In 2005, Avista Resort was the first high-rise condominium resort constructed in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with interior corridors providing an extra layer of security for families. This non-smoking resort is comprised of two towers that share the first four floors, and sits directly on the beach; therefore, every unit comes with an ocean view. In 2014, Avista Resort put new furniture in the lobby and mezzanine, and, in 2015, updated the interior decor with fresh paint and new artwork. The entire property undergoes updates on a rolling basis so it never gets dull or outdated.

Given that most families come to Myrtle Beach for water fun, Avista Resort is an ideal destination with both indoor and outdoor water facilities. As a result, guests can enjoy splashing around regardless of the weather. With spacious accommodations that include full kitchens, Avista Resort offers families a one-stop vacation spot that allows them more time to enjoy being there, rather than venturing out to find what they need. After all, no one wants to waste any time away from fun in the sun when vacationing at the beach.

Avista Resort has 330 units on 17 floors, all with ocean views, balconies, free Wi-Fi, DVD players, kitchenettes or full kitchens, bathroom amenities, and housekeeping supplies like dishwashing and dishwasher detergent, paper towels, and laundry detergent. There also are many accessible electrical outlets for charging devices. Most units contain sleeper sofas, as well as washing and dryer machines. Cribs and rollaway beds are available for free upon request. Although dishes, glasses, utensils and cookware are provided, there's not a large supply so plan to bring anything specific you may need during your stay.

One-Bedroom Units
Ranging from 604 to 750 square feet, all 230 one-bedroom units have a Murphy bed in the living room, and most have a full-size sleeper sofa as well. Depending on which unit you choose, the bedroom will have either a king bed or two extra-long double beds, nightstand, chest, and a flat-screen TV. The living room also includes a coffee table, side table, desk and chair, flat-screen TV, and dining table with chairs for four. On the balcony, you'll find chairs and side tables. The kitchenette includes a full-size refrigerator, coffeemaker, microwave, stove and sink. There is one full bathroom with a tub/shower combo. Individual units may vary, so you may see some differences between what you see on the website and the actual unit you stay in.

Two-Bedroom Units
Measuring between 1,013 and 1,017 square feet, all 51 two-bedroom units have two full baths with tub/shower combos and a full kitchen with dining table and chairs for six. Depending on the unit, the two bedrooms may have the following: two extra-long double beds in each bedroom; one king and two doubles; or one king and two extra-long double beds. All bedrooms have a flat-screen TV. The living room includes a sleeper sofa, coffee table and flat-screen TV. On the balcony, you'll find chairs and a side table. Individual units may vary, so you may see some differences between what you see on the website and the actual unit you stay in.

Three-Bedroom Units
With between 1,362 and 1,503 square feet of space, all 49 three-bedroom units have more than enough space for large families or multigenerational travelers. Available room arrangements include one king bedroom and two bedrooms, each with two extra-long double beds; one king bedroom and two bedrooms each with two double beds; and two bedrooms each with a king bed and one bedroom with two extra-long double beds. All bedrooms include a flat-screen TV. All of these units come with a full kitchen, a dining table with chairs for eight, three bathrooms with tub/shower combos, and a living room with sleeper sofa, coffee table, side tables, a chair and a flat-screen TV. On the balcony, you'll find chairs and a side table. Individual units may vary, so you may see some differences between what you see on the website and the actual unit you stay in.

Pools
In the outside pool area, Avista Resort features two small swimming pools, both measuring from 3 feet to 4.5 feet deep, with a separate toddler pool in the center that reaches a maximum depth of 1 foot. The toddler pool includes a rain shower water feature. At each end of the swimming pools, opposite the toddler pool, there are two hot tubs, each reaching 3 feet deep. Alongside the pools, there is a lazy river that measures 3 feet deep. The hotel provides tubes for the lazy river, but they are not allowed in the pools. Most of the lounge chairs in the exterior pool deck are found along the swimming pools. In addition, some lounge chairs, along with a few tables and umbrellas, are set up on a sandy "beach" adjacent to the exterior pool deck.

In the inside pool area, Avista Resort has a small heated swimming pool that measures from 3 to 5 feet deep. Next to it, there is a lazy river that is 3 feet deep. Tubes are provided, but are allowed only in the lazy river. A hot tub that seats up to 25 sits against the front wall of the pool area. It measures 3 feet deep. There are some chairs inside, but not very many. When the weather is nice, the windows on the back wall open up to the exterior pool deck.

Towel service is provided for all pool areas; however, please note that towels are held at the front desk during the off-season. Hotel pool towels are not permitted on the beach. Smoking, glass containers and coolers are prohibited in all pool areas. Pool hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Restrooms are not nearby; the closest restrooms are on the first floor near the restaurant, with another set on the 2nd-floor mezzanine. No lifeguards are on duty at Avista Resort.

Beach
The beach is a short walk behind the hotel, with access off the exterior pool deck. Lifeguards are on duty along the beach; check to see if one is on duty during your stay. A third-party vendor is available on the beach for chair and umbrella rentals.

