great and you can spend a small fortune to just wingat Wild Wings one night. Yuo have got to take your 5 year old on the Craber J II. He%26#39;ll love catchnig crabs without any mess---just fun. Make sure yuo get the captain to laych a crab onto yuor son%26#39;s hat and grab a camera and go crazy.





    Restaurants---Crazy Crab, Old Fort Pub (romantic), Wild Wings, lunch at Giuseppi';s PIzza, Marley%26#39;s Island Grill, Avoid eatnig at Salty Dog, but yuo have to go just to get T-shirts for the family



    Marriott Surf Watch


    Thank you for the reccomendations.




    For a more inclusive list which also includes some restaurants off the tourist path





    tripadvisor.com/Travel-g54273-s501/Hilton-He鈥?/a>







    Stan (hhiguy)




    I just came back from a week in a 3 bedroom at SurfWatch. The 3 bedroom is FANTASTIC- rooms are beautiful, huge, and clean. The kitchen and living area are also really nice. We LOVED having our own bathrooms. Many of the buildings are a bit of a walk to the beach, but if you dial zero on your phone, reception will send a golf cart to your room to take your family to the beach. We were ib 5400, which we enjoyed. However, 5600 is closest to the beach (no golf cart necessary).





    We ate in nicer restaurants, so I am not too sure about dining with a one year old. Stripes was wonderful, but probably not for little ones. At SurfWatch, lots of famililes with young children took advantage of the BBQs, so you could always BBQ a few nights instead of eating out.





    One trip we all loved was the dolphin zodiac boat ride, off of South Beach.





    Jess

    HELP!! alt route of 501 & 17-coming from New Jersey

    Ok Im now trying to figure out directions as Im getting a bit nervous hearing about traffic on 501 %26amp; 17. We want to definitely avoid that and go another route. We are going to the Windy Hill Section of North Myrtle Beach.

    Someone suggested on another post they take 74 east around Lumberton, NC to 410S to 701S then 9E to 31S. Would this route be better or come out the same in time %26amp; distance as staying on 95 to Dillon as posted below.

    Another route was to get off near dillon, I guess you%26#39;d be going down further on I-95 and getting off Rt 9 to 31S. When I looked on the map though it looked like I would just stay on Rt 9 which from what I saw went right into North Myrtle Beach??? Please clarify this for me

    Do these directions also apply to North Myrtle Beach.

    HELP!! alt route of 501 %26amp; 17-coming from New Jersey

    I would like to know the answer to this also!! Anything to make the trip easier. We are coming from NY in August and am getting nervous about the traffic on a Saturday.

    It sounds like Myrtle beach is packed during the summer. I hope we haven%26#39;t made a bad choice in going in August. People are saying the even the supermarkets are so crowded!

    HELP!! alt route of 501 %26amp; 17-coming from New Jersey

    You are going on vacation-unless you go to the remote backwoods of Wyoming-you will find people everywhere you go. Summer months are typical vacation months, MB is a very popular destination but most beach locations are. July is worse then August, but you will still find alot of people here and they are going to be shopping, eating, playing. I can%26#39;t think of another destination that won%26#39;t be crowded, but I will say there are probably other places that have better interstates, MB is not the easiest place to drive to, but once you are here, you can move around okay. Also what 2 places will you find the most people in one area-Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing-shopping, eating, entertainment venues. Go during the week and try to avoid them on the weekends, do other things, go other places.


    bump up


    Just got back from a week in Surfside. We usually stop off at the South of the Border on the way down. We left northern NJ at 2:15 and arrived in Dillon at around 11 am. I took route 9 to 31 to 544 to 17 Bypass and it took just about an hour and 50 minutes to get to Hooters in Murrells inlet. I tend to drive above the posted limit, 80+ on Interstates and 70 in a 55 etc but nothing crazy unless there is a bunch of rabbits to run with. I encountered some traffic at the 9/31 junction and the 544/17 and the 17/GlennsBay intersections (stay in the right lane) but nothing too bad. I really get frustrated at the length of the traffic lights. While I%26#39;m sure there is some science involved, I don%26#39;t see how sitting at a light for a what seems like 5 minutes helps traffic flow. On the way home I took 544 to 31 to 9 to 17 to 140 to 40 to 95 and was in VA in just under 4 hours (not bad). Unfortunately, VA took 4.5 on it%26#39;s own. All in all it took just under 12 hours each way stoppping once for gas and a quick breakfast (MickeyDs) and 2 or 3 bathroom breaks.


