Going Our Way: Looking for some family togetherness in Myrtle Beach, S.C. - Washington Post
Why: 30th annual Steele family reunion
When: Late July 2012 for four nights
Budget: $1,200 for each family of four, not including transportation
"We're looking for a family-friendly hotel with a nice pool, near the beach, with breakfast included. We'd like to have a family picnic, an evening dinner-dance, a bus tour of the area, an outing for teens and activities for ages 4-12, such as a movie on the lawn."
Jenel Steele Wyatt of Silver Spring and her committee of five have a major assignment before them: organizing the 30th annual Steele family reunion for as many as 240 relatives.
Each year, the extended family, whose members live in 14 states, converge in a different location, and for 2012, they've chosen Myrtle Beach, S.C., as party central.
The reunion's basic requirements have been perfected over years of experience: a park where everyone can gather for picnics and fish fries; outings for adults, teens and kids; communal breakfasts; and a family-friendly hotel with a pool, in this case located near or on the beach. But the wish list is also extensive, including such extras as a hotel banquet room for private breakfasts and pizza parties, outdoor movies for the kids and room for a moon bounce at the picnic area.
Each nuclear family is on its own in getting to Myrtle Beach, and many will probably drive. Those coming from far-flung states should fly into Myrtle Beach International Airport. Because it's fairly small and there are no alternative big-city airports nearby, fares tend to run high, especially for nonstops. But those lucky enough to be coming from cities served by discount airlines Spirit (www.spirit.com) and Direct Air (www.visitdirectair.com) may be able to score sale fares. Another positive is the airport's close proximity to the beach, which means that you don't need to spend big bucks on getting from the airport to the hotel. If the hotel doesn't offer free airport transportation, several airport shuttles, including Resorts Transportation (www.resorttransportation.com) provide reasonably priced rides.
The biggest challenge for Wyatt and her committee will be finding the perfect accommodations. Myrtle Beach has more than 450 hotels, but having to locate one on the beach with enough rooms, free breakfast and the right price narrows the field considerably. Wyatt's group typically stays at a Marriott property, but rates at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (www.myrtlebeachmarriottresort.com) start at $289 per room per night in July. Several Hilton properties either are too expensive or don't have enough available rooms. Representatives for both Marriott and Hilton recommended that the Steele family change its dates to either before Memorial Day or late August in order to get better rates and availability.
But if their hearts are set on high season, they could book with a less expensive locally owned and operated hotel instead. One possibility is the Caravelle Resort (www.thecaravelle.com), a 500-room beachfront hotel with several pools, a lazy river and kids' activities. Matt Klugman, director of marketing, said the hotel could easily accommodate the Steele family group. "Family reunions are extremely popular in Myrtle Beach, and we have been hosting reunions at the Caravelle Resort for decades," Klugman said. Per-night peak-season rate, including breakfast, starts at $129 plus 12 percent tax and $6-per-day resort fee. The hotel also has private banquet space for a family party. For other hotel options, contact the Myrtle Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (www.visitmyrtlebeach.com), which provides a free group planning guide and consultations with group planning specialists.
17 Sep, 2011--
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG8BIvS_fbTCxzxyZtzDfTvE_e1MA&url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/going-our-way-looking-for-some-family-togetherness-in-myrtle-beach-sc/2011/09/08/gIQAgPrhXK_story.html
~
Manage subscription | Powered by rssforward.com
