Abandoned Myrtle Beach Hotels on Ocean Boulevard - Myrtle Beach, SC

[@CapturedDiaries]

My husband owned Mako’s at the Reef. During the winter a few years ago, a major water line broke. No one was there at the time so it flowed for many hours, causing major flooding and water damage. You are correct, the costs were too high. We (Mako’s) are now located just two door down at The Bluewater. There is currently construction going on at The Reef and it is rumored that new owners plan on reopening it eventually.

[@benputnam6954]

Y'all doing any hiring for maintenance? I'd love to help improve my home beach.. my dad owns a house in creekside in cherry grove. Always wanted to live there but never could attain a well enough paying job a few years have passed, me and my wife are expecting a baby girl this June and we would really like to move to the coast

[@MindBodySoulOk]

When they killed the pavilion, they ripped the heart out of Myrtle.

[@Sealust50]

You got THAT right!!! That place was ICONIC!!! We're talking DECADES of memories - DECADES. I grew up going to Myrtle Beach every summer for family vacations and The Pavilion was always the place you headed to. Too many things in there to even mention without writing a book.

[@gertiegert3910]

@@Sealust50 you are 100% correct. It's saddening.

[@annacribbs4142]

I've always have said that.. It literally destroyed MB....."Cause they had a better idea to make more 💲🤑"Now look, the old & new is closed and abandoned.🙄🙄🤦🤦

[@robinholbrook8296]

Last time I was at Myrtle Beach they said that was last year for pavilion

[@rbnmullane]

They sure did. Thank gosh my kids and 1 grandchild did get to see it before it got ripped away. I miss it.

[@jonboy7452]

The reef was a nice place back in the day

[@stephaniecressell8625]

As a teenager, I remember when The Reef was brand new and a super nice place to stay. Such a shame to see something that used to be so nice be in bad shape.....makes me feel old. lol!

[@misterale81]

The Reef now has new signage for "Grande Beach". Things may be coming along?

[@donthewellguy]

I grew up here. I've been here the last 38 years. I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming... 😁

[@derantruesdale7931]

We use to stay at The Reef every summer it was really a pretty nice hotel.. It had Makos restaurant beside the pool. We had some good times there

[@steve137]

One of the best abandoned hotel videos you have ever done.Thanks.Great work.

[@MelissaPorshia]

This was surreal-I worked at The Reef every summer when I was home from college. I got all kinds of awards for the most bookings and was there when we went from a “tape board” booking system to the first computer system all the way back in 1991! I still live in MB but didn’t realize the Reef had closed. Very fun to see this video, thanks!

[@blessedlife13]

My home looks sooooo different now. Myrtle Beach has changed over the most recent years. I was just home last year and I swear I could not believe how things looked. The people hanging out doing drugs, ladies of the day and night trying to stop cars....just sad! But it's still home!!

[@roberttisza9083]

The reef is under re construction as of 6/29/21 they have the outside painted. The other place which was closed for drugs is open. From what I read 2 years ago from a post the reef closed due to water damage of a water main on a upper floor and it damaged all the floors below it.

[@lisaknell1809]

I used to vacation in MB with my parents. Basically every year 1974-2008. So many good memories of the “old” Myrtle Beach with my family. Mom and Dad are gone now and I have no desire to go back and vacation there. Things have changed, and not necessarily for the better. 😢

[@benputnam6954]

It's sad how run down it is now, especially being how much everything cost there you would expect better. In my opinion at least.

[@thrivnak787]

Seems the Myrtle Beach as a middle class vacation destination is somewhat dying as Myrtle Beach appears to wanting to become a high class destination.Last time there,2013,when you drove down Ocean blvd.south all you saw was police cars in hotel lots.

[@WolffieMoney]

I never realised how many abandoned hotels there are on the ocean boulevard! Great info and great job!

[@MrMyrtle]

Thanks for watching!