    Route 9 takes you all the way to the beach in NMB. Rte 9 merges with 17 south for about 1/2 mile. Once you pass over the Intercoastal, you take the Cherry Grove exit, which is a continuation of Rte 9.

    Relax as best you can, you%26#39;re on vacation. There%26#39;s lots of alternatives coming from the north. The general suggestion is avoid 501, grocery stores and WalMarts on Saturday%26#39;s after 11. If you think this traffic is bad, try a ';bear jam'; at Yellowstone.


    shiritsu will the route you took take me to North Myrtle Beach, Windy Hill area? Im not sure where Sureside is


    Hwy 9 will take you to Cherry Grove/North Myrtle Beach to Windy Hill. Surfside is south of Myrtle Beach and you do not need to worry about those directions since you are heading north not south for Windy Hill. Traffic is inevitble in MB. This pastFriday night traffic from Hwy 17 in North MB to Broadway at the Beach was just a pain in the rear, several people said it felt like July 4th holiday traffic. We had a hard time finding anywhere to eat, we prefer to sit at the bar and even those were all taken. We finally ate at Logans Steak House, good meal, in NMB but it was a chore to find something.


    Ginger - I was just commenting on the route I took for others that may be staying on the southern beaches. Like others have said, since you are staying in NMB you wouldn%26#39;t need to jump on 31 as 9 will take you there. The best advice is to try to arrive as early as you can and stay off 501, especially if you%26#39;re staying in NMB. Sorry I took the post a little off topic.


    thanks for the directions again. I think i got it - just stay away from 501!! We are hopefully going to leave a day early so would make it there on Friday.


    %26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt; Someone suggested on another post they take 74 east around Lumberton, NC to 410S to 701S then 9E to 31S. Would this route be better or come out the same in time %26amp; distance as staying on 95 to Dillon as posted below.

    This is the route I take and have no complaints. I%26#39;ve never hit any traffic, but 410 and 701 are single lane (though you can pass). If staying in NMB, just stay on Rte 9 - no need to take 31 South.

    Good luck !

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  • Surfside Flea Market

    A co-worker was telling me about the flea market in Surfside. But she wasn%26#39;t sure if it%26#39;s every day or just weekends. Does anyone know when it runs and where%26#39;s it%26#39;s located?





    Thanks for the assistance!



    Surfside Flea Market


    Behold the power of The Google:







    SURFSIDE BEACH - - FRI, SAT %26amp; SUN





    Hudson%26#39;s Surfside Flea market. 1040 S. Kings Highway. Hours 7am %26#39;til dark. Ample parking. Average daily attendance 7,000. Approximately 250 dealers. New merchandise, souvenirs, sportswear, lots of beach and water items. Used merchandise, bric-a-brac, collectibles, collector lines in all categories, crafts, decorator items, produce. Snack bar, restrooms, h/a and lots of walking. Outdoor market with covered spaces. Space from $10. Camping available. Market located in high tourist area. (843) 238-0372.







    (You can%26#39;t miss this place, it%26#39;s right next door to Wild Water water park.)



    Surfside Flea Market


    It is opened





    Peak Season (Jun - Sep) Daily 9am-4pm



    Off-Peak Season (Sep - May) Fri-Sun 9am-4pm



    But I have been during the week even in Sept....most things are opened just not everyone.



    It is one of my fave beach things to do.