Kids Activities
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Avista Resort offers a variety of kids' activities throughout the day. A daily schedule is listed on a whiteboard at the front desk. Activities include arts and crafts, tie-dye, games and more.

DVD Rentals
All guests at Avista Resort receive a "DVD NOW" rental card, permitting free DVD rentals throughout their stay. Guests take their card to the "DVD NOW" automated DVD rental system located in the lobby, where they can peruse the available DVDs and make their selection.

Just Off Main
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, this onsite restaurant offers a breakfast buffet with such items as corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, fresh fruit, cereal, breads and more. The breakfast buffet is $9.80 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 7 and free for children younger than 3. Coffee is about $2 with free refills until 11 a.m. Guests also have the option of ordering from a breakfast menu that has many of the same items.

The lunch and dinner menu features an array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, steaks, seafood, pasta and desserts. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the restaurant offers a prime rib dinner special from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended; come early because the prime rib is served only until it runs out. On Tuesdays, the dinner special is fish and chips, with barbecue ribs offered on Thursdays. On Saturday, you can get all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs. The Sunday dinner special is shrimp scampi.

Breakfast hours are 6:30 to 11 a.m.; lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and dinner is available from 5 to 10 p.m.

TreeTop Lounge
Open daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., this 21-and-older spot includes the same menu as the restaurant, along with full bar service. The lounge holds happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. There is some seating throughout the space, which also contains three flat-screen TVs, a pool table and an arcade game.

Sip N Dip Pool Bar
Guests can get snacks and simple fare at the pool bar from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the season. During the off-season, the pool bar is open only on weekends. Menu selections include appetizers, entrée salads, sandwiches and burgers. Kids' selections include grilled cheese, hot dogs, chicken fingers and peanut butter and jelly, all served with French fries. A small cocktail and beer menu also is available.

Room Service
Room service is available from Just Off Main, and features the same menu as the restaurant.

All About the Extras
Resort Fee
The hotel charges a resort fee to cover free Wi-Fi, maintenance, housekeeping, amenities and taxes. Some special packages absorb this fee.

Fitness Center
Avista Resort has a 24-hour (with key card access) fitness center outfitted with ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights and dumbbells. Extras include flat-screen TVs, a water fountain, towels, and showers and bathrooms, one each for men and women. No children younger than 16 are permitted in the fitness center.

Packages, Discounts and Celebrations
The hotel offers a number of packages that cater to specific occasions, such as romance and honeymoon packages. For kids 8 and younger, notify the hotel at booking if the child is celebrating a birthday during your stay. At no cost, the hotel will provide a crown and balloons for the birthday boy or girl.

Guests shopping at either of the two Myrtle Beach Tanger Outlets locations will receive a free coupon book when they show their room key at Tanger Shopper Services. In addition, guests can receive 10 percent off their order at River City Cafe or Ultimate California Pizza when they present their room key to their server. The room key jacket also includes a number of discounts at nearby attractions and restaurants. A variety of coupons and brochures for area attractions and restaurants are available in the lobby. Front desk staff is available to help plan excursions, buy discounted tickets and recommend restaurants.

When checking in, guests also receive an entertainment brochure that includes one complimentary adult all-you-can-ride wristband to Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park (plus $3 off full wristband for up to six guests), and one complimentary week pass for unlimited access to Molten Mountain Miniature Golf, Mutiny Bay Miniature Golf, Cancun Lagoon Golf and Fun Warehouse.

Business Center
There is a computer in the lobby available for guest use.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 4 p.m., with check-out by 11 a.m. If you arrive before check-in, you can pre-check in, wherein you complete the necessary paperwork and receive your parking pass, room key and wristbands for pool access. The hotel will text your cell phone once your room is ready, at which time your room key will be activated.

The Art of Smart Timing
Avista Resort maintains high occupancy from March through Labor Day, with shoulder season in October and November. The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is very popular. Therefore, to get the best rates without the crowds, plan to visit between Labor Day weekend and Thanksgiving. Rates can be up to 30 percent lower than in high season. The property also advertises three sales each year via direct mail and email. Guests staying seven days or more can receive a discounted weekly rate. Housekeeping is reduced to every fourth day, but guests can receive fresh towels, amenities and housekeeping supplies at any time upon request.

Getting There
Most visitors to Myrtle Beach drive in via U.S. Highways 501 and 17, which they reach via many routes. Mapping your journey is highly recommended to find the best route for you. Air service is available at Myrtle Beach International Airport, which is 35 minutes away. Avista Resort does not provide shuttle service, so taxi transport or a rental car is required.

With the exception of a few handicap spaces, guest parking at Avista Resort is located across the street in a parking deck. Guests are permitted to park at the hotel to load and unload their belongings. Any guests requiring assistance can request a golf cart shuttle from the hotel to the parking deck.

Getting Around
Myrtle Beach is not a walkable city, and, thus, a car will be necessary to explore this beach destination.

For Mom and Dad
For an evening alone, mom and dad should head to TreeTop Lounge for a cocktail prior to dinner at Just Off Main. Afterward, they can return to TreeTop Lounge for an after-dinner drink before heading outside for a moonlit walk on the beach.