[@WolffieMoney]

@@MrMyrtle Always a pleasure. I love MB!

[@edwardvaughan1814]

To be clear SOUTH Ocean Blvd., it has been ghetto for many years!

[@jenniferpressley8951]

As many times as I’ve drove past The Reef I never knew it was closed... such a shame for such a big ocean front property to be abandoned.

[@LunarSailorSenshi]

It was going downhill quick.. my husband and I last went in 2015 and everything was dirty and the pools and hot tubes were broken. It was a shame because we went Christmas of 2014 and it was still decent..

[@rbnmullane]

I think that everything that needed to be done to it cost to much and could not afford to fix so they had to shut down. It's a shame nice hotel.

[@ccffreak]

It's about to be reopened as Grande Beach Resort. They have already changed the signage.

[@benputnam6954]

@@LunarSailorSenshi I know our names are spelled different, but I wonder if we are related down the family tree somehow 🤨

[@susant1323]

​@@LunarSailorSenshiMe and my husband stayed at The Reef for years starting around 2003. It was a really nice hotel back then. We had been going there for over 10 years, and then we noticed changes. The place seemed like it started to get run down. Then one of the last times we went one of the maids was super rude to me. The next time I called to book a room the person at the front desk had an attitude with me. We ended up staying somewhere else for the first time in years. I knew that it would not stay open long after that. I have noticed when places are getting close to shutting down some of the workers get the "I don't care attitude". Not long after that, they had shut their doors. I had thought about trying them out now that they have reopened. I hope they did a good job of remodeling the place.

[@ecppce1]

We stayed there 29 yrs ago lol and it had issues then. Our room was below the penthouse and two days before we were to check out it rained so much the rain came in on us from above and even blew in the sliding doors. They gave us an extra night. We have stayed at Grand Atlantic for the past 6 years. We really like it there!

[@patti9339]

The Reef was owned by the Mellon family who also owned the Firebird which was next door. You could stay at The Firebird and use the pools and facilities at The Reef. The Reef was a great place to stay for years. I don’t understand why it’s been left abandoned and why it hasn’t been bought, demolished and a brand new resort been erected.

[@WhoDeyWorld]

Stayed there in the 80s as a kid and ill never forget it. The reef logo painted on the floor of the pool... The swimming thru the tunnel going from indoor to outdoor pool. Taking my kiddos there every year now trying to recapture those memories... Staying at palms this August!

[@dcfunhouse]

Was in the neighborhood last month. Rosen's re-opened with a short leash by local police; and the Reef definitely in mid-remodel as lots of painting and contractors there. Looks like restaurant getting refurbished, too.

[@smokindyc69schannel]

Hey Mr. Myrtle ,I was down there a couple of weeks ago,it seems to me the Rosen sea motel is back open and under new management

[@davidblackwell6914]

I stay in the area every year for Bikeweek I always take a quick glance at the abandonments and renovations thanks for sharing.

[@smokindyc69schannel]

Hi Mr. Myrtle ,I was recently at Myrtle beach last week ,you should do an update video on the Rosen sea motel ,I think its back open and under new management.

[@MrMyrtle]

Great idea

[@cardog57]

For many years I stayed at the Hurl Rock Motel when the Perkins family owned it. It was always a fun, family friendly motel with the nicest owners. So sad to see what it has become.

[@YTjennifer]

When I was a kid (30-40 years ago) my family stayed at the Hurl Rock every summer for a week for about 10 to 12 years in a row. The family that owned it back then was awesome.

[@alivenwell14]

What’s the status of these locations now Mr. Myrtle? Thanks.

[@marcgelinas29]

I stayed next door at the Paradise the 1st week of February and a on a couple of days workers were draining water from inside the Reef hotel... Lots of water.

[@poohbearny]

Wayward Winds hotel is that still around? It was across the street kinda from The Red Carpet Inn. Parkside Hotels use to own both of those and the Thunderbird down the road more years ago. They also at one time owned the Chesterfield Inn but someone had it just before it was torn down.