    I want to say that tehy are closed MOnday during the peak season but I aint 100% sure

    Hotel Recomendation

    Hello Everyone,







    Can someone recommend a hotel for myslf and husband. We plan on going to Myrtle Beach Labor Day weekend and would like to stay on the beach and close to the local attractions and restaurants. We are in aour mid 30%26#39;s and this will be our first time visiting.





    Thanks for your help everyone!





    Lauren



    Hotel Recomendation


    It%26#39;s been a few years since we%26#39;ve been to MB but we too are going over labor day.





    With SOOOO many choice, it was difficult making a decision...but we decided on Long Bay Resort with the help of this board the their rating on TripAdvisor.





    Good luck!



    Hotel Recomendation


    Well if it%26#39;s just the 2 of you, I would say:





    -Marriott Grande Dunes



    -Marriott OceanWatch Villas



    -Paradise Towers at the Breakers Resort



    -Island Vista




    Just returned from one week at the Marriott Grande Dunes,,,Very nice.




    Our first trip to Myrtle Beach we stayed at the Ocean Reef. It was a great experience. We did have two kids with us, and there was a lot of families there, but we also met a very nice couple staying for their anniversary (no kids). I think even without kids it is nice. Nothing fancy, but clean, and not far from everything. The price isn%26#39;t bad either.





    Have a great time- we went once and got hooked, we love MB! We go every summer!




    Paradise Reosrt, Grand Atlantic, and Holiday Sands are three brand new resorts less that a year old.

    Photography and nature spots

    We%26#39;re avid photographers, and we%26#39;ll be visiting HH next week (Aug. 11). Where would you recommend we go for photographing birds and/or sunsets? Any other wildlife too. Or are there favorite nature spots in general that you would recommend? We%26#39;ve been going to Hilton Head for years with our children, and we%26#39;ve done all the family-type stuff......putt-putting, children%26#39;s activities, fireworks, crabbing, etc. This time we%26#39;ll be without children (they%26#39;re grown), and we%26#39;ll have time to pursue some more %26#39;old-fogey%26#39; pursuits. :) Thanks for any help.



    Photography and nature spots


    Plenty of spots for you to Bird and photograph wildlife.





    Just off the island and on the bridge is Pinckney nature preserve. This is run by the National Park Service. The park has a number of nature trails and you can spend hours there.





    SeaPines and Hilton Head Plantations have preserves which yu can walk and find wildlife. The one in Hilton Head Plantation has several Whooping Cranes as residents.





    There is another one on Palmetto Bay Road which is run by the Audobon Society.





    A great park with scenic views is Jarvis Creek. Entrances are on 278 and behind Wendys near the Walmart back entrance. You should also not miss Honey Horn.





    For a great sunset and history go to the ruins of Fort Mitchell. It is right next to the Old Fort Pub in Hilton Head Plantation. If you look across Port Royal Sound from there, you can see Parris Island. Viewing it from Hilton Head, it is hard to believe, that all that green is where Jarheads are made.





    Finallly, The Sunset is also nice across Calibogue Bay in Harbor town.





    Stan (hhiguy)



    Photography and nature spots


    Thanks so much! We went to Pinckney Nature Preserve many years ago with our children, and it was an almost surreal experience. We HEARD nothing and we SAW nothing, except for one spider in a huge web, and it was oppressively hot and muggy. But I think we should just pack the bug spray and give it another try on this trip. Your other suggestions we didn%26#39;t know about, so we%26#39;ll certainly check them out. I have no idea what Honey Horn is, but I%26#39;ll Google it and find out.





    We plan to eat at the Old Fort Pub one night......never been in all the years we%26#39;ve been going.......so we%26#39;ll plan a visit to Fort Mitchell and try to time it at sunset. Do you know if Fort Mitchell is open in the evening? And I don%26#39;t suppose you know about what time the sun sets? If not, we%26#39;ll check when we get there. I just thought it would be helpful in determining what time to make dinner reservations.





    I%26#39;ve enjoyed your other posts.......it%26#39;s wonderful that you%26#39;re so willing to help others. Hilton Head is such a great place, and we%26#39;re really looking forward to our trip.





    Thanks again!


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