City Council approved four hotel projects that together would add roughly 800 rooms to the Grand Strand, a move that could boost tourism and jobs for Myrtle Beach residents.
According to Myrtle Beach News, the largest of the four is the Margaritaville resort slated for the former Chesterfield Inn site near Ocean Boulevard and 17th Avenue North. Developer Innisfree Hotels said the 18‑story, 296‑room property will cost $90 million, create at least 350 construction jobs, and later support about 200 full‑time positions with an estimated $8 million in first‑year payroll. Construction is slated to begin in December, with an opening targeted for the first quarter of 2029. The council’s November 10 vote approved a land‑swap ordinance that would transfer city‑owned alleyways to the developer and sell others at fair market value, while requesting boardwalk improvements, a public parking lot and restrooms, though those items remain non‑binding, the city report noted.
The Wavegarden surf‑park hotel, detailed by WavePoolMag and MyHorryNews, will sit on the former Palace Theatre parcel at U.S. 17 Bypass and 21st Avenue North. The plan includes a 5.5‑acre Wavegarden lagoon and a 150‑unit hotel. The city has pledged up to $20 million in a special‑source property‑tax credit, a deal that passed the council 5‑2 after two members, Jackie Hatley and Phil Render, voted against it. The developer must invest at least $150 million (some reports list $170 million) and complete 80 % of the project before any public funds are released. Construction is targeted for July 2027 with an opening projected for March 2030, pending final approval of the business‑park agreement by Horry County Council.
At the ocean end of 21st Avenue North, the Breakers Resort will be replaced by a 20‑story, 230‑unit tower, according to The Sun News. Council overrode a unanimous recommendation from the Myrtle Beach Planning Commission to deny the project. The agreement with PBB Development LLC includes a reimbursement of 2 % of the developer’s $65 million investment, capped at $2 million, and requires the owner to spend between $1.3 million and $2 million on public improvements within the development. The ordinance sets a construction deadline of November 2032.
The fourth project is a 127‑room Hampton Inn & Suites in Surfside Beach, reported by Myrtle Beach News. It is the smallest and farthest from downtown and does not involve city land or tax incentives.
All four projects are expected to generate additional tourism revenue and employment, though residents should watch how public land swaps and tax credits are managed. The city will continue to monitor progress, with the next council meeting scheduled for early December to discuss final details for the Breakers tower and the Wavegarden business‑park agreement.
Sources: myrtlebeachnews.com