[@shanehester5317]

great videos.the problem is many of the motels are out dated for the times.once a place is outdated there isnt much u can do to fix it,,just rebiuld.

[@bacountess]

At one time to the reef was a great hotel but due to I guess the decay of the hotel it was shutdown.It’s sad because I have a lot of memories from that hotel staying there at Christmas with a buddy of mine numerous years.

[@chrisaustin4]

I just want to tell you THANK YOU so much for these videos!! I love MB and wish to live there someday, and your videos help me make it between visits!! lol. You do a great job keeping us up to date with our little slice of heaven. 😊

[@MrMyrtle]

Thanks!

[@ncangie]

I'm so confused. Back in the 80s,the south part of Ocean blvd was the nicer area and north wasn't. Has that changed?

[@butternutbestboy1251]

I stayed on the 19th flood of the grand atlantic (next door to the reef) in september of last year. I would look down into the abandoned pool and boarded windows and wondered why it was closed. Thanks for the info!

[@rgiff14273]

I used to stay at the reef and firebird back on the 80s and early 90s ot was very nice. Now the hurl rock i stayed in about 2006 and it was gettong pretty rin down then.

[@TMoody]

I just drove past this..... never even knew it was closed. All those knocks and crannies seems like a homeless paradise.

[@paulanixon3935]

Does anyone know when they will reopen the reef? Who owns it now? Want to make plans for this summer and was hoping it's back open by then

[@dmac24ism]

Oh Man The Reef was where me and my Family used to stay every summer for our Family vacation I hope somebody buy it and fix it back up

[@lauranix3750]

This is so sad. We always use to stay at the firebird in next door before it was tore down. They were sister hotels with the reef. Lots of good childhood family vacation memories from there.

[@DreamShowKenyattaTv1]

I was just there March 12 2020 and was wondering about those hotels that was close down and then here comes your video how cool 😎

[@sherrytaylor9746]

From what I've seen on Yelp for The Reef, people said that they was getting catfished and it was not a resort

[@southernmermaid2526]

I love that you care about the History of Myrtle Beach. I do too. I think you grew up here. If so, what high school did you go to? I graduated from Socastee.

[@MrMyrtle]

Thank you. Ditto.

[@southernmermaid2526]

Ahhhh very interesting. The plot thickens.

[@eshore389]

I lived there about 18 years ago and loved when i could find someone who knew the history! I just found this channel and i have a feeling im about to binge watch...

[@larams46]

I love myrtle beach. I been in myrtle beach for vacation days every year but from Santa Monica Los angeles California. Keep up the good work love your videos 👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎

[@larams46]

Do you watch football?

[@Glitchfaction]

We found this place years ago when we were trying to find a last minute hotel and it was the only place that had a room. It was an older building but it was clean. We actually stayed there a couple of more times but just found out this last summer that it was closed. It’s sad.

[@annacribbs4142]

The beach it's self isn't no where it used to be...It's such a shame....Many memories with my mama BK in my high school days at the beach...

[@lindacares2215]

Looks really nice from a distance......what a shame

[@EagleDRZ]

We want to come down there for vacation again this year at murrels inlet..

[@scottbaker7532]

Go to sbb have a beer tell Keith the bartender hello .

[@ryderthefolfsky7052]

I think the initial closure of The Reef had to do with water damage on the lower levels during Matthew. WMBF or The Sun covered it i think but i can't find the article on it anymore so i'm not positive.

[@katelynpresleigh9271]

I heard that too. Wasn’t this like a year or two ago though?

[@caroleterrell3101]

People next door at Mystic Sea told me it was water damage, arguments between owners and insurance company, insurance co. did not want to pay, hotel closed, Mako's moved farther south.

