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Hotels Overview

Although high-rise condominiums have replaced many of the smaller, locally owned motels along Myrtle Beach's Ocean Boulevard, there's still a wide variety of accommodations on the Grand Strand, including beachside camping, motels, luxury hotels, resort communities, and rental houses (mostly available by the week). Generally, smaller properties won't have restaurants (except for the occasional coffee shop), but just about every option, with the exception of houses, has a pool. Many hotel rooms, particularly in Myrtle Beach, come with kitchenettes. Golf, outlet shopping, and other activities attract almost as many visitors as the beach does, which means that going inland doesn't guarantee a lower room rate. Since many people return again and again to the same property, some options, particularly beach houses, need to be reserved months in advance for summer stays. Rates can vary considerably depending on the time of year and how long you plan to stay. Many hotels offer packages that include discounts at local restaurants and entertainment venues.

Hilton Head is known as one of the best vacation spots on the East Coast, and its hotels are a testimony to the reputation. The island is covered in resorts and hotels, or you can rent beachfront- or golf-course-view villas, cottages, and mansions. Here, and on private islands, expect the most modern conveniences and world-class service at the priciest places. Clean, updated rooms and friendly staff are everywhere -- even at lower-rate establishments -- this is the South, after all. Staying in cooler months, for extended periods of time, and commuting from nearby Bluffton, can mean better deals.

While the resorts are spreading northward, they become fewer and farther between as you go up U.S. 17, until you reach the greater Charleston area. In between there's Beaufort, where there are B&Bs to fit a variety of budgets. You can often get price breaks if you call ahead when things are slow, or if you stay midweek. The offerings in Edisto are bare-bones beach cabins or modest family cottages; if you want more pampering, stay in Beaufort and make the short drive to Edisto area attractions.

The region's high season lasts from spring through summer (May through August), plus holiday and festival weekends. Of all the lower Lowcountry region, Hilton Head is the most demanding in which to score a good deal, or even a good room -- unless you plan ahead. The choicest locations are booked a year to six months in advance almost year-round, but booking agencies can help you make room reservations.

Hilton Head Accommodations and Golf Line (20 Pope Ave., South End. 800/444-4772. 843/686-6662. www.hiltonheadusa.com) books both hotels and tee times. Island Rentals (3 Pensacola Pl., unit 3A, South End. 800/845-6134. 843/785-3813. www.irhhi.com) brokers oceanfront, ocean-oriented, and golf-oriented home, condo and villa rentals, as well as providing concierge service. The Vacation Company (U.S. 278 and Arrow Rd., South End. 843/785-9050 or 800/845-7018. 843/686-3255. www.vacationcompany.com) represents almost every hotel, motel, and rental agency on the island.