[@williamfincher2664]

Mako's moved north actually by a block

[@K3vinK]

They tore down the old Lighthouse Hotel years ago. Can’t find any info on it anymore

[@ljboss6722]

The Reef was owned by the the Wellons family from Dunn, NC and Fayetteville, NC.

[@DeborahJohnson-nq2xv]

As a local now, I moved here in 2016 and had to stay at a hotel around 18th S. for 3 months. We had no idea about that area of the S strand at the time. Homeless, prostitutes and drugs in that entire area. There was in and out traffic in our hotel at all hours of the night and I saw it because I'm a night owl. We even had a meth lab in the hotel we were in, and strangers knocking on our door and noise all night long. The whole time we were there, management did nothing.

[@hunterlee1401]

That's why I live on the north side

[@K3vinK]

Back in the late 70s and early 80s I had stayed in a really cheap hotel right next to a pier. May have been called Lighthouse motel? From looking at Google earth it does not seem to exist anymore. There’s another further down south on Ocean blvd I can’t remember the name of that seems to be gone too. The only things that still exist when we used to go is the Ripley’s museum (Though it’s now an ugly green) and the Gay Dolphin museum which has the spiral stairwell blocked off now. I miss the old Dracula’s Castle, the Guinness Globe, the Hollywood Illusions attractions that used have a remote R2D2 that would interact with the crowd. The Pavilion.

[@Lettheflamesbeginx3]

No you can still go up the spiral staircase, I was just there lmao

[@jsteelman1000]

Hello, why is the Hotels closed up ? Seems like they would be open this time of the year....do the Russian foriegn students still come to Myrtle Beach ? I use to live there years ago......John from North Carolina

[@MzVicky]

Stayed at the Reef many many years ago. It was nice place to stay at the time.

[@markvolpe2305]

Are a lot of resorts and hotels closed due to the virus?

[@MrMyrtle]

Restaurants are takeout only and most attractions are closed.

[@andypage9]

@@MrMyrtle gas is stupid cheap right now. As long as they don't enact an all out travel ban, now might be a good time to enjoy the BEACH part of the beach.

[@paulanixon3935]

The Reef in in process of demolishion of inside and redoing it all inside and reopening!!! My husband worked over there a month ago but got hurt and they are still working to open it back up!!

[@willitwafflemake325]

I stayed at the Reef a few times. It closed down about 5 years ago because it was not aging well, nor taken care of. There was mold and stuff, out dated kitchens too

[@jackiedavis8356]

I stayed there 4th of July four years ago, so it's closed after that sometime.

[@thrivnak787]

The Rosen Sea,wasn't it the Hurl Rock at one time?

[@MrMyrtle]

yep. good catch.

[@guitarist4hire92]

The Rosen is now back open, i drove past it the other night

[@jamesmyrtleadventures8621]

I unfortunately had to push my vacation back from May to September due to the Virus going around. Hopefully everything will be back to normal by then.

[@missmable6015]

No it won't never be the same. There's a second round of the Covid19 coming in the fall, it will be worst than this one.

[@renaselphcaldwell4898]

The Reef wasn't that nice, we rented a efficiency suite and it was like staying in a bowling alley. But it was always busy so I can't imagine why it closed but the south in of myrtle beach is rough now. We use to stay at the Regency towers but with the shootings and problems we went to the north end of myrtle beach.

[@erinhager3245]

I stay at Mystic Sea, and I ate at Makos at the Reef a few years back, it was very good!

[@christopherlegette2670]

Same I stated there not too long ago...

[@caroleterrell3101]

Me too! Several times I've stayed at Mystic Sea and had dinner the first night at Mako's.

[@marshaflorom4220]

Still would like to see the Carolinas!! Thank you!!

[@BenRice1974]

It wasn't a bad hotel when it was open. It was clean. Brought my family there many times before making the move down.

[@kasandracummings6413]

Hi just found the channel. I was wondering tips for safety . Best attractions for families thanks

[@stevenvacca1321]

A great idea, for your video segments, would be to do occasional walk-throughs of destinations, such as Barefoot Landing and BATB, to report what, and how many, store/restaurant closings, curb-side only restaurants, and the like, there are. I have reservations for middle of May, but, if everything is either closed or curb-side only, I'll have to postpone. It's difficult to get a feel for the current status of the various destination areas.

[@ryanconway546]

Hey Man i just found your channel and im loving your videos!!

[@MrMyrtle]

Glad you like them!

[@johnconley9428]

Maybe you could revisit The Reef to see what kind of progress has been made since 2020 when this video was made. Thanks

[@ccffreak]

Its becoming the Grande Beach Resort. (I'm assuming under new management)

[@jsteelman1000]

I used to live at the West Winds Apts. on Pridgen Road , I paid 700 Dollars a month....A little too much for me...later on I moved into the Cabanna Inn , only 300 for 2 weeks at a time....finally at last moved back to North Carolina......John from North Carolina

[@jrzez]

Great PQ in this vid. Able to get 2160p and 1440p, but only at 50fps? Perhaps it's on KZbins side. Keep up the great work. One day I'd love to move there, for now we just come for vacation a week or two at a time. Though this year we may end up skipping, because, well the corona stuff. :(

[@sunspots6077]

My parents ran a small motel directly across the street. in the 70s and 80s.... The Reef was built in the 1980s...... before that there was a big nice house there. That pathway just to the south of the reef is public beach pedestrian access.. just not signed as such. I stayed at the Reef one time after my parents sold their place... The reef was really nice at one time

[@franklin9831]

Just came back from Myrtle Beach. I was very surprised when I found this video since Everything looked normal to me while I was there a few days ago. We walked many times along the ocean blvd and actually felt it had changed a lot and appeared much more up scale than before. So this must be a old news and things have changed since this video was posted.

[@nancywilson346]

Always check out guests reviews when it comes to picking a hotel.😀😀😀😀☺😊😀😛😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😀😀

[@willbygosh4887]

Alot of these hotels could be renovated into Boutique Retro Hotels if someone had the will and money to do so like in Wildwood New Jersey.

[@fredericktaylor2891]

I don't like to visit Myrtle Beach, my wife does though. I find it to be too noisy, crowded, terrible traffic and over run with rude and inconsiderate people.

[@rodneywaugh8535]

If I'm not mistaken......The Reef used to be known as The Ocean Reef back in the 60's and 70's.....It was a top of the line hotel back then as well......Now a days the entire Southside of ocean Blvd has become inhabited by a certain element that has ruined the entire area.......I just don't understand it because when I was young you had all these mom and pop hotels and cottages and they stayed packed.......smh

[@williamfincher2664]

the Ocean Reef is a completely different property in a different part of town. Not at all connected with this The Reef hotel

[@thevarietyflipper1640]

Rodney, you are close to being correct! But I think Coral Beach is the old Ocean Reef!! This hotel was The Palmetto.. The Wwstgate was the Holiday Inn...And Hotel Blue was - I think the Thunderbird or Swamofox perhaps.. yes I know the ocean Reef is on the Nrth end, but in the 70s it was on the south end

[@delberthellfrick6250]

Stayed at The Reef in 1991, nice back then.

[@smokindyc69schannel]

when your in Myrtle Beach it is an often occerence to see a fire truck going down the road 10:08 you can hear the fire truck .

[@thatgirl9115]

That is so sad. What a beautiful hotel gone :(

[@terrisatterfield6765]

Lived in Myrtle Beach 10 yrs. Thought I was moving to Garden of Eden. Turned out grass wasn't greener just a different shade of brown. No identity as noone is from there. Once I moved there I stopped going to the beach. I worked ocean front and rarely looked at beach or ocean. I guess it's true be careful what you wish for. The move there, financially was not a good one. Still own a condo there if anyone is looking to buy

[@mikejustmike2557]

Is your condo in city limits?

[@taribruner188]

This is so sad 😢 Myrtle Beach needs built back up.

[@sarahriley4358]

A 22 year old man died after falling off his balcony here, many drug traffickers, and lots of undercover and shady stuff. And of course the issues with the actual hotel itself

[@shanedaniel7]

Sources?

[@wanda520]

The Wellons family built The Reef . They sold it and sadly the new owners have abandoned it.

[@EdSuggs]

Cooper Wellons.

[@LayerCake420]

This street looks so different since I been there. Looks like Myrtle Beach is falling apart. Used to be there alot as a kid n teen. A little as an adult. Like a 2nd home. Memories

[@dancingfirefly5974]

what does north myrtle beach look like now days

[@LGB120]

The hotel with the orange roof is my hotel compass cove

[@MountainStateResell]

Mine too. Love Compass Cove

[@thrivnak787]

Certain groups of owners buy these then don't put money into properties and raise prices.Basically MB looks like a dump nowadays.

[@mariodinovo4018]

I used to stay at Vancouver w my dog 3 years ago but going out at night to walk dog got scary lot of drug activity unsafe to walk beach at night

[@jamesrussler7327]

These are shut down because of complaints and drug and prostitution....I live in MB. More places should be shut down too. MANY.

[@drewhendley]

Don’t go to Myrtle Beach until after April 19 when the ban on restaurants and everything is lifted.

[@nickprice8907]

6:43 I'd have to duck to get through that!

[@blueduramax06]

The numbers on the balconies were for Security. (Cough Cough) I know this first hand because during my brothers beach week I was on the balcony with my laser pointer and the next thing I knew there was a knock at the door (everybody was asleep except me) and it was THE REEF SECURITY! Said something about a laser pointer and I said I would take care of it bla bla I blamed it on "my" kids and there were no kids. He took the laser pointer and I was able to get it back upon check-out. Wow what a fun trip.

[@carvelrider6713]

🤣

[@rogerheath9787]

Great vid 👍

[@nancywilson346]

Pick your hotel very carefully people!

[@andypage9]

Is the South End really that much worse than the North? We love staying at Compass Cove and have never felt unsafe there.

[@MrMyrtle]

My opinion, yes. I hope to make a video about crime rates.

[@cbhorr5671]

@@MrMyrtle Had gone to MB 13 yrs straight. Once we came bk in 2016, place looked like N STL! (St. Louis) So run down! Nothing but vape stores. Reminded me of "head shops" from 60-70's. Sold drugs on side. Too many sketchy ppl. What happened? Too much crime? Not all rival gangs from NC I take it?

[@Lettheflamesbeginx3]

Yes it is, are you aware of your surroundings?

[@williamfincher2664]

Compass Cove and neighboring Holiday Sands South are ok, but overall the south end is way less nice than the north end

[@maryellenlarkin3498]

Me best friends the Holland Kids are going to Myrtle beach SC for spring break unfortunately I will be in Belgium for me senior trip but I know they will be interested in seeing these motels they love abandoned malls, towns and motels.

[@cathifowler2567]

What a waste. I bet it was nice at one time. I noticed it was closed last year and wondered why. Those pools are yucky. I bet it still has mattresses 😁

[@charlestonpinballarcade]

6’4” clearance in that deck…. Jeez that’s low

[@tracymoody3579]

I used to live in a townhouse across the street from the reef

[@bigdaddy28173]

mr myrtle! hope you been doing well sir!

[@smokindyc69schannel]

no matter what place it is , Myrtle Beach is surely the crown jewel of south carolina

[@katelynpresleigh9271]

All the criminal activity from the Rosen just went directly next door to the sea dunes.

[@williamfincher2664]

except that Sea Dunes is several blocks up the street?

[@jonboy7452]

Looks like they are working on it again maybe it’s going to reopen

[@Guns_and_Grunge]

I know it was open in 2016 in march i stayed there, Makos pizza was horrible.